A Lenten Sacred Concert Stabat Mater for Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Cello & Piano by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710—1736) on Sunday, March 14, the 4th Sunday of Lent , at 5:00 p.m. Performed in the Church. A Free-will offering will be collected. Proceeds benefitting St. Michael’s Music Department.

This concert will include reflections on the text and will culminate with audience participation in the singing of the Stabat Mater.

Stabat Mater, the title of a 13th century hymn meaning “the Mother was standing” is considered one of the seven greatest Latin hymns of all time. It is based upon the prophecy of Simeon that a sword was to pierce the heart of His mother, Mary (Lk 2:35). The hymn is often associated with the Stations of the Cross. In Latin, the hymn consists of twenty couplets which describe the Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin at the Cross.