About Our Lady of Sorrows
This is one of many Marian feast days which occur throughout the liturgical year. It marks seven particularly sorrowful events in Mary's life, focussing on her experience of them - whereas on the actual days, the focus is on Jesus experience. The seven sorrows are:- The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)
- The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
- Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50)
- Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
- Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
- The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37)
- The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47)
The observance was started in the 12th century and was especially promoted by the Cistercian and Servite religious orders. It was originally called "Our Lady of Compassion", highlighting the great love Mary displayed in suffering with her Son. In the 17th century it was called "The Seven Dolors" - referring to the prophesy of Simeon that seven swords would pierce Mary's heart. In recent times, devotion to the Mother of Sorrows was promoted by Padré Pio (Saint Pio of Pietrelcina).
The Sorrows show an understanding of Mary as the loving consoler of people who are touched by sorrows and afflictions: She knows our pains, because she suffered from Bethlehem to Calvary. She particularly understands the torment of parents, when their children are suffering.
In some communities, the month of September is devoted to meditating on the seven sorrows.