A Retired Rector's Reflections

The principal liturgies of the Great Three Days (Sacrum Triduum) are the most rich and powerful in which we can participate. The worship, by word, symbol, sacrament and music enriches the soul and floods the imagination, and it is right that we should let this happen. The actions and images of the three days stay in our memories. On Maundy Thursday the washing of feet, the singing of Ubi Caritas, the changing of liturgical mood, the procession of the Blessed Sacrament, the stripping of the altars and the watch of prayer, all address us profoundly. As, of course doe the prostration, the passion reading, solemn prayers, veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion of Good Friday. As we move through the desolation and despair of Holy Saturday, the light is lit in the darkness and the cantor calls us to exult, we ear the story of our salvation and sing, and ring out, our eternal Alleluias and feast at the Lord’s banquet, finally, at the end of worship, comes, for me, the lovely moment when we turn to Our Lady and sing out the Regina Coeli – Joy to thee O Queen of Heaven.

Among these rich acts of worship are also set encouragements to pray the daily office of the Church and take part in other devotions, personally or in a group. For me, over the years, these small acts of devotion have brought times of poignancy and insight. Not least, perhaps, because I have been less focussed on leading and guiding and more on participating.

This year I have found the Via Matris Dolorosae devotion (usually simply called the Via Matris) very helpful. This devotion comes from the 16th century, and was developed into its current form in the 19th century. It is a form of devotion prayed rather like the Stations of the Cross. It is a reflection on the life of Our Lord and Our Lady, from the Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple through to the Lord’s death and burial.

The stations of the Way of Our Sorrowful Mother are: The Prophecy of Simeon at the Presentation, The Flight into Egypt, The Search for the Lost Jesus in Jerusalem, Mary meets Jesus on the Way of the Cross, Jesus dies on the Cross, Mary receives the Dead Body of Jesus and Jesus is placed in the Tomb.

We reflect on, imagine, and pray, events from the Lord’s life, through the eyes of his Blessed Mother. We can do this very simply by imaging the scene and then allow our thoughts to turn to prayer. There are also guides we can use if we wish. This year I used the beautiful Via Matris devotion of the Dominican Sister Maria Frassati Jakupcak. Unfortunately it is not available on line, however, this one by the distinguished Domincian Fr Romanus Cessario is available, and gives a helpful guide and introduction to the devotion.

Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,

To you do we cry, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.