The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary

This devotion goes back to the Middle Ages but has gained new popularity following the Church-approved Marian apparitions in Kibeho, Rwanda, Africa in the 1980s. In her apparitions, Our Lady of Kibeho recommended that people pray the Chaplet (or Rosary) of the Seven Sorrows to obtain the favor of repentance.

Father Leszek Czelusniak, MIC, who is in charge of the Marian mission in Rwanda, interviewed Nathalie, one of the visionaries of Kibeho and asked her to summarize the messages of Mary. Here was Nathalie's response: "The Holy Virgin insisted on the need for prayer. She said that the world is bad. It is necessary to pray, to pray, to pray a lot for this world that is bad, to pray for sinners, to pray for their conversion. She insisted a lot on the need for conversion: Convert to God! Convert to God! Convert to God! While saying that people don't respect God's commands, that people have a hard heart, she also asked us to meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary and to recite it every day. She also taught us the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows. She asked us to pray it every Tuesday and Friday. She asked us to obey the Church, to love God in truth, and to love our neighbor in humility and simplicity. She spoke of the need for mortification, a spirit of penitence and sacrifice. She also spoke of the need for suffering, to bear our sufferings every day. She said that no one enters heaven without suffering. She also told us that acts of charity for the poor make us beautiful flowers that God likes. She wanted a chapel to be constructed here in Kibeho, so everyone would remember her visit and pray for the Church and religious. Holy Mary spoke to us in Kinyarwanda [the language of Rwanda] with her very soft voice."

Our Lady of Kibeho

As for the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, it reminds us that Mary plays a key role in our Redemption and that she suffered along with her Son Jesus to save us. It is prayed using a special rosary comprised of seven "decades" containing seven beads each.

Here is how the Chaplet of Seven Sorrows is prayed:

Each group of seven is begun with an Our Father, as in the regular Rosary. Some people start with an Act of Contrition, since the devotion has a penitential aspect. Also like the regular Rosary, the groups of seven Hail Marys are an occasion for meditation on "Mysteries" — in this case, the Seven Sorrows of Mary, listed below:

The First Sorrow

The Prophecy of Simeon

Reading: Luke 2:25-35.

When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicts that a "thorn/sword" (of sorrow) will pierce Mary's soul.

The Second Sorrow

The flight into Egypt

Reading: Matthew 2:13-15.

When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus.

The Third Sorrow

The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple

Reading: Luke 2: 41-50.

Mary and Joseph search for the child Jesus for three days, finding Him at last — after agonizing sorrow — in the temple.

The Fourth Sorrow

Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross

Reading: Luke 23: 27-29.

As Jesus makes His way to Calvary, condemned to crucifixion, He meets His mother, Mary. He is bruised, derided, cursed and defiled and her sorrow is absolute as Jesus drags His own cross up the hill of His crucifixion.

The Fifth Sorrow

Mary at the foot of the cross

Reading: John 19: 25-30.

Mary stands near her dying Son unable to minister to him as He cries "I thirst." She hears Him promise heaven to a thief and forgive His enemies. His last words, "Behold your mother," charge us to look on Mary as our mother.

The Sixth Sorrow

Mary receives the body of Jesus

Reading: Psalm 130.

Jesus is taken down from the cross and His body is placed in Mary's arms. The passion and death are over, but for His mother, grief continues. She holds His body in her arms.

The Seventh Sorrow

Mary witnesses the burial of Jesus

Reading: Luke 23: 50-56.

The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb. The most tragic day in history ends, Mary alone in sorrow, awaiting the Resurrection.

Why Devotion to the Heart of Our Mother in Her Sorrows?

Because Jesus wants this devotion.

“Jesus Christ Himself revealed to Blessed Veronica of Binasco, that, He is more pleased in seeing His Mother compassionated than Himself.” He said to her: ‘My daughter, tears shed for My Passion are dear to Me; but as I loved My Mother Mary with an immense love, the meditation on the torments which She endured at My death is even more agreeable to Me.’ “Wherefore the graces promised by Jesus to those who are devoted to the dolors of Mary are very great.”1 Because Our Lady also wants it!

Graces and promises attached to the practice of the devotion in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sorrowing: According to St. Alphonsus de Liguori (The Glories of Mary) it was revealed to Saint Elizabeth that at the request of Our Lady, Our Lord promised four principal graces to those devoted to Her Sorrows:

1. That those who before death invoke the divine Mother in the name of Her Sorrows will obtain true repentance of all their sins;
2. That He will protect all who have this devotion in their tribulations, and will protect them especially at the hour of death;
3. That He will impress on their minds the remembrance of His Passion;
4. That He will place such devout servants in Mother Mary’s hands to do with them as She wishes and to obtain for them all the graces She desires.

In addition to these four graces there are also seven promises attached to the practice of daily praying seven Hail Mary’s while meditating on Our Lady’s Tears and Sorrows. These seven promises were revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden:

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 sorrows 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.”

(Prayers and Heavenly Promises by Joan Carroll Cruz; Imprimatur: Most Rev. Francis B. Schulte, 1989

Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows (from the Raccolta).

May be said as a nine day novena and/or as a companion to the daily recitation of 7 Hail Marys offered in honor of Our Lady’s Sorrows.

Each day begin with:

V. O God, come to my assistance;
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be...World without end. Amen.
Then:

Day I. I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the affliction of
Thy tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon.
Dear Mother, by Thy heart so afflicted, obtain for me the virtue
of humility and the Gift of the holy Fear of God. Pray one Hail Mary.

Day II. I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the anguish
of Thy most affectionate heart during the flight into Egypt and
Thy sojourn there. Dear Mother, by Thy heart so troubled,

obtain for me the virtue of generosity, especially towards the
poor, and the Gift of Piety. Pray one Hail Mary.

Day III. I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in those anxieties
which tried Thy troubled heart at the loss of Thy dear Jesus.
Dear Mother, by Thy heart so full of anguish, obtain for me the virtue
of chastity and the Gift of Knowledge. Pray one Hail Mary.

Day IV. I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the consternation
of Thy heart at meeting Jesus as He carried His Cross.
Dear Mother, by Thy heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of
patience and the Gift of Fortitude. Pray one Hail Mary.

Day V. I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the
martyrdom which Thy generous heart endured in standing
near Jesus in His agony. Dear Mother, by Thy heart afflicted in
such wise, obtain for me the virtue of temperance and the Gift
of Counsel. Pray one Hail Mary.

Day VI. I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the
wounding of Thy compassionate heart, when the side of Jesus
was struck by the lance and His Heart was pierced.
Dear Mother, by Thy heart thus transfixed, obtain for me the virtue
of fraternal charity and the Gift of Understanding.
Pray one Hail Mary.

Day VII. I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, for the pangs
that wrenched Thy most loving heart at the burial of Jesus.
Dear Mother, by Thy heart sunk in the bitterness of desolation,
obtain for me the virtue of diligence and the Gift of Wisdom.
Pray one Hail Mary.

V. Pray for us, O Virgin most sorrowful,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

Let intercession be made for us, we beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus
Christ, now and at the hour of our death, before the throne of Thy
mercy, by the Blessed Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, whose most holy
soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the hour of Thy bitter
Passion. We ask this through Thee, Jesus Christ, Saviour of the
world, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest
world without end. Amen.

An indulgence of 5 years. An indulgence of 7 years each day in September. A plenary
indulgence once a month on the usual conditions, if these prayers are recited daily

Invocations

Holy Mother, pierce me through; In my heart each wound renew,
Of my Saviour crucified.

An indulgence of 500 days. A plenary indulgence under the usual conditions, if prayed
devoutly every day for a month.

Mary most sorrowful, Mother of Christians, pray for us. An indulgence
of 300 days.

Virgin most sorrowful, pray for us. Virgo dolorosissima, ora pro nobis.

An indulgence of 300 days. An indulgence of 5 years, if, in honor of the B.V.M.

Sorrowing, the Hail Mary is devoutly recited 7 times followed by the above invocation

Prayers to the Sorrowful Mother (from the Raccolta)

Mary, most holy Virgin and Queen of Martyrs, accept the sincere
homage of my filial affection. Into Thy heart, pierced by so many
swords, do Thou welcome my poor soul. Receive it as the companion
of Thy sorrows at the foot of the Cross, on which Jesus died for the
redemption of the world. With Thee, O sorrowful Virgin, I will gladly
suffer all the trials, contradictions, and infirmities which it shall
please Our Lord to send me. I offer them all to Thee in memory of
Thy sorrows, so that every thought of my mind, and every beat of my
heart may be an act of compassion and of love for Thee. And do Thou,
sweet Mother, have pity on me, reconcile me to Thy divine Son Jesus,
keep me in His grace and assist me in my last agony, so that I may be
able to meet Thee in Heaven and sing Thy glories. Amen.

An indulgence of 500 days.

Most holy Virgin and Mother, whose soul was pierced by a sword
of sorrow in the Passion of Thy divine Son, and Who in His glorious
Resurrection wast filled with never-ending joy at His triumph; obtain
for us who call upon Thee, so to be partakers in the adversities of
Holy Church and the sorrows of the Sovereign Pontiff, as to be found
worthy to rejoice with them in the consolations for which we pray.

The Chaplet (Little Rosary) of the Seven Sorrows

The Chaplet may be prayed taking one sorrow per day for a week,
or reciting the entire chaplet all at one time (or in one day). When the
entire chaplet is recited all at one time, the Act of Contrition and the
introductory prayers of “O God come to my assistance, O God, make haste to help me.”

To be said only at the beginning of the chaplet.

Included in the Chaplet below is a brief overview of each sorrow for
meditation purpose while praying the Chaplet. These meditations are
extracts taken from The Glories of Mary by St. Alphonsus de Liguori.

Make an Act of Contrition

O my God I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest
all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of hell;
but most of all because they offend Thee my God, Who art all good
and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy
grace to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.

The charity and peace of the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

An indulgence of 500 days.

The Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows

One of the devotions practiced and promoted by the seven founders
of the Servants of Mary was The Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows. This
chaplet consists of seven segments, one segment for each of the seven
principal Sorrows or Dolors of the Blessed Virgin. Each segment of
the chaplet consists of praying one Our Father and seven Hail Marys
while meditating on the particular sorrow for that segment, and
followed by a special verse to be said at the end of each segment. After
the prayers of the seventh segment, or seventh sorrow of Our Lady,
the Salve Regina (Hail, Holy Queen) and another prayer are prayed
followed by three more Hail Marys at the very end in honor of the
tears Our Lady shed in Her Sorrows.

MONDAY

V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be
world without end. Amen.

The First Sorrow of Mary
St. Simeon’s Prophecy

In the Temple, St. Simeon had received the Divine Child in his arms
and predicted that this Child would be a sign (of God) which shall
be contradicted by men. “Behold this Child is set … for a sign which
shall be contradicted. And Thy own soul a sword shall pierce.” (Lk. 2:34-35).

Meditation

The Blessed Virgin told St. Matilda that when St. Simeon pronounced
these words “all Her joy was changed into sorrow.” For, as was revealed
to St. Teresa, although the Blessed Mother already knew that the life
of Her Son would be sacrificed for the salvation of the world, She then
learned more distinctly and in greater detail what sufferings and what
a cruel death awaited Him. She knew that He would be persecuted
and opposed in every way. He would be opposed in His teaching:
instead of being believed, He would be called a blasphemer for
claiming to be the Son of God. The reprobate Caiphas was to say: “He
hath blasphemed … He is guilty of death” (Mt. 26:65-66). He would
be opposed in His reputation: for though He was of noble, even of
royal descent, He was despised as a peasant: “Is not this the carpenter’s
son?” (Mt. 13:55). “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?” (Mk. 6:3).
He was Wisdom itself, and was treated as ignorant: “How doth
this man know letters, having never learned?” (Jn. 7:15). As a false
prophet: “And they blindfolded Him, and smote His face … saying:
Prophesy, who is it that struck Thee?” (Lk. 22:64). He was treated as a
madman: “He is mad, why hear you Him?” (Jn. 10:20). As a drunkard,
a glutton, and a friend of sinners: “Behold a man that is a glutton, and
a drinker of wine, a friend of publicans and sinners” (Lk. 7:34). As a
sorcerer: “By the prince of devils He casteth out devils” (Mt. 9:34). As
a heretic and one possessed by the evil spirit: “Do not we say well that
Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” (Jn. 8:48). In short, Jesus was
considered so notoriously wicked that, as the Jews said to Pilate, no
trial was necessary to condemn Him. “If He were not a malefactor, we
would not have delivered Him up to thee” (Jn. 18:30).

Say One Our Father … Seven Hail Marys

Verse: My Mother! share Thy grief with me, and let me bear Thee
company to mourn Thy Jesus’ death with Thee.

TUESDAY

V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Say a Glory be ...

The Second Sorrow of Mary - The Flight of Jesus into Egypt

“Let us now consider the second sword of sorrow which wounded
Mary, the flight of Her Infant Jesus into Egypt to escape the persecution by Herod.”

Meditation

Having heard that the long-awaited Messiah had been born, Herod
foolishly feared that He would deprive him of his kingdom. Herod
waited to hear from the holy Magi where the young King was born,
and planned to take His life. When he found he had been deceived,
he ordered all the infants in the neighborhood of Bethlehem to be
put to death. It was at that time that the angel appeared in a dream to
St. Joseph and told him: “Arise, and take the Child and His Mother,
and flee into Egypt”(Mt. 2:13). No sooner is Jesus born than He is
persecuted. Mary began to realize that Simeon’s prophecy regarding
Her Son was beginning to be fulfilled. What anguish the realization
of the impending exile must have caused Mary. It is easy to imagine
that Mary must have suffered on the journey. The distance to Egypt
was considerable: three hundred miles, requiring a journey of up to
thirty days. The road was rough, unknown and little travelled. It was
winter time, so that they had to make their way through snow, rain
and wind, over rough and dirty roads. Where could they have slept
on such a journey, especially on the two hundred miles of desert?
They lived in Egypt seven years. They were strangers — unknown,
without money, and barely able to support themselves by the work
of their hands. Landolph of Saxony has written (and let this be a
consolation to the poor) that Mary lived there in such poverty that
there were times when She did not have even a crust of bread to
give Her Son when He was hungry. The thought of Jesus and Mary
wandering as fugitives through a strange land teaches us that we
must also live as pilgrims here below, detached from the material
things that the world offers, and which we must soon leave to enter
eternity. It also teaches us to embrace crosses, for we cannot live in
this world without them. Let us make Mary happy by welcoming Her
Son into our hearts, the Son whom men still continue to persecute
by their sins.

Say one Our Father … Seven Hail Marys …

Verse … My Mother! share Thy grief with me, and let me bear TheeMy Mother! share Thy grief with me, and let me bear Thee company to mourn Thy Jesus’ death with Thee.
company to mourn Thy Jesus’ death with Thee.

WEDNESDAY

V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Say one Glory be ...

The Third Sorrow of Mary

The Loss of Jesus in the Temple
The third sorrow was one of the greatest that Mary had to endure
in Her life, the loss of Her Son in the temple. Having lost Her Son
for three days, She was deprived of His most sweet presence.

Meditation

What anxiety this broken-hearted Mother must have felt during
those three days when She searched everywhere for Her Son, and
asked for Him as the spouse did in the Canticles: Have you seen him,
whom my soul loveth? (Cant. 3:3). This third sorrow of Mary ought
to serve in the first place as a consolation to souls who are desolate,
and who no longer enjoy, as they once enjoyed, the sweet presence of
the Lord. They may weep, but they should weep confidently, just as
Mary wept over the loss of Her Son. But whoever wants to find Jesus
must look for Him as Mary did, not amid the pleasures and delights
of the world, but amid crosses and mortifications. “We sought Thee
sorrowing,” Mary said to Her Son. Let us learn then from Mary,
to seek Jesus. Moreover, we should look for no other good in this
world than Jesus. St. Augustine says that Job “had lost what God
had given him, but not God Himself.” If Mary wept over the loss
of Her Son for three days, how much more should sinners weep
who have lost sanctifying grace. To them God says: “You are not My
people, and I will not be yours” (Os. 1:9). For this is the effect of sin:
it separates the soul from God. “Your iniquities have divided between
you and your God” (Isa. 59:2). Sinners may possess all the wealth in
the world, but inasmuch as they have lost God, everything in this
world becomes a source of affliction to them, as Solomon confessed:
“Behold all is vanity, and vexation of spirit” (Eccles. 1:14).

Say one Our Father … Seven Hail Marys …

Verse...Verse: My Mother! share Thy grief with me, and let me bear Thee
company to mourn Thy Jesus’ death with Thee.

THURSDAY

V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Say a Glory be ...

The Fourth Sorrow of Mary - The Meeting of Mary and Jesus on the Way to Calvary

The greater Her love for Him, the greater Her grief at the sight of
His sufferings, especially when She met Him on that dolorous way,
dragging His cross to the place of execution. This is the fourth sorrow
on which we are to meditate.

Meditation

“O sorrowful Mother,” exclaimed St. John, “Your Son has now been
condemned to death; He has already set out on the road to Calvary,
carrying His own cross. Come, if You desire to see Him and say
farewell to Him, as He passes through the streets.” Mary goes along
with St. John. While She waited for Her Son to come along, how
much must She have heard said by the Pharisees (and their associates)
against Her beloved Son, and perhaps even mockery against Herself.
What a frightening picture as the nails, the hammers, the ropes and
all the fatal instruments that were to put an end to Her Son’s life
were paraded by. But now the implements, the executioners, have all
passed by. Mary raised Her eyes, and saw, O God!, a young man all
covered with blood and wounds from head to foot, a wreath of thorns
on His head, and carrying two heavy beams on His shoulders. She
gazed at Him, but hardly recognized Him. The wounds, the bruises,
and the clotted blood gave Him the appearance of a leper, so that He
could no longer be recognized. According to St. Bridget, Jesus wiped
away the clotted blood which prevented Him from seeing Mary. The
Mother and the Son looked at each other. And Their looks became
as so many arrows to pierce those hearts which loved each other so
tenderly. Even though the sight of Her dying Son was to cost Her such
bitter sorrow, Mary would not leave Him. The Mother also took up
Her cross and followed Him, to be crucified along with Him. Let us
pity Her, and accompany Her and Her Son by patiently carrying the
cross Our Lord imposes on us.

Say one Our Father … Seven Hail Marys …

Verse... Verse: My Mother! share Thy grief with me, and let me bear Thee
company to mourn Thy Jesus’ death with Thee.

FRIDAY

V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Say a Glory be ...

The Fifth Sorrow of Mary - The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

“There stood by the cross of Jesus, His Mother” (Jn. 19:25). St. John did
not feel it necessary to say more than these words with reference to the
martyrdom of Mary. Picture Her now at the foot of the cross beside Her
dying Son, and then ask yourself if there can ever be sorrow like Her
sorrow. Remain for a while on Calvary and consider the fifth sword
which transfixed the heart of Mary — the death of Jesus.

Meditation

As soon as our agonized Redeemer had reached Mount Calvary, the
executioners stripped Him of His clothes, and piercing His hands and
feet with nails, they fastened Him on the cross. They raised the cross
and left Him to die. The executioners left Him, but not Mary. She came
up close to the cross to be near Him in death. “I did not leave Him,” She
revealed to St. Bridget, “but stood nearer the cross.” Ah, true Mother,
most loving Mother, Whom not even the fear of death could separate
Thee from Thy beloved Son. But, O God, what a spectacle of sorrow
must have confronted those who could see Jesus hanging in agony on
the cross, and His Mother there at the foot of the cross suffering all
His torments with Him. All these sufferings of Jesus were also Mary’s
sufferings. Saint Jerome says, “Every torture inflicted on the body of
Jesus, was a wound in the heart of His Mother.” “Anyone who had been
present then on Mount Calvary, would have seen two altars on which
two great sacrifices were being offered: the one in the body of Jesus —
the other in the heart of Mary.” (St. John Chrysostom)

Say one Our Father … Seven Hail Marys …

Verse: My Mother! share Thy grief with me, and let me bear Thee
company to mourn Thy Jesus’ death with Thee.

SATURDAY

V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Say one Glory be ...

The Sixth Sorrow of Mary

The Piercing of the Side of Jesus,
and His Descent from the Cross

We must now consider the sixth sorrow which weighed upon the heart
of Our Blessed Lady. On this day, You will be wounded with another
sword of sorrow. A cruel lance will pierce the side of Your dead Son, and
You will receive Him in Your arms after He has been taken down from the cross.

Meditation

It is enough to tell a mother that her son is dead to arouse in her heart
all her love for the dead child. “One of the soldiers with a spear opened
His side, and immediately there came out blood and water” (Jn. 19:34).
“Christ,” says the devout Lanspergius, “shared this wound with His Mother.
He received the hurt; His Mother endured the pain.” Mary’s sufferings
were so great that it was only through the miraculous intervention of
God that She did not die. When She suffered before, She at least had
Her Son to pity Her; but now She had no Son to commiserate with Her.
Jesus was taken down from the cross, the afflicted Mother waiting with
outstretched arms to take Her beloved Son. She embraced Him and then
sat down at the foot of the cross. Her Son died for men, men still continue
to torture and crucify Him by their sins. Let us resolve not to torment our
sorrowful Mother any longer. And if we have saddened Her in the past by
our sins, let us now do what She wants us to do.

Say one Our Father … Seven Hail Marys …

Verse: My Mother! share Thy grief with me, and let me bear Thee
company to mourn Thy Jesus’ death with Thee.

SUNDAY

V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Say one Glory be ...

The Seventh Sorrow of Mary - The Burial of Jesus

Let us meditate now on Mary’s last sword of sorrow. She has
witnessed the death of Her Son on the cross. She has embraced His
lifeless body for the last time. Now She has to leave Him in the tomb.

Meditation

In order to grasp the meaning of this last sorrow more fully, let us
return to Calvary and picture our afflicted Mother there, still holding
the lifeless body of Her Son clasped in Her arms. The disciples, afraid
that Mary may die of grief, approach and take the body of Jesus
from Her arms to bury it. With reverence they lift Him from Her
arms, embalm Him with aromatic herbs, and wrap Him in a shroud
they have already prepared. The mournful procession sets out for
the tomb. The afflicted Mother follows Her Son to His last resting
place. When it was time to move the stone to close the entrance,
the grief-stricken disciples approached Our Blessed Lady and said
to Her: “It is time now, O Lady, to close the tomb. Forgive us; look
at Thy Son once more, and say goodbye to Him for the last time.”
Finally, they took the stone and sealed off the Sacred Body of Jesus
in the sepulcher, that Body which is the greatest treasure there can
possibly be on earth or in Heaven. Mary left Her heart in the tomb of
Jesus, because Jesus was Her whole treasure: “For where your treasure
is, there will your heart be also” (Lk. 12:34). After speaking Her last
farewell to Her Son, She left and returned to Her home. Mary was so
desolate and so sad that, according to St. Bernard, She “moved many
to tears.” In fact, wherever She passed, those who saw Her could not
help weeping with Her. St. Bernard also says that the holy disciples
and women who accompanied Her “mourned even more for Her
than for their Lord.”

Say one Our Father ... Seven Hail Marys ...

Verse: My Mother! share Thy grief with me, and let me bear Thee
company to mourn Thy Jesus’ death with Thee.

Hail, Holy Queen, Our Mother of Mercy. Our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To Thee do we cry, poor banished, children of Eve. To Thee do we send up our sighs
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, Thine
eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of
Thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet, Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

Litany of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God
Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary,
Pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
Pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Pray for us.
Mother crucified,
Pray for us.
Sorrowful Mother,
Pray for us.
Tearful Mother,
Pray for us.
Afflicted Mother,
Pray for us.
Forsaken Mother,
Pray for us.
Desolate Mother,
Pray for us.
Mother bereft of Thy Child,
Pray for us.
Mother transfixed with the sword,
Pray for us.
Mother overwhelmed with grief,
Pray for us.
Mother filled with anguish,
Pray for us.
Mother crucified in heart,
Pray for us.

Let us pray

O God, at whose Passion, according to the prophecy of Simeon,
a sword of sorrow did pierce through the most sweet soul of the
glorious Virgin and Mother Mary; grant that we, who commemorate
and reverence Her sorrows, may experience the blessed effect of Thy
Passion, who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

While in captivity under Napoleon Bonaparte in 1809, Pope Pius VII wrote
a litany to Our Lady of Sorrows. What follows is one translation of the
original Latin.

Pray three Hail Marys in honor of the tears shed by Our Lady in Her Sorrows.

Hail, Holy Queen

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, Hail our life, our sweetness
and our hope. To Thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To
Thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale
of tears. Turn then, Most gracious Advocate, Thine eyes of mercy
toward us, and after this our exile show unto us the blessed Fruit of
Thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. V. Pray
for us, O Holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of
the promises of Christ. Amen.

The Stabat Mater Dolorosa is considered one of the seven greatest
Latin hymns of all time. It is a Thirteenth Century Roman Catholic
Sequence (a hymn sung after the Gradual in certain Masses) often
attributed to Pope Innocent III and Jacopone da Todi. The title, Stabat
Mater Dolorosa comes from the first line of the sequence and means
literally, “The sorrowful Mother was standing”.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us, O Jesus!
Look down upon us, deliver us, and save us from all trouble, in the power of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Imprint, O Lady! Thy wounds upon my heart, that I may read
therein sorrow and love—sorrow to endure every sorrow for Thee;
love to despise every love for Thine. Amen.

Mother most sad,
Pray for us
Fountain of tears,
Pray for us
Vial of suffering,
Pray for us
Mirror of patience,
Pray for us
Rock of constancy,
Pray for us
Anchor of confidence,
Pray for us
Refuge of the forsaken,
Pray for us
Shield of the oppressed,
Pray for us
Subduer of the unbelieving,
Pray for us
Comfort of the afflicted,
Pray for us
Medicine of the sick,
Pray for us
Strength of the weak,
Pray for us
Harbor of the wretched,
Pray for us
Calmer of the tempests,
Pray for us
Resource of mourners,
Pray for us
Terror of the treacherous,
Pray for us
Treasure of the faithful,
Pray for us
Eye of the Prophets,
Pray for us
Staff of Apostles,
Pray for us
Crown of Martyrs,
Pray for us
Light of Confessors,
Pray for us
Pearl of Virgins,
Pray for us
Consolation of Widows,
Pray for us
Joy of all Saints,
Pray for us

 

Stabat Mater dolorósa
Juxta crucem lacrymósa,
Dum pendébat Fílius.
At the Cross Her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.
Cujus ánimam geméntem,
Contristátam et doléntem,
Pertransívit gládius.
Through Her heart, His sorrow sharing,
All His bitter anguish bearing,
Now at length the sword has passed.
O quam tristis et afflícta
Fuit illa benedícta
Mater Unigéniti!
Oh, how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed
Of the sole-begotten One!
Quæ mærébat et dolébat,
Pia Mater dum vidébat
Nati poenas ínclyti.
Christ above in torment hangs,
She beneath beholds the pangs
Of Her dying, glorious Son.
Quis est homo, qui non fleret,
Matrem Christi si vidéret
In tanto supplício?
Is there one who would not weep
Whelmed in miseries so deep
Christ’s dear Mother to behold?
Quis non posset contristári,
Christi Matrem contemplári
Doléntem cum Fílio?
Can the human heart refrain
From partaking in Her pain,
In that Mother’s pain untold?
Pro peccátis suae gentis
Vidit Jesum in torméntis,
Et flagéllis súbditum.
Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,
She beheld Her tender Child,
All with bloody scourges rent,
Vidit suum dulcem natum
Moriéndo desolátum,
Dum emísit spíritum.
For the sins of His own nation
Saw Him hang in desolation
Till His spirit forth He sent.
Eia Mater, fons amóris,
Me sentíre vim dolóris
Fac ut técum lúgeam.
O Thou Mother! fount of love,
Touch my spirit from above.
Make my heart with Thine accord:
Fac, ut ardeat cor meum,
In amándo Christum Deum,
Ut sibi compláceam.
Make me feel as Thou hast felt;
Make my soul to glow and melt
With the love of Christ, my God.

Mass on the Friday in Passion Week.

From The Way of The Cross according to the method of St. Alphonsus Liguori.

The Stabat Mater

Sancta Mater, istud agas
Crucifixi fige plagas
Cordi meo válide.
Holy Mother, pierce me through!
In my heart each wound renew
Of my Savior crucified.
Tui nati vulneráti,
Tam dignáti pro me pati,
Pœnas mecum dívide.
Let me share with Thee His pain,
Who for all my sins was slain.
Who for me in torments died.
Fac me tecum píe flere,
Crucifíxo condolére,
Donec ego víxero.
Let me mingle tears with Thee,
Mourning Him Who mourned for me,
All the days that I may live.
Juxta Crucem tecum stare
Et me tibi sociáre
In planctu desídero.
By the Cross with Thee to stay,
There with Thee to weep and pray,
Is all I ask of Thee to give.
Virgo vírginum præclára,
Mihi jam non sis amára:
Fac me tecum plángere.
Virgin of all virgins best!
Listen to my fond request:
Let me share Thy grief divine;
Fac, ut portem Christi mortem,
Passiónis fac consórtem,
Et plagas recólere.
Let me, to my latest breath,
In my body bear the death
Of that dying Son of Thine.
Fac me plagis vulnerári,
Fac me Cruce inebriári,
Et crúore Fílii.
Wounded with His every wound,
Steep my soul till it hath swooned
In His very Blood away.
Flammis ne urar succénsus,
Per te, Virgo, sim defénsus
In die judícii.
Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
Lest in flames I burn and die,
In His awful Judgment Day.
Christe, cum sit hinc exire,
Da per Matrem me veníre
Ad palmam victóriæ.
Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence,
Be Thy Mother my defense,
Be Thy Cross my victory.
Quando corpus moriétur,
Fac, ut animæ donétur
Paradísi glória. Amen.

While my body here decays,
May my soul Thy goodness praise,
Safe in paradise with Thee. Amen.

May the protection of the sacrifice which we have received never leave us, and may it ever ward off from us all things harmful. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

The Our Father

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

There are Great Spiritual Benefits for this Devotion The graces and promises given to those who practice the devotion to Our Lady and Her Sorrows are very great. But should you need a little encouragement in embracing this devotion, perhaps the following account from the revelations of St. Bridget will help:

“There was a certain rich man, as noble by birth as he was vile and sinful in his habits. He had given himself by an express compact, as a slave to the devil; and for sixty successive years had served him, leading such a life as may be imagined, and never approached the sacraments. Now this prince was dying; and Jesus Christ, to show him mercy, commanded St. Bridget to tell her confessor to go and visit him and exhort him to confess his sins. The confessor went, and the sick man said that he did not require confession, as he had often approached the sacrament of Penance.

“The priest went a second time; but this poor slave of hell persevered in his obstinate determination not to confess. Jesus once again told the saint to desire the confessor return. He did so; and on the third occasion he told the sick man about the revelation made to the saint, and that he had come back so many times because Our Lord, Who wished to show him mercy, had so ordered. On hearing this the dying man was touched and began to weep: ‘But how,’ he exclaimed, ‘can I be saved?’; ‘I, who for sixty years have served the devil as his slave, and have my soul burdened with innumerable sins?’

The Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee; blessed art Thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

The Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“‘My son,’ answered the Father, encouraging him, ‘doubt not; if you repent of them, on the part of God I promise you pardon.’ Then, gaining confidence, he said to the confessor, ‘Father, I looked upon myself as lost, and already despaired of salvation; but now I feel a sorrow for my sins, which gives me confidence; and since God has not yet abandoned me, I will make my confession.’ “In fact, he made his confession four times on that day, with the greatest marks of sorrow, and on the following morning received Holy Communion. On the sixth day, contrite and resigned, he died. After his death, Jesus Christ again spoke to St. Bridget, and told her that that sinner was saved; that he was then in purgatory, and that he owed his salvation to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin His Mother. For the deceased, although he had led so wicked a life, had nevertheless always preserved devotion to the sorrows of Our Lady, and whenever he thought of them pitied Her.”

… Taken from The Glories of Mary by St. Alphonsus de Liguori, pages 479-480.

Queen of Heaven, Rejoice

In her autobiography, St. Teresa of Avila reported the following:

“He (Our Lord) said to me, that when He rose again He showed Himself to Our Lady, because She was in great trouble; for sorrow had so pierced Her soul that She did not even recover Herself at once in order to have the fruition of that joy. By this I saw how different was my piercing. But what must that of the Virgin have been? He (Our Lord) remained long with Her then because it was necessary to console Her.”

Our Lady took a long time to overcome Her sadness. How great indeed were Our Lady’s sorrows. In light of all this we can better understand the Church’s prayer Queen of Heaven Rejoice. Alleluia.

Imprimatur: † Bishop John Barwa, SVD March 22, 2009, Orissa, India

Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia: For He Whom Thou didst merit to bear, alleluia, Hath risen, as He said, alleluia. Pray for us to God, alleluia. V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia, R. Because the Lord is truly risen, alleluia. Let us pray O God, Who by the Resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, hast vouchsafed to make glad the whole world: grant, we beseech Thee, that, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may lay hold of the joys of eternal life. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Amen.

---

Day One

O most Holy Virgin, who was pleasing to the
Lord and became His mother, immaculate in
body and spirit, in faith and in love, look
kindly on me as I implore your powerful
intercession. O most Holy Mother, who by
your blessed Immaculate Conception, from
the first moment of your conception did
crush the head of the enemy, receive our
prayers as we implore you to present at the
throne of God the favor we now request...
(State your intention here...)
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother
of Christ, you had influence with your
Divine Son while upon this earth; you have
the same influence now in heaven. Pray for
us and obtain for us from him the granting
of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

---

Day Two

O Mary, ever blessed Virgin, Mother of God,
Queen of angels and of saints, we salute
you with the most profound veneration and
filial devotion as we contemplate your holy
Immaculate Conception, We thank you for
your maternal protection and for the many
blessings that we have received through
your wondrous mercy and most powerful
intercession. In all our necessities we
have recourse to you with unbounded
confidence. O Mother of Mercy, we beseech
you now to hear our prayer and to obtain
for us of your Divine Son the favor that we
so earnestly request in this novena...
(State your intention here...)
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother
of Christ, you had influence with your
Divine Son while upon this earth; you have
the same influence now in heaven. Pray for
us and obtain for us from him the granting
of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

---

Day Three

O Blessed Virgin Mary, glory of the
Christian people, joy of the universal
Church and Mother of Our Lord, speak for us
to the Heart of Jesus, who is your Son and
our brother. O Mary, who by your holy
Immaculate Conception did enter the world
free from stain, in your mercy obtain for
us from Jesus the special favor which we
now so earnestly seek...
(State your intention here...)
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother
of Christ, you had influence with your
Divine Son while upon this earth; you have
the same influence now in heaven. Pray for
us and obtain for us from him the granting
of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

---

Day Four

O Mary, Mother of God, endowed in your
glorious Immaculate Conception with the
fullness of grace; unique among women in
that you are both mother and virgin; Mother
of Christ and Virgin of Christ, we ask you
to look down with a tender heart from your
throne and listen to our prayers as we
earnestly ask that you obtain for us the
favor for which we now plead...
(State your intention here...)
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother
of Christ, you had influence with your
Divine Son while upon this earth; you have
the same influence now in heaven. Pray for
us and obtain for us from him the granting
of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

---

Day Five

O Lord, who, by the Immaculate Conception
of the Virgin Mary, did prepare a fitting
dwelling for your Son, we beseech you that
as by the foreseen death of your Son, you
did preserve her from all stain of sin,
grant that through her intercession, we may
be favored with the granting of the grace
that we seek for at this time...
(State your intention here...)
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother
of Christ, you had influence with your
Divine Son while upon this earth; you have
the same influence now in heaven. Pray for
us and obtain for us from him the granting
of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

---

Day Six

Glorious and immortal Queen of Heaven, we
profess our firm belief in your Immaculate
Conception preordained for you in the
merits of your Divine Son. We rejoice with
you in your Immaculate Conception. To the
one ever-reigning God, Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit, three in Person, one in
nature, we offer thanks for your blessed
Immaculate Conception. O Mother of the Word
made Flesh, listen to our petition as we
ask this special grace during this
novena... (State your intention here...)
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother
of Christ, you had influence with Your
Divine Son while upon this earth; you have
the same influence now in heaven. Pray for
us and obtain for us from him the granting
of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

---

Day Seven

O Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, and my
mother, from the sublime heights of your
dignity turn your merciful eyes upon me
while I, full of confidence in your bounty
and keeping in mind your Immaculate
conception and fully conscious of Your
power, beg of you to come to our aid and
ask your Divine Son to grant the favor we
earnestly seek in this novena... if it be
beneficial for our immortal souls and the
souls for whom we pray.
(State your intention here...)
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother
of Christ, you had influence with Your
Divine Son while upon this earth; you have
the same influence now in heaven. Pray for
us and obtain for us from him the granting
of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

---

Day Eight

O Most gracious Virgin Mary, beloved Mother
of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, intercede
with him for us that we be granted the
favor which we petition for so earnestly in
this novena...O Mother of the Word
Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence
that your prayers in our behalf will be
graciously heard before the throne of God.
O Glorious Mother of God, in memory of Your
joyous Immaculate Conception, hear our
prayers and obtain for us our petitions.
(State your intention here...)
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother
of Christ, you had influence with Your
Divine Son while upon this earth; you have
the same influence now in heaven. Pray for
us and obtain for us from him the granting
of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

---

Day Nine

O Mother of the King of the Universe, most
perfect member of the human race, "our
tainted nature’s solitary boast," we turn
to you as mother, advocate, and mediatrix.
O Holy Mary, assist us in our present
necessity. By your Immaculate Conception, O
Mary conceived without sin, we humbly
beseech you from the bottom of our heart to
intercede for us with your Divine Son and
ask that we be granted the favor for which
we now plead...
(State your intention here...)
O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother
of Christ, you had influence with Your
Divine Son while upon this earth; you have
the same influence now in heaven. Pray for
us and obtain for us from him the granting
of my petition if it be the Divine Will.

Amen.

---

---

Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin.

Litany of the Blessed Virgin

Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, hear us
Christ, graciously hear us

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the World, have
mercy on us God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us
Holy Mother of God, pray for us
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of Divine Grace, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mother most chaste, pray for us.
Mother inviolate, pray for us.
Mother undefiled, pray for us.
Mother most amiable, pray for us.
Mother most admirable, pray for us.
Mother of good counsel, pray for us.
Mother of our Creator, pray for us.
Mother of our Saviour, pray for us.
Virgin most prudent, pray for us.
Virgin most venerable, pray for us.
Virgin most renowned, pray for us.
Virgin most powerful, pray for us.
Virgin most merciful, pray for us.
Virgin most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of justice, pray for us.
Seat of wisdom, pray for us.
Cause of our joy, pray for us.
Spiritual vessel, pray for us.
Vessel of honour, pray for us.
Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.
Mystical rose, pray for us.
Tower of David, pray for us.
Tower of ivory, pray for us.
House of gold, pray for us.
Ark of the covenant, pray for us.
Gate of heaven, pray for us.
Morning star, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.
Help of Christians, pray for us.
Queen of Angels, pray for us.
Queen of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Queen of Prophets, pray for us.
Queen of Apostles, pray for us.
Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.
Queen of Confessors, pray for us.
Queen of Virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all Saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.
Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of Peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord,
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord,
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Grant we beseech Thee, O Lord God,
that we, Thy servants, may enjoy perpetual
health of mind and body: and, by the
glorious intercession of the blessed Mary,
ever Virgin, be delivered from present
sorrow and enjoy eternal gladness.
Through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.