At the Cross Her Station Keeping: Hymn

#hymns #athercross #stationkeeping
Soprano Kathleen Monson
Piano Riko Higuma

The hymn At the Cross Her Station Keeping is a poignant meditation on the sorrow of the Virgin Mary as she stands by the cross of her crucified son, Jesus. Rooted in the 13th-century Latin poem Stabat Mater Dolorosa, the text vividly portrays Mary's steadfast presence and deep anguish during Christ's Passion. Often sung during the Stations of the Cross and Holy Week services, the hymn invites worshippers to join Mary in contemplating the suffering of Christ, encouraging a deep, personal connection to the mystery of the crucifixion. Its somber, devotional tone, paired with solemn melodies, makes it a powerful reflection on love, sacrifice, and compassion.

1 At the cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.
2 Through her heart, his sorrow sharing,
All his bitter anguish bearing,
Now at length the sword has passed.
3 O how sad and sore distressed,
Was that Mother highly blest
Of the sole begotten One!
4 Christ above in torment hangs,
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of her dying, glorious Son.
5 Is there one who would not weep,
Whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ's dear Mother to behold?
6 Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in her pain,
In that Mother's pain untold?
7 Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,
She beheld her tender Child,
All with bloody scourges rent.
8 For the sins of his own nation
Saw him hang in desolation
Till his spirit forth he sent.
9 O thou Mother! Font of love,
Touch my spirit from above,
Make my heart with thine accord.
10 Make me feel as thou hast felt;
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my Lord.
11 Holy Mother, pierce me through,
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
12 Let me share with thee his pain,
Who for all my sins was slain,
Who for me in torment died.
13 Let me mingle tears with thee,
Mourning him who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
14 By the cross with thee to stay;
There with thee to weep and pray,
All I ask of thee to give.
15 Virgin of all Virgins best!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share thy grief divine.