The Seven Sorrows Chaplet (also known as the Seven Dolors Chaplet or the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows) consists of seven Hail Marys for each of the seven Sorrows. One Our Father is said before each group of seven Hail Marys. After the seven Hail Marys of each Sorrow this stanza is said: “Holy Mother pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew of my Savior Crucified.” On the three beads, at the end of the chaplet, three Hail Marys are said in honor of the Tears of Our Sorrowful Mother.
While reciting the prayers meditate upon:
THE FIRST SORROW–The Prophecy of Simeon: The prophecy of holy Simeon who told Our Sorrowful Mother of the bitter passion and death of Jesus. Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, “Holy Mother pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew of my Savior Crucified.”
“Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:34-35)
THE SECOND SORROW–The Flight into Egypt: Our Sorrowful Mother is forced to flee into Egypt to save her beloved Son from the death of all the innocent children ordered by Herod. Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, “Holy Mother pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew of my Savior Crucified.”
“Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. He stayed there until the death of Herod, that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.” (Matthew 2:13-15)
THE THIRD SORROW–The Loss of Jesus in Jerusalem: Our Sorrowful Mother is separated from Jesus for three long days while He is lost in Jerusalem. Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, “Holy Mother pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew of my Savior Crucified.”
“Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple…” (Luke 2: 41-46)
THE FOURTH SORROW–Jesus Meets His Mother: Our Sorrowful Mother meets Jesus on the road to Calvary and sees Him fall under the cruel weight of the cross. Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, “Holy Mother pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew of my Savior Crucified.”
“Carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, In Hebrew, Golgotha” (John 19:17)
THE FIFTH SORROW–Jesus Dies on the Cross: Our Sorrowful Mother watches Jesus die on the Cross. Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, “Holy Mother pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew of my Savior Crucified.”
“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala…When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, ‘It is finished.’ And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.” (John 19:25, 30)
THE SIXTH SORROW–Mary Receives the Body of Jesus: Our Sorrowful Mother receives the dead body of Jesus in her arms. Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, “Holy Mother pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew of my Savior Crucified.”
“..a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph…went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over.” (Matthew 27:57-58)
THE SEVENTH SORROW–The Burial: Our Sorrowful Mother sees Jesus placed in the sacred tomb. Our Father, Seven Hail Marys, “Holy Mother pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew of my Savior Crucified.”
“They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, win which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.” (John 19:40-42)
ENDING PRAYERS:
Three Hail Marys prayed in honor of the Tears of our Sorrowful Mother.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be prayed for the intentions of the Pope, the Holy Father.
SHARE AND BE BLESSED
