Our Name

This tragedy demands a proper response from our city.

We invite our city to stand together in grief and
to move forward together in hope to reclaim urban childhood.

Urban Dolorosa means “The Sorrowing City”

Our name is taken from the 13th Century hymn Stabat Mater Dolorosa (The Grieving Mother Stood), which depicts Mary at the base of the cross as her son dies. In the Middle Ages, this commemoration of a mother’s suffering resonated with many who had lost children during childbirth or the plague. This hymn illustrates the power of sacred music and the arts to dignify suffering and resilience and to motivate compassionate response.
 
Our vigils and memorial events draw upon the prophetic and healing power of the arts. In November 2011, during the week of All Saints and All Souls, we invite Chicago to join us on an ecumenical pilgrimage to memorialize children killed by violence and to dignify the grief of their families and communities. Inspired by the original Stabat Mater hymn, but also drawing on more diverse and contemporary texts and symbols, these memorial events will honor our children through poetry, music, photography, and youth performance.