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Via Dolorosa

by Filed Under: 09 September, 09 September Saints, Marian, Our Lady of Sorrows, Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary

O God, in whose passion the sword of grief did pierce the gentle soul of the glorious Virgin Mary, thy Mother, that so might be fulfilled the word of thy Prophet Simeon : mercifully grant that we who here do call to mind her sorrows ; may be fulfilled with the blessed fruits of thy passion. Who livest and reignest with the Father.

Bening_attributed_Seven_sorrows_Maria

THE SEVEN SORROWS OF THE
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

SAINT NICOMEDES
Martyr

DOUBLE, SECOND CLASS / WHITE
Our Lady had the comfort of St. Joseph’s presence when Simeon prophesied to her, "Thy own soul a sword shall pierce" (Luke 2:35). The Provider was with her also during the flight into Pagan Egypt, and when they lost the twelve-year-old Jesus in Jerusalem. But it was after Joseph’s death that Mary bore the most tremendous of her sorrows: the meeting on the way to Calvary, the standing at the foot of the Cross, the removal of her Son’s body from the instrument of torture, the entombment. Mary’s boundless compassion for the sufferings of Jesus made her the Queen of Martyrs; and in her unspeakable agony she became the Mother of Christ’s Mystical Body.

Introit Jn. 19:25,26,27 – There stood by the cross of Jesus His Mother, and His Mother’s sister Mary of Cleophas, and Salome, and Mary Magdalen. (Jn.)Woman, behold thy son, said Jesus; and to the disciple, Behold thy Mother. Glory be to the Father. There stood…

Collect(s) – O God, in Whose Passion, according to the prophecy of Simeon, the sword of sorrow pierce the most sweet soul of the glorious Mary, Virgin and Mother; mercifully grant that we who with devotion honor her Sorrows, may obtain the happy fruits of Thy passion: Who livest and reignest.

Commemoration of St. Nicomedes  – Stand by Thy people, O Lord, that they may profit by the glorious merits of blessed Nicomedes, Thy Martyr and so be enable through his patronage ever to obtain Thy mercy. Through our Lord.

Epistle Jud. 13:22,23-25 – The Lord hath blessed thee by His power, because by thee He hath brought our enemies to nought. Blessed art thou, O daughter, by the Lord the most high God, above all women upon the earth. Blessed be the Lord Who made heaven and earth, because He hath so magnified thy name this day, that thy praise shall not depart out of the mouth of men, who shall be mindful of the power of the Lord for ever; for that thou hast not spared thy life by reason of the distress and tribulation of thy people, but hast prevented our ruin in the presence of our God.

Gradual – Thou art full of sorrow and of tears, O Virgin Mary, standing near the cross of the Lord Jesus, Thy Son, the Redeemer. O Virgin Mother of God, He Whom the whole world doth not contain, beareth this torment of the cross, the Author of life made man.

Tract Lam 1:12 – Holy Mary, the Queen of heaven and mistress of the world, stood by the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, full of sorrows. O all ye that pass by the way, attend, and see if there be any sorrow like to my sorrow.

Sequence –

At the Cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.

Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,
All His bitter anguish bearing
Now at length the sword had passed.

Oh, how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole begotten One! 3.30 sevensorrows of the bvm

Christ above in torment hangs,
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son.

Is there one who would not weep
‘Whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ’s dear Mother’s pain untold.

Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain,
In that Mother’s pain untold?

Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,
She beheld her tender Child,
All with bloody scourges rent.

For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent.

O sweet Mother! fount of love,
Touch my spirit from above,
Make my heart with yours accord.

Make me feel as you have felt;
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.

Holy Mother, pierce me through,
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.

Let me share with you His pain,
Who for all our sins was slain,
Who for me in torments died.

Mix’d with yours let my tears be,
Mourning Him Who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.

By the Cross with you to stay,
There with you to weep and pray,
Is all I ask of you to give.

Virgin of all virgins blest!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share that grief of yours.

Let me, to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of yours.

Wounded with His every wound,
Steep my soul till it has swooned
In His very Blood away.

Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die,
In this awful judgment day.

Christ, when You shall call me hence,
Be Your Mother my defense,
Be Your Cross my victory.

While my body here decays,
May my soul Your goodness praise,
Safe in heaven eternally.
Amen. Alleluia.

Gospel Jn. 19:25-27 – At that time, there stood by the cross of Jesus, His Mother and His Mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen His Mother and teh disciple standing whom He loved, He saith to His Mother: Woman, behold thy son. After that He saith to the disciple: Behold thy Mother. And from that hour the disciple took her to his own.

Offertory Jer. 19:25-27 – Be mindful, O Virgin Mother of God,  when thou standest in the sight of the  Lord, to speak good things for us, and  to turn away His anger from us.

Secret(s) – We offer unto Thee our prayers and O Lord Jesus Christ, and humbly beseech Thee that, even as in humiliter our prayers we recall the piercing of  the most sweet soul of Thy blessed Mother Mary, so through the merits of Thy death, and the repeated loving intercession of Thy Mother and her holy companions at the foot of the we may share in the reward of the blessed: Who livest and reignest.

Commemoration of St. Nicomedes – Graciously accept, O Lord, the gifts now offered, and may the prayer of blessed Nicomedes, Thy Martyr, commend them to Thy Majesty. Through our Lord.

Preface – It it truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God: and that we should praise and bless, and proclaim Thee, in the Transfixion of the Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin: Who also conceived Thine only-begotten Son by the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost, and the glory of her virginity still abiding, gave forth to the world the everlasting Light, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, and the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise:

Communion – Happy the Heart of the blessed Virgin Mary, who without dying earned the palm of martyrdom beneath the cross of our Lord.

Postcommunion(s) – We have been filled with heavenly food and refreshed with spiritual drink, and beseech Thee, almighty God, through the intercession of blessed John, Thy Confessor, to defend us from the malicious enemy and to keep Thy Church in perpetual peace. Through our Lord.

Commemoration of St. Nicomedes – May the Sacraments which we have received cleanse us, O Lord, and through the intercession of blessed Nicomedes, Thy Martyr, bring about our release from all the bonds of sin. Through our Lord.

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st gabriel and our lady of sorrows

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Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows

In Exaltatione Sanctae Crucis

by Filed Under: 09 September, Exaltation of the Holy Cross

“Lord Jesus, I have received the cross, I have received it from Thy hand: and I will bear it until death, as Thou hast laid it upon me. indeed the life of a good religious man is a cross, but it is cross that conducts him to Paradise.” ~Imitation of Christ, Bk 3

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The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Exaltation of the Holy Cross

GREATER DOUBLE / RED
This feast commemorates both the dedication of the basilica built by Constantine for the Holy Sepulcher, and also the return of the True Cross to Jerusalem by Emperor Heraclius of Judea during the seventh century. After Heraclius had recovered it by force from King Chosroes of Persia, he tried to carry it along the Via Dolorosa to Calvary, but was unable to make any headway. Bishop Zachary of Jerusalem, pointing to his luxurious clothing, said, "Attired in these rich robes, you are far from imitating the poverty of Jesus Christ and His humility in bearing His Cross." The Emperor caught the hint–and went on to Calvary barefooted and wearing a simple cloak, carried the holy Cross to the Basilica on Calvary [A.D. 629].

INTROIT Gal. 6:14
But it behooves us to glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ: in whom is our salvation, life, and resurrection: by whom we are saved, and delivered. — (Ps. 66. 2). May God have mercy on us and bless us: may He cause the light of His countenance to shine upon us, and may He have mercy on us. V.: Glory be to the Father . . . — But it behooves us to glory . . .

COLLECT
O God, Who on this day dost gladden us by the yearly feast of the Exaltation of the holy Cross: grant, we beseech Thee, that we, who on earth, acknowledge the Mystery of Redemption wrought upon it, may be found worthy to enjoy the rewards of that same Redemption in heaven. Through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

EPISTLE Philipp. 2:5-11
Brethren, let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man. He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause God also hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a Name which is above all names: [Here all genuflect.] that in the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

GRADUAL Philipp. 2:8, 9
Christ became obedient for us unto death: even the death of the cross. V.: Wherefore God also hath exalted Him, and hath given a Name which is above every name.
   Alleluia, alleluia. V.: Sweet the wood, sweet the nails, sweet the load that hangs on thee: thou only wast worthy to bear up the King and Lord of heaven. Alleluia.

GOSPEL John 12:31-36
At that time: Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews, Now is the judgement of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to Myself. (Now this He said, signifying what death He should die.) The multitude answered Him, We have heard out of the law, that Christ abideth forever: and how sayest Thou, The Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is the Son of Man? Jesus therefore said to them, Yet a little while, the light is among you. Walk whilst you have the light, that the darkness overtake you not. And he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. Whilst you have the light, believe in the light; that you may be the children of light.

OFFERTORY
By the sign of the holy Cross, O Lord, protect Thy people from the wiles of all our enemies that we may be able to do Thee worthy service, and that our sacrifice may be well-pleasing in Thy sight. Alleluia.

SECRET
We who are about to feed on the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom the banner of the holy Cross was sanctified, beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that since we have been found worthy to venerate that same holy sign, it may be ours to enjoy forevermore the salvation secured for us by its triumph. Though the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth .

PREFACE
It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God; Who didst establish the salvation of mankind on the tree of the Cross; that whence death came, thence also life might arise again, and that he, who overcame by the tree, by the tree also might be overcome: Through Christ our Lord. Through whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, the Dominations worship it, the Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with these we entreat Thee that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted while we say with lowly praise:

COMMUNION
By the sign of the Cross, deliver us from our enemies, O Thou our God.

POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER
Be present with us, O Lord our God, and do Thou, who makest us to rejoice in honor of the holy Cross, defend us evermore by its help. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth . . .

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From a homily by St Andrew of Crete, Office of Readings for the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross.

If there had been no cross, Christ would not have been crucified. If there had been no cross, Life would not have been nailed to the tree. If he had not been nailed, the streams of everlasting life would not have welled from his side, blood and water, the cleansing of the world; the record of our sins would not have been cancelled, we would not have gained freedom, we would not have enjoyed the tree of life, paradise would not have been opened. If there had been no cross, death would not have been trodden under foot, the underworld would not have yielded up its spoils.

How great the cross, through which we have received a multitude of blessings, because, against all reckoning, the miracles and sufferings of Christ have been victorious!

~~~

Is the practice of this devotion of the Way of the Cross of great value?

Next to the holy Sacrifice of the Mass, and holy Com­munion, there is certainly no devotion which represents better to us the sufferings and death of Christ than the Way of the Cross. St. Albertus Magnus says: "A simple remembrance of Christ’s sufferings is worth more than fast­ing on bread and water every Friday for a year, and scourg­ing one’s self unto blood." St. Bernard gives us the reason of this, when he says: "Who can consider the sufferings of Christ and be so void of religion as to remain un­touched; so proud that he will not humble himself; so vin­dictive that he will not forgive; so fond of pleasure that he will not abstain from it; so hard-hearted that he will not repent of his sins?" And St. Augustine says: "What pride, what avarice, what anger can be cured otherwise than by the humility, the poverty, the patience of the Son of God? All these virtues are found in carefully med­itating on that way of pain which our Saviour went, and along which we should follow Him." On this account sev­eral of the Popes, among others Clement XII. and Bene­dict XIV., have granted many indulgences to the perform­ance of this devotion; indulgences which may be applied to the suffering souls in purgatory.

[For the manner of meditating on the sufferings of Christ, see the In­struction on Good Friday.]

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Hail, O Cross, our only hope!

Defend Us, St. Michael

by Filed Under: 09 September, 09 September Saints, Archangels, St. Michael

michael1

DEDICATION OF SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Traditional Calendar  ~ Dedication of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel (Michaelmas Day)

New Calendar ~ Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels

DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE

This feast commemorates the dedication to St. Michael of an ancient church at Rome at a date earlier than the sixth century. St.Michael the Archangel is honored as the supreme guardian spirit of the universal Church. In heaven Michael led the good angels against Lucifer and his rebel angels. The fallen angels pursue on earth that same war against the Man-God Christ which they began in heaven. Therefore Michael continues to direct the battle against them here on earth. The standard-bearer of the Church, he introduces the departed souls of her children into God’s holy light (Offertory Hymn of Requiem Mass). He also presents our prayers to God (Incensation at High Mass), conquers demons (Prayers after Low Mass), and pleads for us sinners (Confiteor). 

INTROIT Ps. 102:20

Bless the Lord, all you His angels, you mighty in strength who do His bidding, obeying the voice of His commands.

Ps. 102:1. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all my being bless His holy name.

V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT

O God, who wondrously directs the services of angels and men, grant that our lives on earth may be guarded by the angels who stand ever before Your face ministering to You in heaven. Through our Lord . . .

LESSON Apoc. 1:1-5

In those days, God gave unto him, to make known to his servants the things which must shortly come to pass: and signified, sending by his angel to his servant John, Who hath given testimony to the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, what things soever he hath seen. Blessed is he that readeth and heareth the words of this prophecy: and keepeth those things which are written in it. For the time is at hand. John to the seven churches which are in Asia. Grace be unto you and peace, from him that is and that was and that is to come: and from the seven spirits which are before his throne: And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead and the prince of the kings of the earth, who hath loved us and washed us from our sins in his own blood.

GRADUAL Ps. 102:20, 1

Bless the Lord, all you His angels, you mighty in strength who do His bidding.

V. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all my being bless His holy name.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.

Holy archangel Michael, defend us in battle, that we may not perish in the dreaded judgment. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Matt. 18:1-10

At that time, the disciples came to Jesus, saying: "Who, thinkest thou, is the greater in the kingdom of heaven?" And Jesus, calling unto him a little child, set him in the midst of them. And said: "Amen I say to you, unless you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, he is the greater in the kingdom of heaven. And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me. But he that shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of scandals. For it must needs be that scandals come: but nevertheless woe to that man by whom the scandal cometh. And if thy hand, or thy foot, scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee to go into life maimed or lame, than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thy eye scandalize thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee. It is better for thee having one eye to enter into life, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. See that you despise not one of these little ones: for I say to you, that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father who is in heaven."

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Apoc. 8:3, 4

An angel stood before the altar, having a golden censer in his hand; and there was given to him much incense, and the smoke of the incense went up before God, alleluia!

SECRET

O Lord, graciously accept the Sacrifice of praise we offer You. May it bring us closer to our salvation through the angels’ prayers of intercession. Through our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Dan. 3:58

All you angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, sing a hymn of praise and exalt Him above all forever.

POSTCOMMUNION

We rely on the prayers of the blessed archangel Michael, O Lord, that the Sacrament which we have received upon our lips may always remain in our hearts. Through our Lord . . .

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Our Lady of La Salette

by Filed Under: 09 September, 09 September Saints, Marian, Our Lady of La Salette

Our Lady of La Salette, Reconciler of sinners, pray without ceasing for us who have recourse to thee. 

La Salette

OUR LADY OF LA SALETTE

Traditional Calendar: September 19

[1846 A.D.] (Historical)

children and Our Lady of La Salette
On September 19, 1846, two children said they had met a "Beautiful Lady" in the mountain pastures where they were grazing their cows, above the village of La Salette. Maximin Giraud and Melanie is 11 years old Calvat 14. First seat and in tears, the "Belle Dame" gets up and speaks at length, in French and patois of "Son" while citing examples from practical life. It gives tOLOLS Crosshem a message by loading them to "do well to spend all his people." The clarity it is formed, which envelops all the three, has a large crucifix she wears on her chest, surrounded by a hammer and pliers. It carries on his shoulders a heavy chain and, next, roses. His head, his feet in size and are surrounded by roses. Then the "Belle Dame" climbed a steep path and disappears into the light.

After five years of rigorous investigation, the Bishop of Grenoble, Bishop Philibert de Bruillard, recognizes a command authenticity of the apparition.

– Translated from French at Basilica of Our Lady of La Salette

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OLOLS with children and flowers

Prayer to Our Lady of La Salette

Remember, Our Lady of La Salette, true Mother of Sorrows, the tears which thou didst shed for me on Calvary; be mindful also of the unceasing care which thou dost exercise to screen me from the Justice of God; and consider whether thou canst now abandon thy child, for whom thou has done so much. Inspired by this consoling thought, I come to cast myself at thy feet, in spite of my infidelity and ingratitude. Reject not my prayer, O Virgin of reconciliation, convert me, obtain for me the grace to love Jesus Christ above all things and to console thee, too, by living a holy life, in order that one day I may be able to see thee in heaven. Amen.

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RESOURCES

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OLOLS

Our Lady of La Salette

Two Shepherd Children once of long ago
Espied as in a Dream – all ray’d in Light
One – bowed deep in prayer – and weeping there.

"Who could the Lady be, so sad, so fair?"
They thought within themselves,
"What brings her here?"
Than at their wondering prayer – the Lady spoke!

At the sweet accents, gathering close – all rapt –
They gazed upon the tender smile of winning grace!
Who knows, but what they saw – Another’s Face
Therein reflected ! E’en the Face of God?

The Lady spoke! "None go to Mass to pray!
But spend God’s Sabbath in useless, idle way!
Blaspheme! – E’en take His Holy Name in vain!

"Fain do I pray – I stay His Arm
And ask the world shall know no harm!
Who disobey His Rule.

"My children! You your prayers must say!
One Pater, Ave, night and day!
And if the world converted be
God’s goodness it shall shortly see."

The Shepherds pondered every word
Of the Sorrowing Mother of Our Lord!
Yet knew not She was Mary Mild
Who gave us the Holy Child.

Sweet roses play’d on rainbow’d Light
As on Her gown all colors danc’d!
While on Her breast – a gold Cross gleam’d!
The Holy Sign of Christ’s Redeemed.

Yet not alone the Cross – but chains!
The Hammer and Tongs of cruel pains
Upon Our Mother’s breast they lay!
Sad tokens, on that happy day!

Then as Our Lady bid Goodbye,
And again assumed was to the sky
She said "This to my People make ye known
And bid them kneel at Mercy’s Throne."

Ferne M. Montague
Mary Immaculate: God’s Mother and Mine.
Poughkeepsie, New York: Marist Press, 1946.

Seven Sorrows of Our Lady

by Filed Under: 09 September, 09 September Saints, Marian, Our Lady of Sorrows

reposted from 9.15.10

Permit me, O Mary, to remain near the Cross, that I may share with you in the Passion of Jesus.

John 19:25-27

OL%20Seven%20Sorrows-thumb-300x311At that time, there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: "Woman, behold thy son." After that, he saith to the disciple: "Behold thy mother." And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.

Seven Sorrows of Mary:

  1. The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
  2. The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
  3. Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50)
  4. Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
  5. Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
  6. The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37)
  7. The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47)

The Seven Graces:

GIVEN TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT MEDITATE ON THE SEVEN SORROWS OF THE VIRGIN MARY
As revealed to Saint Bridget by the Blessed Mother

  1. I will grant peace to their families.
  2. They will be enlightened about the divine mysteries.
  3. I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.
  4. I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.
  5. I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.
  6. "I will visibly help them at the moment of their death, they will see the face of their Mother.
  7. I have obtained (this grace) from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors, will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy.

Fr. Faber on the Seven Sorrows

God vouchsafed to select the very things about Him which are most incommunicable, and in a most mysteriously real way communicate them to her. See how He had already mixed her up with the eternal designs of creation, making her almost a partial cause and partial model of it. Our Lady’s co-operation in the redemption of the world gives us a fresh view of her magnificence. Neither the Immaculate Conception nor the Assumption will give us a higher idea of Mary’s exaltation than the title of co-redemptress. Her sorrows were not necessary for the redemption of the world, but in the counsels of God they were inseparable from it. They belong to the integrity of the divine plan. Are not Mary’s mysteries Jesus’ mysteries, and His mysteries hers? The truth appears to be that all the mysteries of Jesus and Mary were in God’s design as one mystery. Jesus Himself was Mary’s sorrow, seven times repeated, aggravated sevenfold. During the hours of the Passion, the offering of Jesus and the offering of Mary were tied in one. They kept pace together; they were made of the same materials; they were perfumed with kindred fragrance; they were lighted with the same fire; they were offered with kindred dispositions. The two things were one simultaneous oblation, interwoven each moment through the thickly crowded mysteries of that dread time, unto the eternal Father, out of two sinless hearts, that were the hearts of Son and Mother, for the sins of a guilty world which fell on them contrary to their merits, but according to their own free will.

— Fr. Frederick Faber, The Foot of the Cross.

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OL%20Sorrows-thumb-250x318

Stabat Mater Dolorosa
At the Cross Her Station Keeping

Stabat Mater Dolorosa is considered one of the seven greatest Latin hymns of all time. It is based upon the prophecy of Simeon that a sword was to pierce the heart of His mother, Mary (Lk 2:35).

AT, the Cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last.

Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,
all His bitter anguish bearing,
now at length the sword has passed.

O how sad and sore distressed
was that Mother, highly blest,
of the sole-begotten One.

Christ above in torment hangs,
she beneath beholds the pangs
of her dying glorious Son.

Is there one who would not weep,
whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ’s dear Mother to behold?

Can the human heart refrain
from partaking in her pain,
in that Mother’s pain untold?

Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,
she beheld her tender Child
All with scourges rent:

For the sins of His own nation,
saw Him hang in desolation,
Till His spirit forth He sent.

O thou Mother! fount of love!
Touch my spirit from above,
make my heart with thine accord:

Make me feel as thou hast felt;
make my soul to glow and melt
with the love of Christ my Lord.

Holy Mother! pierce me through,
in my heart each wound renew
of my Savior crucified:

Let me share with thee His pain,
who for all my sins was slain,
who for me in torments died.

Let me mingle tears with thee,
mourning Him who mourned for me,
all the days that I may live:

By the Cross with thee to stay,
there with thee to weep and pray,
is all I ask of thee to give.

Virgin of all virgins blest!,
Listen to my fond request:
let me share thy grief divine;

Let me, to my latest breath,
in my body bear the death
of that dying Son of thine.

Wounded with His every wound,
steep my soul till it hath swooned,
in His very Blood away;

Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
lest in flames I burn and die,
in His awful Judgment Day.

Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence,
by Thy Mother my defense,
by Thy Cross my victory;

While my body here decays,
may my soul Thy goodness praise,
safe in paradise with Thee. Amen.

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