✨ Walking with Our Lady of Sorrows

🙏 At the beginning of September, I began praying the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. At first, it may seem unusual to honor Mary’s sorrows—why dwell on suffering? Because that is part of what we are called to do as Catholics! And what better way to grow in relationship with beloved people in our lives than to enter into their deepest joys and their deepest pains?

The Church—and Mary herself, in various apparitions—encourages us to meditate on her sorrows, even promising special graces for those who do so. 🌹And when Mary proclaimed her joyful “yes” during the Annunciation to the Archangel Gabriel (who has a feast day this month) to become the Mother of the Savior, she consented to suffer with Him.

Let's look a little deeper:

The Joyful Mystery with a Specific Sorrow ⭐️

When we pray the Fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary—the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple—we naturally think of joy. Mary and Joseph, in perfect obedience, presented Jesus, the Son of God, to the Father. Even though Jesus was the One who wrote the Law, Mary and Joseph still followed it faithfully.

Because of their obedience, God’s promise to Simeon was fulfilled. After years of hope and longing, Simeon finally held the Messiah—the Word Incarnate—in his arms and rejoiced that God always keeps His word. ✨

But then here’s the twist. Simeon’s prophecy—that a sword would pierce Mary’s soul—is the first sorrow of Our Lady. 💔 So, even in joy, Mary’s suffering began. She consented to suffer with Him and all her joy turned to sorrow.

A Devotion Rooted in History 🌿

Devotion to Our Lady’s Sorrows is ancient, dating back to the early centuries of the Church. In the 13th century, Mary appeared to the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order, giving them a black garment as their habit and asking them to meditate on her sorrows.

In the 14th century, Mary revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden seven promises for those devoted to her sorrows, including peace in families, consolation in pain, protection in battles, and even her visible help at the hour of death. 🌟

Here are her beautiful promises:

1. “I will grant peace to their families.”

2. “They will be enlightened about the divine Mysteries.”

3. “I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.”

4. “I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.”

5. “I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.”

6. “I will visibly help them at the moment of their death—they will see the face of their mother.”

7. “I have obtained this grace from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness, since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son will be their eternal consolation and joy.

What amazing promises!

How to Pray the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows 🙏🌹

The Chaplet is prayed on a special rosary of seven groups of seven beads. But you can also pray with any rosary.

Steps:

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross and an Act of Contrition.

2. For each sorrow, meditate on the event while praying one Our Father and seven Hail Marys.

3. There is a concluding prayer and you can end with three Hail Marys in honor of Mary’s tears.

   
   

The Seven Sorrows of Our Lady are:

1. The prophecy of Simeon

2. The flight into Egypt

3. The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple

4. Mary meets Jesus carrying His Cross

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

6. Jesus is taken down from the Cross into Mary’s arms

7. The Burial of Jesus

   
   

Mary's greatest glory was at the foot of the cross standing there in perfect virtue. 

September: One of Her Special Months 🌹

The Church dedicates September to Our Lady of Sorrows. This is the perfect time to begin—or renew—this devotion. Try praying the Chaplet this month. Walk with Mary through her sorrows, and let her walk with you through yours. And then try to take this devotion all the way to Christmas!

A Closing Prayer 🙏✨

 O Most Sorrowful Virgin Mary, You who stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross, teach us to unite our sufferings with yours and with those of your Son. Grant us the grace of perseverance, the light to understand God’s will, and the courage to remain faithful even in sorrow. Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!

🌟 Our Lady of Sorrows, comforter of the afflicted, pray for us. 🙏