OUR LADY OF SORROWS : A Mother Who Understands Our Pain

Our Lady of Sorrows: A Mother Who Understands Our Pain

The Catholic Church lovingly honors Our Lady of Sorrows, whose heart was pierced by grief as she shared in the suffering of her Son, Jesus Christ. She is the mother who teaches us how to accept trials with faith, unite our sufferings to the Cross, and trust in God’s plan of salvation.

Who Is Our Lady of Sorrows?

The title Our Lady of Sorrows refers to the Blessed Virgin Mary in relation to the immense sufferings she endured, especially at the Passion of her Son. The prophecy of Simeon foretold this: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:35).

Mary experienced seven sorrows in her life, which the Church meditates upon:

1. The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)

2. The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)

3. The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-50)

4. Mary meets Jesus on the way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)

6. The body of Jesus is taken down from the Cross (Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-34, 38)

7. The burial of Jesus (Luke 23:55-56)

These sorrows show us that Mary truly understands the pain of every mother, every child, and every believer who suffers in this world. She is not a distant figure, but a compassionate mother who walks with us in our tears and trials.

Why Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows Matters

When we turn to Our Lady of Sorrows, we learn:

Patience in suffering – Mary teaches us how to bear crosses without despair.

Compassion for others – Her pierced heart reminds us to comfort those who mourn.

Deeper union with Jesus – Through Mary, we unite our suffering to Christ’s redemptive sacrifice.

St. Alphonsus Liguori wrote that Mary’s sufferings “were greater than those of all martyrs.” And yet, she never rebelled but trusted God completely.

The Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary

One of the most beautiful devotions to Our Lady of Sorrows is the Rosary Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows. Unlike the regular Rosary, this chaplet has seven groups of seven beads (total of 49), with a medal depicting the Sorrowful Mother.

How to Pray the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows:

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross.

2. Say the Introductory Prayer:

“My God, I offer You this Rosary for Your glory, that I may honor Your Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin, to share and meditate upon her suffering. I humbly beg You to give me true repentance for all my sins. Amen.”

3. On the medal (or first bead), pray an Our Father.

4. Then announce the First Sorrow, meditate on it, and pray 7 Hail Marys.

5. Repeat for all Seven Sorrows.

6. After each sorrow, you may add: “Holy Mother, hear the prayers of your children. Help us to bear our sufferings in union with the sufferings of Christ.”

The Seven Sorrows (with corresponding prayers):

1. The Prophecy of Simeon – 7 Hail Marys

2. The Flight into Egypt – 7 Hail Marys

3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple – 7 Hail Marys

4. Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary – 7 Hail Marys

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus – 7 Hail Marys

6. The Body of Jesus Taken Down from the Cross – 7 Hail Marys

7. The Burial of Jesus – 7 Hail Marys

At the end of all 7 sorrows, pray 3 Hail Marys in honor of our Lady's tears

Closing Prayer:

“Pray for us, O most sorrowful Virgin, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.”

The Promises of Our Lady

1. Tradition holds that Mary made special promises to those who faithfully pray the Seven Sorrows Chaplet, such as:

2. True repentance before death

3. Strength in times of suffering

4. Special graces for families and children

5. Protection from spiritual despair

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Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows

O most sorrowful Mother Mary,

you who stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross,

sharing in the sufferings of your Son, Jesus,

look with compassion upon me in my trials and sorrows.

Through your pierced heart,

help me to unite my sufferings to Christ’s sacrifice

for the salvation of souls.

Obtain for me the grace of patience in adversity,

strength in weakness,

and trust in God’s holy will.

O Mother of Sorrows,

wrap me in your mantle of love,

and lead me always closer to Jesus.

Intercede for me in all my needs,

and never let me be separated from your Son.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us. Amen.

Conclusion

In times of suffering, we are never alone. Our Lady of Sorrows is a tender mother who knows what it means to weep, to lose, and to endure pain. Through devotion to her sorrows, especially the Chaplet, we draw closer to Jesus and find hope in the midst of trials.

Let us often pray:

“Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.”