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

# Via-Sacra and Mary, the Mother along the Way of the CrossThe **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 StationsWhile 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 MaterThe **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-RedemptrixThe 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…”