The Month of Our Lady of Sorrows

The month of September is traditionally dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. The Blessed Virgin Mary received this title through the Prophecy of Simeon, Luke 2:34-35: “And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold, this child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; and thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.”

During this month we remember the sorrowful events in Our Lady’s life, when she suffered greatly, especially during the passion and death of her beloved son Jesus Christ. Catholics pray the Rosary of the 7 Dolors (Latin: sorrow/pain) during this month in particular, recalling the following sorrows:

1. The Prophecy of Simeon, 2. The Flight into Egypt, 3. The Loss of Jesus in the Temple, 4. Mary’s Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary, 5. Jesus’ Death on the Cross, 6. Mary Receives the Dead Body of Jesus in Her Arms, 7. Jesus is Placed in the Tomb.

Each of the sorrows in Mary’s life pierced her heart with profound grief. Meditating on the Gospel passages that are central to each sorrow brings us closer to Our Lady, and to Jesus. The Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady is celebrated on September 15th.

Our Blessed Mother revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden, in the 14th century, that the following seven graces would be bestowed upon those souls who honour her daily by meditating on her tears and sorrows:

1.  I will grant peace to their families, 2.  They will be enlightened about the divine Mysteries, 3.  I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work, 4.  I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my divine Son or the sanctification of their souls, 5.  I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives, 6.  I will visibly help them at the moment of their death—they will see the face of their mother, 7.  I have obtained this grace from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness, since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son will be their eternal consolation and joy.