The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows

Mary; Our Lady of Sorrows

Feast Day: September 15th

Great day to pray the Rosary of the 7 Sorrows!

A day after celebrating the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, we celebrate today the memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the little “Our Lady of Sorrows.”

The image of the Mater Dolorosa is a prominent figure in our churches especially during Holy Week processions. She is depicted as a sorrowful mother dressed in black. Her heart is seen pierced with a lance. It is an artistic representation of the prophecy of Simeon: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (cf. Luke 2:34)

The church instituted this feast to give the faithful an opportune moment to meditation on the role that Mary played in our salvation. She, who accompanied Jesus faithfully throughout his life and ministry, also shares in the glory of eternal life. Likewise, today, we ask for her intercession so that we may follow her example in following Christ her Son.

She is the first and perfect disciple of Jesus. She followed Jesus all the way to the foot of the cross. In joyful moments as well as in moments of sadness and defeat, Mary stood by her Son. Traditionally, we reflect on the Seven Sorrows of Mary.

These are events in the life of Mary which “pierced her heart,” to experiencing suffering because of the sufferings her Jesus had to endure.

The seven Sorrows of Mary are: The Prophecy of Simeon over the Infant Jesus (Gospel of Luke 2:34); the Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family (Gospel of Matthew 2:13); the Loss of the Child Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:43); the Meeting of Jesus and Mary along the Way of the Cross (Luke 23:26); the Crucifixion, where Mary stands at the foot of the cross (Gospel of John 19:25); the Descent from the Cross, where Mary receives the dead body of Jesus in her arms (Matthew 27:57); and the Burial of Jesus (John 19:40).

May we, like Mary, be a faithful disciple of Jesus and follow Him in times of great difficulty and persecution as well in times of joy and gladness. Discipleship is not an easy task but it is not impossible to stay with Jesus. Mary has shown us how to persevere. May we also persevere in our faith and follow Jesus wholeheartedly