The Stabat Mater is a hymn to Mary, portraying her suffering as Jesus Christ’s mother during his crucifixion.
The title comes from its first line, Stabat Mater dolorosa, which means “the sorrowful mother was standing”.
The earliest version of the Stabat Mater was discovered in a 13th century gradual belonging to the Dominican nuns in Bologna.
The hymn was widely known by the end of the 14th century with historians noting its use in 1388 and later in the same century.
Translation:
1. Sorrowful, weeping stood the Mother by the cross on which hung her Son.
2. Whose soul, mournful, sad, lamenting, was pierced by a sword.
3. Oh how sad, how afflicted was that blessed Mother of the Only-begotten.
4. How did she mourn and lament, loving Mother, while she saw the torment of her divine Son.
5. What man would not weep if he saw the mother of Christ in such sorrow?
6. Who would not mourn with her, seeing Christ’s mother mourning with her Son?
7. For the sins of his race she sees Jesus scourged and in torment.
8. She sees her dear Son dying in anguish, as he gives up the ghost.
9. O Mother, fount of love, make me feel the strength of thy sorrow, that I may mourn with thee.
10. Make my heart burn with love for Christ my God, that I may please him.
11. Holy Mother, do this: fix the wounds of the Crucified firmly in my heart.
12. Share with me the pain of thy wounded Son, Who deigns to bear so much for me.
13. While I live let me mourn with thee, suffering with Him Who bore the cross.
14. I wish to stand with thee by the cross and to share thy woe.
15. Blessed Virgin of all virgins, be not hard to me, let me weep with thee.
16. Let me remember the death of Christ, give me a share in his passion, thinking of his pain.
17. Let me be wounded with his wounds, be filled with the cross and precious blood of thy Son.
18. That I may not burn in flames, may I be protected by thee, holy Virgin, at the day of judgment.
19. Christ, when I come to death, grant that through Thy Mother, I may gain the palm of victory.
20. When the body dies, grant that my soul may enter the glory of paradise.
For further reading, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stabat_Mater
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