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The Stabat Mater Dolorosa and Stations of the Cross

Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin MaryThe Stabat Mater Dolorosa started as a Latin poem in the 13th century about the Seven Dolors (Sorrows) of the Virgin Mary’s suffering at the Cross. It was turned into one of the most powerful Catholic Latin Hymns and was added to the missal by Pope Benedict XIII in 1727 for the Feast of the Seven Dolors of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Church commemorates by two feasts, the martyrdom suffered by Our Lady in union with the Passion of her Son. The first feast especially, on the Friday before Good Friday, commemorates the Compassion of Mary; the second, kept on September 15, the devotion of the Seven Sorrows.

At the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple, Simeon said to Mary His mother: “Behold this Child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.”

The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary

  • The Prophecy of Simeon
  • The flight into Egypt
  • Loss of the Holy Child at Jerusalem
  • Meeting Jesus on his way to Calvary
  • Standing at the foot of the Cross
  • Jesus being taken from the Cross
  • The Burial of Christ

Download The STABAT MATER DOLOROSA Latin & English Lyrics

The Hymn Stabat Mater Dolorosa has been set to music by many composers, some of the most recognizable being, Joseph Hayden, Gioachino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi, and Antonio Vivaldi.

In addition to being part of the Traditional Roman Missal it is strongly associated with the Stations of the Cross at Lent. We hope you enjoy this beautiful music.

The second video of the Stabat Mater is sung in Gregorian Chant a traditional form of Sacred Music sung by choirs of religious orders, men, boys, and women in their chapels. Gregorian Chant surpplanted local plainchant traditions and became the music of Christian Liturgy. Gregorian Chant is still considered the most suitable music for worship by Traditional Roman Catholics.

You can find a downloadable PDF of the Stations of the Cross and the English & Latin Lyrics along with a video Presentations of Stabat Mater Dolorosa below, please enjoy during this Lenten season. Ave Maria.

Download The STABAT MATER DOLOROSA Latin & English Lyrics

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