Mater Dolorosa/At the Cross Her Station Keeping

Fr. Manalo has paired Caswall’s translation of the Stabat mater dolorosa for the verses text with an original refrain. Instead of dwelling on the mournful nature of the lyrics, this piece uses the major mode, a swaying 3/4 meter, and the final tag in the refrain “Lead us to Christ, our Light” to create a gentle, hopeful musical affect—illuminating not only Mary’s role as the first disciple but the redemptive possibility found even in suffering. While most fitting for the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15), it is commonly sung during the Stations of the Cross and throughout the season of Lent. It is scored for SATB choir with descant, keyboard, guitar, and two solo instruments in C.