7 Sorrows of Blessed Virgin

The First Sorrow:

Let us meditate on the first Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin, when she presented her only son in the temple, laid him in the arms of holy Simeon, and heard the prophetic words, “This one shall be a sword of sorrow to pierce your own heart.”

The Second Sorrow: Mary flees into Egypt with Jesus and Joseph-Forced to endure of a long journey, and becoming a foreigner in a strange land, Mary and her family flee to protect the child Jesus from those who would destroy him.

The Third Sorrow: Mary seeks Jesus lost in Jerusalem-Jesus disappeared for three days in Jerusalem at the age of twelve, causing his parents, especially Mary, agonizing sorrow.

The Fourth Sorrow: Mary meets Jesus on the way to Calvary- 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 stands near the cross of her Son- 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 received the body of Jesus taken down from the cross- The passion and death are over but for his mother, grief continues. She holds His body in her arms.

The Seventh Sorrow: Mary places the body of Jesus in the tomb, awaiting the resurrection- The most tragic day in history ends, Mary alone in sorrow, as she lays the body of her Son, in the tomb.

PRAYER OF ST. BONAVENTURE TO THE MOTHER OF SORROWS

O sorrowful Virgin, unite me at least to the humiliations and wounds of thy Son, so that both He and thee may find comfort in having someone sharing thy sufferings. Oh, how happy I would be if I could do this! For is there perhaps anything greater, sweeter, or more advantageous for a person? Why dost thou not grant me what I ask? If I have offended thee, be just and pierce my heart. If I have been faithful to thee, leave me not without a reward: give me thy sorrows. Amen.

PRAYER OF ST. ALPHONSUS DE LIGUORI

O afflicted Virgin, O soul great in virtues, as in sorrows, both the one and the other spring from that great fire burning in thyr heart for God, the only love of thy heart! Mother, have pity on me, who has not loved God, and who has so greatly offended Him. Thy sorrows, it is true, assure me of pardon, but that is not sufficient. I wish to love God. Who could obtain for me that grace if not thee, who are the Mother of holy love! O Mary, Thou consolest everyone; favor me also, with thy consolations. Amen.