*We highlight these Saints to inspire our students and contribute to their growth in Catholic education by fostering understanding and appreciation for Catholic values and teachings. We encourage parents to share the stories of these Saints with their children to deepen their spirituality and motivate them to live their faith with conviction, following the examples of these admired role models.*
At first glance, the name “Our Lady of Sorrows” seems like hardly something to be excited about celebrating. It is precisely for this reason that the Church invites us to contemplate the Seven Sorrows of Mary.
The Seven Sorrows are seven specific events from Our Lady’s life relating to the Lord’s passion and death, and they are taken from the Gospels and sacred tradition.
- The prophecy of Simeon: “You yourself shall be pierced with a sword, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare.” (Luke 2:35)
- The Flight into Egypt: “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt.” (Mt 2:13).
- Having lost the child Jesus in Jerusalem: “You see that your father and I have been searching for you in sorrow” (Luke 2:48).
- Meeting Jesus on his way to Calvary.
- Standing at the foot of the Cross: “Near the cross of Jesus there stood His mother.” (John 19:25).
- Jesus being taken from the Cross.
- The burial of Christ.
Devotions to the Mater Dolorosa (Latin for “Sorrowful Mother”) began in the 1200s with a religious order called the Servite Order. Originally known as the Feast of the Seven Dolors, this feast day has been commemorated in mid-September since 1668.
But the question still remains, why do we want to reflect upon something so… sad? The truth is, suffering is a part of life. We all experience sadness, grief, and pain. When we unite our sorrows with Jesus’ suffering on the cross, we join with his blessed mother as she is doing the very same thing. We can find consolation knowing that she is with us in our sadness—we are not alone!
St. Pope John Paul II
“Turn your eyes incessantly to the Blessed Virgin. She, who is the Mother of Sorrows and also the Mother of Consolation, can understand you completely and help you. By looking to her and praying to her, you will obtain that your tedium will become serenity, your anguish will change into hope, and your grief into love. I accompany you with my blessing, which I willingly extend to all those who assist you.”
FAMILY ACTIVITY: Spend some time this week talking with your kids about Our Lady of Sorrows. Ask them to recall times they have been sad, and remind them that God was with them in their suffering. Remind them that when they feel sad and alone, they can pray through the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows and find comfort.
For older children and teens, pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary with them. This is a special version of the Rosary that dates back to medieval times and focuses specifically on the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Our Lady herself appeared to St. Bridget of Sweden to reveal this special prayer, intended to be shared with the whole world.
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!