The month of September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, a title given to Mary as she suffered alongside Christ during his passion. The tradition dates back as far as the 17th century, when the Servites established a special feast in September.
Our Lady of Sorrows is one of many titles bestowed upon Mary. This title is derived from Simeon’s prophecy during Jesus’ presentation at the Temple in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2.
“The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’” (Luke 2:33-35)
The Church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on Sept. 15, calling on the faithful to reflect on the seven sorrows of Mary. These seven sorrows include: 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), and the burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47).
During September, Catholics can pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary, meditating on the pains of Jesus through the eyes of Our Lady. This devotion dates back to the 14th century as Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, appeared to St. Bridget of Sweden and revealed this rosary prayer to her. It is prayed similarly to the rosary, but instead of meditating on five mysteries, you meditate on the seven sorrows. And instead of praying 10 Hail Marys in between each mystery, you pray seven Hail Marys in between each sorrow.
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Prayers for the Seven Sorrows Rosary
Begin with the Sign of the Cross:
In the name of The Father, and The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Amen.
Introductory Prayer:
My God, I offer You this Rosary for Your glory, so I can honor your Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin, so I can share and meditate upon her suffering. I humbly beg you to give me true repentance for all my sins. Give me wisdom and humility, so that I may receive all the indulgences contained in this prayer.
Act of Contrition:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend You, my God, You Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.
After the Act of Contrition:
Pray 3 Hail Mary’s
Then pray: Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.
For each Sword of Sorrow below, pray 1 Our Father and 7 Hail Mary’s. Then conclude with:
Most Merciful Mother, remind us always about the Sorrows of your Son, Jesus.
The First Sword of Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:22-35)
The Second Sword of Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
The Third Sword of Sorrow: The Loss of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)
The Fourth Sword of Sorrow: Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31)
The Fifth Sword of Sorrow: Mary Stands at the Foot of the Cross (John 19:25-27)
The Sixth Sword of Sorrow: Mary Receives the Dead Body of Jesus in Her Arms (John 19:38-40)
The Seventh Sword of Sorrow: The Body of Jesus is Placed in the Tomb (John 19:41-42)
Concluding Prayer:
Queen of Martyrs, your heart suffered so much. I beg you, by the merits of the tears you shed in these terrible and sorrowful times, to obtain for me and all the sinners of the world the grace of complete sincerity and repentance. Amen.
Three times, pray:
Mary, who was conceived without sin and who suffered for us, pray for us.
Then end with Sign of the Cross:
In the name of The Father, and The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Amen.
