This afternoon’s solemn liturgy of the Passion began with a dramatic reading of the Passion of Christ according to St John. You can listen to a version of it here.
This was followed by veneration of the cross, and then “Stabat Mater Dolorosa” (Pergolesi). Sung in Latin, the text is:
- Stabat mater dolorosa
- juxta Crucem lacrimosa,
- dum pendebat Filius.
Which translates as:
- At the Cross her station keeping,
- stood the mournful Mother weeping,
- close to her Son to the last.
This lament is a duet that tells the sorrows of Mary in her vigil at the foot of Jesus’ cross. You can listen to it here:
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 