The feast of our Lady of Sorrows

Pic Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

On September 15th, the Holy Catholic Church celebrates the feast of our Lady of Sorrows. The title “Lady of Sorrows” is given to our Blessed Mother Mary, which focuses on the intense sufferings and trials she had endured, especially from the moment of the Birth of our Lord Jesus. This feast honors the Seven Dolors (Sorrows) that Mother Mary that she endured which were: 

1. The Prophecy of Simeon 
2. The Flight to Egypt 
3. Search for the Child Jesus in Jerusalem 
4. Mother Mary Meets Jesus Carrying His Cross 
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus 
6. Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross 
7. Jesus is Laid in the Tomb 

What do we learn about our Blessed Mother during this feast? 

Our Blessed Mother’s sorrow exceeds anyone else’s because she is the Mother of Jesus, who was not only Her Son, but Her Lord and Savior; she truly suffered with Her Son. She teaches us how to respond to suffering; our Blessed Mother received the suffering with courage, love, and trust in the Lord. In these moments, she was still saying “Yes” to God’s will, just as how she said “Yes” during Annunciation. Even in the midst of suffering, she knew that God had a greater plan, she knew the suffering of our Lord Jesus is the plan of salvation of all souls; she held onto great hope, knowing God will give His goodness. We do see His goodness; our Lord Jesus has risen from the dead, defeating sin and death! 

Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of our Lady

The Church meditates on these Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Mother Mary through the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady. 

Our Blessed Mother revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden of seven promises that will be fulfilled in souls to those who pray and meditate on Her tears and sorrows daily wholeheartedly. These are: 

• I will grant peace to their families. 

• They will be enlightened about the divine Mysteries. 

• I will console them in their pains and will accompany them in their work. 

• I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my divine Son or the sanctification of their souls. 

• I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy, and I will protect them at every instant of their lives. 

• I will visibly help them at the moment of their death; they will see the face of their Mother. 

• I have obtained this grace from my divine Son: that those who propagate this devotion to My tears and sorrows will be taken from this earthly life to eternal happiness, since all their sins will be forgiven, and My Son will be their eternal consolation and joy. 

I invite you to pray with your families this Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of our Lady daily! 

Here are the instructions on how to pray this rosary: 

Rosary of the Seven Sorrows of our Lady 

By Tina Makkanal