As we read in the Holy Gospels, Our Lord, before dying on the Cross, gave His Mother to St. John the Evangelist and gave Saint John to her. After Jesus ascended into Heaven, Our Blessed Mother remained in St. John’s care. Being with Mary then for the rest of her life, this Saint felt a keen sorrow and loss when she was assumed body and soul into Heaven.
St. Alphonsus Ligouri tells us how St. Elizabeth of Hungry received a revelation that, years after Our Lady’s death, St. John had a strong longing to see her again. His confident and humble prayer was granted when he beheld, in a vision, the Blessed Virgin Mary, with her adorable Son. While St. John watched, Mary asked Our Lord if He would bestow special graces on those who had a special devotion to her sorrows. Our Lady’s request was granted by Jesus in the following promises:
1. Those who invoke Our Heavenly Mother through Her sorrows will obtain true sorrow for their sins before death.
2. Our Saviour will protect them in their tribulations, especially at the hour of death.
3. He will impress upon them the memory of His Passion, and will reward them for it in Heaven.
4. He will commit such devout servants to the hands of Mary that She may dispose of them according to Her pleasure, and obtain for them all the graces She desires.
Do you think that the Queen of Heaven and Earth does not suffer even now in Heaven with Her Divine Son and all the Holy Angels in Saints? Do you think she is just “being nice” and pretends to be grateful for the very little we do to try to console her in her sorrows - consolations she does not really need? By a special grace of God (which Our Lady herself requested) she is permitted, together with her Son, to suffer terribly and intensely from the sins and ingratitude of human beings. Listen to the words she spoke to Saint Bridget:
“I gaze upon the children of men to see whether anyone feels compassion for me, and alas, I see but few! If many forget me, at least you, my daughter, do not forget me. Consider how much I have suffered.”
Honor, love and console your Sorrowful Mother! Do this, and she will be able to tell you, with sincere and grateful joy: “At least you, my child, you do not forget me!”