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.”

UNTYING LIFE'S KNOTS WITH THE HELP OF OUR BLESSED MOTHER

🌸 Our Lady, Undoer of Knots: A Devotion for Life’s Tangles 🌸

Life is filled with knots—worries, burdens, and painful entanglements that seem impossible to resolve. Whether it’s a broken relationship, financial hardship, spiritual confusion, or emotional turmoil, many of us have experienced a time when we felt stuck and helpless.

But there is hope.

Our Lady, Undoer of Knots is a beautiful and powerful devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, reminding us that no problem is too great for her motherly love and intercession.

🌿 Who Is Our Lady, Undoer of Knots?

The title “Undoer of Knots” comes from a 1700s Baroque painting in Augsburg, Germany, depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary untying knots in a white ribbon. Inspired by a meditation from St. Irenaeus—"The knot of Eve’s disobedience was untied by the obedience of Mary"—this devotion grew in popularity and is now beloved by many, including Pope Francis, who brought it from Germany to Argentina and encouraged its practice.

Mary, in her great compassion, is seen gently and patiently untying the knots in our lives—restoring peace, clarity, and trust in God's divine will.

🕊️ When Should You Pray to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots?

This devotion is especially powerful in times of:

Family conflict or separation

Addiction or unhealthy attachments

Legal and work-related issues

Spiritual dryness or confusion

Emotional pain or trauma

Forgiveness and inner healing

Decisions you can’t seem to make

🙏 Core Prayer to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots

Here is the powerful core prayer that can be said daily or included in your Rosary:

 **“Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exists in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life.

You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots.

Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of His children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life.

No one, not even the Evil One himself, can take it away from your precious care.

In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone.

Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with your Son and my Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot: [mention your intention].

I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all.

You are my hope.

O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and with Christ, the freedom from my chains.

Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, O safe refuge!”

Amen.

💐 How to Pray the Rosary Novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots (9 Days)

This novena is traditionally prayed for nine consecutive days. It includes one Rosary each day, along with a short reflection and the special prayer to Our Lady Undoer of Knots.

📿 Daily Rosary Format:

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross

2. Pray the Apostles' Creed

3. 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, 1 Glory Be

4. Announce and meditate on the five decades of the day’s Rosary mysteries

5. After each decade, pray:

“Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for us.”

6. After the Rosary, pray the Core Prayer to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots

7. End with:

“Queen of Heaven, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.”

🌼 Suggested Intentions for Each Day:

You may use these or your own personal intentions each day:

Day 1: For the grace to see the knots in my life

Day 2: For healing in family relationships

Day 3: For forgiveness and peace

Day 4: For release from fear and anxiety

Day 5: For guidance in difficult decisions

Day 6: For financial and work struggles

Day 7: For protection from evil and sin

Day 8: For trust in God's timing

Day 9: For surrender and hope in Mary’s intercession

🌟 A Final Reflection

Our Lady, Undoer of Knots doesn’t just solve problems—she leads us gently to her Son, Jesus Christ, who brings true freedom and peace. As a loving Mother, she teaches us to let go, to trust, and to be patient while God works.

No knot is too tight. No burden is too tangled.

Mary can help—just ask.

📌 Share This Devotion!

Encourage others by sharing this novena or starting a prayer chain. You can:

Print the prayer and give it to a friend

Post each day’s intention on your social media

Offer your novena for someone in need

💙 “Through you, Mary, all knots will be undone.” 💙

Marian Prayer of Saint Alphonsus Ligouri

 SHELTER ME UNDER YOUR MANTLE

Marian Prayer of Saint Alphonsus Ligouri

(A.D. 1696-1787)

Shelter Me Under Your Mantle

Most holy Virgin Immaculate,

my Mother Mary,

to you who are the Mother of my Lord,

the Queen of the Universe,

the Advocate,

the hope,

the refuge of sinners,

I who am the most miserable of all sinners,

have recourse this day.

I venerate you,

great queen,

and I thank you for the many graces

you have bestowed upon me

even unto this day;

in particular for having delivered me

from the hell

which I have so often served by my sins.

I love you, my dearest Lady;

and because of that love,

I promise to serve you willingly for ever

and to do what I can

to make you loved by others also.

I place in you all my hopes for salvation;

accept me as your servant

and shelter me under your mantle,

you who are the Mother of Mercy.

And since you are so powerful with God,

deliver me from all temptations,

or at least obtain for me

the strength to overcome them until death.

From you I implore a true love for Jesus Christ.

Through you I hope to die a holy death.

My dear Mother,

by your love for Almighty God,

I pray you to assist me always,

but most of all at the last moment of my life.

Forsake me not then,

until you shall see me safe in heaven,

there to bless you

and sing of your mercies through all eternity.

Such is my hope.

Amen.