The Sorrowful Mysteries date back to the medieval tradition of meditation on the Passion of Christ, which emphasised the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus for the salvation of humanity. These mysteries are based mainly on the accounts in the Gospels and have been popularised by various saints and mystics, including Saint Brigid of Sweden and Saint Francis of Assisi. The Sorrowful Mysteries are an integral part of the Rosary, formalised in their current structure by Pope Pius V in the 16th century.
The main purpose of the Sorrowful Mysteries is to meditate on the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. These mysteries invite the faithful to contemplate the sufferings of Jesus and to understand the profound love and sacrifice he made to redeem humanity. By meditating on these mysteries, believers are encouraged to reflect on their own sufferings, to find comfort in the sufferings of Christ, and to strengthen their faith in his salvation. They also provide an opportunity for prayer and penance, helping to develop virtues such as humility, patience and compassion.
When to Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
The Sorrowful Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays. They are also meditated on during Lent, and particularly during Holy Week, when Christians commemorate the Passion of Christ. These specific moments in the liturgical year offer a particularly propitious opportunity to reflect on the sufferings of Jesus and to have a spiritual experience of penance and conversion. By praying the Sorrowful Mysteries, the faithful are invited to accompany Jesus in his sufferings, to deepen their understanding of his sacrifice and to find inspiration and strength for their own challenges and sufferings. These mysteries offer a valuable opportunity to grow closer to Jesus, to repent of one's sins and to renew one's commitment to living a compassionate and sacrificial Christian life.
How to Use the Sorrowful Mysteries
To pray with the Sorrowful Mysteries, follow these steps:
Preparation: find a quiet place and take a few moments to meditate. Take a rosary in hand and begin with the sign of the cross.
Initial Prayers:
Recite the Creed (Symbol of the Apostles).
Recite an Our Father.
Recite three Hail Marys for faith, hope and charity.
Recite a Glory be to the Father.
Meditation of the Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday):
The Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Olives: Recite one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, one Glory to the Father, and meditate on the suffering of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, anticipating his passion.
The Flagellation of Jesus: Recite one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, one Glory to the Father, and meditate on Jesus being scourged by order of Pilate.
The Crowning with Thorns: Recite an Our Father, ten Hail Marys, a Glory to the Father, and meditate on Jesus crowned with thorns by the Roman soldiers, mocking him as King of the Jews.
The Carrying of the Cross: Recite an Our Father, ten Hail Marys, a Glory to the Father, and meditate on Jesus carrying his cross to Calvary, falling under its weight.
The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus:Recite an Our Father, ten Hail Marys, a Glory to the Father, and meditate on Jesus crucified, dying on the cross for the salvation of the world.
Closing Prayers:After meditating on the five mysteries, recite the Salve Regina. Conclude with the sign of the cross.
