Our Lady of Seven Sorrows is a Marian devotion that focuses on the suffering and pain that the Virgin Mary endured throughout her life, particularly during the passion and crucifixion of her son, Jesus.
The seven sorrows of Mary, as traditionally recognised, are:
Simeon's prophecy about Jesus (Luke 2:34-35)
The flight into Egypt
The loss of Jesus at the age of twelve in the Temple
The encounter with Jesus on the way to Calvary
The crucifixion and death of Jesus
The descent of Jesus from the cross
The burial of Jesus
Each of these sorrows reflects Mary's profound union with the suffering of her son and her unique role in God's plan for the salvation of humanity. Her unshakeable faith, courage and determination to remain faithful to God's will, even in the most painful moments, make her a model of faith and resilience for all Christians
The devotion to Our Lady of Seven Sorrows invites us to meditate on Jesus' redemptive suffering and Mary's maternal compassion. She reminds us that suffering, when united with that of Christ, can become a path of purification, conversion and redemption. Mary shows us how to embrace our own sufferings with faith and hope, offering them to God for the good of the Church and the world.
In conclusion, Our Lady of Seven Sorrows invites us to contemplate the power of divine love that transforms suffering into a means of grace and salvation. She encourages us to remain united with Mary in our trials, to seek her intercession and to find consolation and strength in her maternal compassion.
