September holds a special place in the liturgical calendar as the month dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. This devotion invites the faithful to meditate on the profound sufferings that the Blessed Virgin Mary endured throughout her life. Reflecting on these sorrows helps deepen our understanding of Mary's role in the story of salvation and her compassionate heart, which bore immense pain for the sake of humanity.
The Seven Sorrows of Mary
1. The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35): Simeon's prophecy foretold the suffering Mary would endure, predicting that a sword would pierce her heart as she witnessed the future trials of her son, Jesus.
2. The Flight of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15): The Holy Family's escape to Egypt to save Jesus from King Herod's massacre was a time of fear and hardship, reflecting Mary's anguish in protecting her child from danger.
3. The Loss of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52): Losing Jesus for three days in Jerusalem brought immense sorrow and anxiety to Mary and Joseph as they searched for their beloved son, only to find him in the temple.
4. Mary Meets Jesus on the Way of the Cross (Luke 23:26-32): Encountering Jesus as He carried His cross to Calvary, Mary felt the weight of His suffering, sharing in His agony and pain.
5. Jesus Dies on the Cross (John 19:17-30): Witnessing the crucifixion, Mary stood by Jesus' side as He took His final breath, her heart breaking with each moment of His torment.
6. Mary Receives the Dead Body of Jesus (Luke 23:50-56): Holding her lifeless son in her arms, Mary experienced profound grief, yet remained steadfast in her faith.
7. Jesus is Placed in the Tomb (John 19:38-42): The sorrow of laying Jesus in the tomb marked the culmination of Mary's suffering, as she said goodbye to the physical presence of her son.
The Historical Roots of Devotion
Devotion to the sorrows of the Virgin Mary dates back to the twelfth century, emerging in monastic circles under the influence of St. Anselm and St. Bernard. The Cistercians and later the Servites played significant roles in propagating this devotion. By the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, it had become widespread, particularly in the Rhineland and Flanders, where Confraternities of the Sorrowful Mother were established.
The first liturgical formularies in honor of the Seven Sorrows appeared in this context. A provincial council of Mainz in 1423 established a "Feast of the Sorrows of Mary" as reparation for the Hussite profanations of her images. The feast spread to Bruges in 1494, where the Precious Blood of Christ was venerated, and later made its way into France.
In 1727, Pope Benedict XIII included the feast in the Roman Calendar, assigning it to the Friday before Palm Sunday. Various churches celebrated this feast during the Easter season, while others, like Braga, focused on the Joys of the Blessed Virgin.
Embracing the Devotion
During September and beyond, let us embrace the devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, reflecting on her unparalleled suffering and the strength of her faith. Through this meditation, we can draw closer to Mary, finding comfort and inspiration in her example of unwavering love and devotion. This practice not only strengthens our personal faith but also unites us as a community in shared reverence and reflection on the profound mysteries of our faith.
Here are two prayer we can consider :
Our lady of sorrow, please reveal the defects in my life that I need to work on and the thing I need to know.
Amen
Mary, full of sorrows, remember the anguish you felt in your heart during the suffering and death of your Son, Jesus Christ. Intercede for us and obtain for us the grace to endure our trials with faith and courage.
Amen.
If you need resources, rosary prayer guides, or rosary beads, contact the Cathedral office at (02) 8379 1700 or email cathedral@bbcatholic.org.au.