The day after we celebrate the Triumph of the Cross (Sept 14), we turn to the woman standing beneath it (Sept 15). Our Lady of Sorrows (Mater Dolorosa) is not a depressing feast. It is a feast of compassion (literally "suffering with").
The Seven Sorrows
Scripture identifies seven moments where Mary's heart was pierced:
- The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)
- The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13)
- The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:43-45)
- Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary
- The Crucifixion (John 19:25)
- Taking Discarded Jesus Down from the Cross (The Pieta)
- The Burial of Jesus
Why Tears?
St. Bernard said: "The martyrdom of the Virgin is set forth both in the prophecy of Simeon and in the story of the Lord's passion... She truly suffered in her soul what He suffered in His body." Her tears are precious because they are shed for us. She cries when we sin because she knows it hurts her Son.
The Promises
Jesus revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden that those who meditate on His Mother's tears and sorrows will receive special graces, including peace in their families and enlightenment in divine mysteries.
Console her heart. Pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows on the MyPrayerTower app.