Stabat Mater Dolorosa
On the reverse of the Great Rood, usually hidden from the congregation but visible to the celebrant, is this powerful image of our Lady of Sorrows. Verses from the Stabat Mater (the hymn by Jacopone da Todi that is familiar from celebrations of the Stations of the Cross) were specially chosen by Cardinal Vaughan for the extremities of the cross.
In this image, our Lady is seen as leading, and representing, the congregation; through her pain, as well as her blessed status, she has the right to lead us towards the altar. There, the place of Sacrifice of her Son, we are redeemed - a redemption which she forshadows in her own person.
5 comments:
How very interesting. What is the (I presume) Greek text on the arms of the Cross?
Both sides of the Crucifix are absolutely beautiful. Is there a smaller reproduction available in a gift shop somewhere? I think I'd like to buy one for my Pastor.
Stephen M. Collins
The Greek text is
THEOTOKOS (Mother of God)
HE ALGOUSA (The sorrowing one)
The Cathedral gift shop is, I know, working on a reproduction for sale there.
Ah, I guessed the inscription on the right side was "Theotokos". Thank you, Monsignor, for the translations.
Monsignor, this is most interesting. The depiction of Mary is reminiscent of the image of Our Lady of All Nations.
Information about this particular devotion can be found .
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