Our Lady of Sorrows

Our Lady of Sorrows is a title given to the Virgin Mary, representing her intense suffering and grief during the passion and death of her son, Jesus Christ. This title is also associated with a specific devotion in the Roman Catholic Church and is commemorated on September 15, following the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14. The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows focuses on the seven dolors (sorrows) that Mary experienced during her life.

Background

The origin of the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows can be traced back to the early Christian tradition, which emphasized Mary's participation in the suffering of her son. The concept of Mary's sorrows is deeply rooted in the Bible, particularly in the prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35), where he foretells that a sword will pierce Mary's soul. Over the centuries, this devotion has evolved, with various religious communities promoting it, including the Servites, a mendicant order founded in 1233, which has significantly contributed to the spread of this devotion.

The Seven Sorrows

The Seven Sorrows of Mary are a central element of the devotion and are as follows:

1. The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)
2. The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
3. The loss of the Child Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:43-45)
4. Mary meets Jesus on the way to the cross (Via Dolorosa)
5. Mary stands at the foot of the cross (John 19:25-27)
6. Mary receives the dead body of Jesus in her arms (Pieta)
7. The burial of Jesus (John 19:40-42)

Each of these sorrows highlights the deep spiritual anguish and maternal suffering of Mary, making her a figure of compassion and empathy in Christian spirituality.

Devotion and Practices

Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows involves various practices, including praying the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows, meditating on her sorrows, and participating in the liturgy on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. This devotion encourages the faithful to reflect on the suffering of Mary, to deepen their understanding of her role in the salvation history, and to seek her intercession in their own times of suffering.

Iconography

In art, Our Lady of Sorrows is often depicted with seven swords piercing her heart, symbolizing her seven sorrows. This iconography emphasizes her immense sorrow and pain, as well as her strength and dignity in facing her sufferings.

Significance

The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows highlights the importance of compassion, empathy, and suffering in the Christian faith. It reminds the faithful of the cost of salvation and the role of Mary in the redemption narrative. By meditating on her sorrows, believers are encouraged to emulate her virtues, particularly her unwavering faith and trust in God's will, even in the face of profound suffering.

See Also

• Rosary
• Pieta
• Servites
• Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross