The devotion to Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, also known as Mater Dolorosa, is based on meditating on the moments of profound sadness and pain that the Virgin Mary is said to have experienced throughout her life, particularly during the events surrounding the life and death of her son, Jesus Christ. These seven sorrows represent a series of trials that underline Mary's profound humanity, unshakeable faith and crucial role in the divine plan of redemption.
Simeon's prophecy (Luke 2:25-35):
The first pain is associated with Simeon's prophecy at the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, predicts to Mary that her heart will be pierced by a sword. This prophecy foretells Mary's future suffering connected with the life of her son.
The Flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15):
The second pain occurs when Joseph, Mary and the young Jesus flee to Egypt to escape the threat of Herod, who sought to kill all newborn males. Exile in a foreign land represents the anguish and uncertainty faced by the Holy Family.
The loss of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-50):
The third pain is linked to the momentary disappearance of Jesus when he was twelve years old. Mary and Joseph finally find him in the Temple, talking with the teachers. This experience of going astray and finding him again arouses concern and deep maternal love.
The encounter on the way to the Cross (Luke 23:26-31):
The fourth pain occurs when Mary meets Jesus carrying his cross on the way to Calvary. Jesus' exhausted look and his mother's obvious pain add a poignant dimension to this heartbreaking encounter.
The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:25-27):
The fifth pain is the crucifixion of Jesus. Mary stands at the foot of the cross, powerless in the face of her son's suffering. The sight of Jesus' battered body and his death on the cross are moments of unbearable pain for a loving mother.
Jesus' descent from the cross (Matthew 27:57-61):
The sixth pain occurs when Jesus' body is taken down from the cross and placed in his mother's arms. This poignant moment underlines Mary's compassion at the death of her son and her participation in the pain of his sacrifice.
The burial of Jesus (John 19:38-42):
The seventh and final pain is the burial of Jesus. Mary witnesses the burial of her beloved son. It is a moment of deep mourning, but also a spiritual preparation for the future events of the Resurrection.
Meditation on Mary's seven sorrows is a profound devotional practice, inviting believers to contemplate the suffering and maternal love of the Virgin Mary, as well as to find comfort and strength in their own faith in the face of life's challenges. This devotion strengthens the bond between believers and Mary as a model of faith and perseverance.
