The Rosary of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, also known as the Rosary of Mary's Tears, is a devotional prayer centred on the seven sorrows said to have been experienced by the Virgin Mary throughout her life. The rosary is made up of seven decades, with each decade dedicated to one of the specific sorrows. It is often used as a means of meditation and contemplation of the sufferings of Mary and her son, Jesus. Here is a common version of the rosary of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows:

Introduction:

At the beginning of the rosary, make the sign of the cross and recite the Creed.

On the first large bead (during the crucifix):

Opening prayer:

"O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you."

On each little grain (the ten grains of a decade):

For each decade, recite a "Hail Mary" followed by meditation on the specific pain.

First pain - Simeon's prophecy:

"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us poor sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen."

Meditation: Contemplation of Simeon's prophecy and the pain foretold for Mary.

Second pain - The flight into Egypt:

"Hail, Mary..."

Meditation: Reflection on the flight into Egypt and the difficulties encountered by the Holy Family.

Third pain - The loss of Jesus in the Temple:

"Hail, Mary...."

Meditation: think of Mary's pain when she lost Jesus in the Temple.

Fourth pain - The encounter on the way to the Cross:

"Hail, Mary..."

Meditation: meditate on the encounter between Mary and Jesus on the way to the Cross.

Fifth pain - The crucifixion of Jesus:

"Hail, Mary...."

Meditation: Contemplation of the crucifixion of Jesus and the pain of Mary at the foot of the Cross.

Sixth Sorrow - The descent of Jesus from the Cross:

"Hail, Mary..."

Meditation: Reflection on the descent of the body of Jesus from the Cross and his handing over to his mother.

Seventh Sorrow - The Burial of Jesus:

"Hail, Mary..."

Meditation:Thinking about Mary's sorrow at the burial of her son.

Final Prayer:

After reciting the seven decades, conclude with a final prayer:

"O Mary, Mother of Sorrows, Mediatrix of all graces, pray for us who have recourse to you. Amen."

In closing, recite the Creed, the Angelic Salutation (the Ave Maria), and the Glory be to the Father.