Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
The Blessed Virgin Mary, for the love of mankind, endured countless and continual sufferings. Of all of them, however, there were 7 that were her ‘greatest’ and have hence come to be simply known as “Our Lady’s Seven Sorrows.”
1. The Prophecy of Simeon. (St. Luke II, 34, 35)
2. The Flight into Egypt. (St. Matthew II, 13-14)
3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple. (St. Luke II, 43-45)
4. The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross.
5. The Crucifixion.
6. The Taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross.
7. The Burial of Jesus.
The purpose of being devoted to Mary’s sorrows (particularly these seven), is twofold: First, to recognize and honor what she suffered, in a sense of gratitude, since each of her sorrows is an incredible manifestation of the selfless and infinite-like love that she bears towards each one of us. And second, to console her grief-stricken heart - that to this day continues to be torn and wounded on account of man’s sins, particularly those committed against this Immaculate Heart.
Our Blessed Mother, of course, has every right to our sympathy and gratitude (Make sure and see Why should we Console Mary?). But, humble and generous as she is, for those who are devoted to Her Sorrows, Our Lady has promised many graces. (For this, see Promises attached to the Devotion).
There are different ways to honor our Lady and her sorrows, and different manners in which to console her. Of the popular devotions, there’s a bit of a variety. There’s simply saying seven Hail Mary’s (one in honor of each sorrow); A chaplet of the Sorrowful Mother; A little Rosary of the Seven Sorrows (by St. Alphonsus Liguori); as well as many other approved prayers that specifically either honor Our Sorrowful Mother, or console her in each of her Seven Sorrows. Below you will see a popular set of prayers that briefly, but beautifully honor Our Lady and her Sorrows.
Some of the most precious graces that you will receive however, by meditating on Our Blessed Mother’s Sorrows, (though not a formal promise - but an historical reality) is that we will grow in imitation of the heroic virtues that gave Her the courage and love to do what she did for us. And with these virtues and her blessings, we may some day hope then to show our gratitude by giving ourselves entirely to her and her Son, as They have given themselves entirely for us and the whole world.
Prayers in Honor of the Seven Dolors of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Approved by Pope Pius VII in 1815
V. O God, come to my assistance
R. O Lord, make haste to help me
V. Glory be to the Father, etc.
R. As it was in the beginning, etc.
1. We grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the affliction of your tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon. Dear Mother, by your heart so afflicted, obtain for us, and for all men, the virtue of humility and the gift of the Holy Fear of God. Hail Mary, full of grace... etc.
2. We grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the anguish of your most affectionate heart during the flight into Egypt and your sorrowful journey there. Dear Mother, by your heart so troubled, obtain for us, and for all men, the virtue of generosity, especially toward the poor, and the gift of Piety. Hail Mary, etc.
3. We grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the anxieties which tried your troubled heart at the loss of your dear Jesus. Dear Mother, by your heart so full of anguish, obtain for us, and for all men, the virtue of chastity and the gift of Knowledge. Hail Mary, etc.
4. We grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the consternation of your heart at meeting Jesus as He carried His Cross. Dear Mother, by your heart so troubled, obtain for us, and for all men, the virtue of patience and the gift of Fortitude. Hail Mary, etc.
5. We grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the martyrdom which your generous heart endured in standing near Jesus in His agony. Dear Mother, in your agony, obtain for us, and for all men, the virtue of temperance and the gift of Counsel. Hail Mary, etc.
6. We grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the wounding of your compassionate heart, when the side of Jesus was struck by the lance before His Body was removed from the Cross. Dear Mother, by your heart thus transfixed, obtain for us, and for all men, the virtue of fraternal charity and the gift of Understanding. Hail Mary, etc.
7. We grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, for the pangs that wrenched your most loving heart, at the burial of Jesus. Dear Mother, by your heart sunk in the bitterness of desolation, obtain for us, and for all men, the virtue of diligence and the gift of Wisdom. Hail Mary, etc.
Let us pray
Let intercession be made for us, we beseech You, O Lord Jesus Christ, now and at the hour of our death, before the throne of Your Mercy, by the Blessed Virgin Mary, Your Mother, whose most Holy Soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the hour of Your bitter Passion. Through You, O Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost lives and reigns world without end. Amen.
