The Way of the Cross and Mary: the Mother along the Cross

Via-Sacra and Mary, the Mother along the Way of the Cross

The Via-Sacra (or Way of the Cross) is a prayer that recounts Jesus’ steps from condemnation to burial. The presence of Mary in this journey, especially at the 4th, 8th, and 13th stations, is a fundamental element of devotion that developed in the Middle Ages and was systematized by the Franciscans of Jerusalem.

Mary at the Stations

While the four Gospels do not describe a formal encounter between Mary and Jesus during his journey to the Calvary, traditional piety, based on John 19:25, includes this encounter at the 4th station. The 13th station, Jesus in Mary’s arms, is the theme of the Pietà, one of the deepest Marian images in Christian art.

The Stabat Mater

The Stabat Mater (Mother was standing) is the hymn that most perfectly accompanies the meditation on the Via-Sacra. Attributed to Jacopone da Todi (13th century), it describes Mary’s compassionate pain at the Cross, inviting the faithful to share in this redemptive suffering.

Mary as Co-Redemptrix

The theology of Mary’s Sorrows and her co-redentiveness finds its primary scriptural foundation in the scenes from the Calvary. John 19:25-27, where Jesus entrusts Mary to John and John to Mary, is interpreted as the establishment of Mary as the spiritual Mother of all humanity.Explore Mariology, Theology Mariana, Apparitions Marianas, and Post-Graduate Studies in Mariology.—

Church Magisterium

> “Maria, quae sub Cruce stabat et cum Filio suo in passione compatiens, peculiari modo huic exercitationi pietatis adiungitur.” > > – Paul VI, Exhortation Marialis Cultus (2 February 1974), n. 7Translation: “Mary, who stood at the Cross and with her Son in his passion, adds a peculiar richness to this exercise of piety.”> “Stabant autem iuxta crucem Iesu mater eius…” > > – John 19:25 (Vulgata)Translation: “And were standing near the cross of Jesus his mother…”