The Seven Sorrows of Mary (Latin: Septem Dolorum Beatae Mariae Virginis) is one of the oldest Marian devotions in the Catholic tradition, focused on seven specific moments in Mary's life when she suffered alongside her Son. The devotion was developed by the Servite Order (founded 1233 in Florence) and given universal liturgical recognition by Pope Pius VII in 1814, who established September 15 — the day after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross — as the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. The seven sorrows are: (1) the prophecy of Simeon at the Presentation ('a sword shall pierce your own soul also' — Luke 2:35); (2) the flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15); (3) the loss of the child Jesus in the Temple for three days (Luke 2:41-50); (4) Mary's meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary (Fourth Station of the Cross); (5) the Crucifixion and Mary's standing at the foot of the cross (John 19:25); (6) Mary receiving the body of Jesus when it was taken down from the cross (the Pietà scene); (7) the burial of Jesus in the tomb. The devotion's spiritual point is the union of suffering: Mary's compassion (literally 'suffering-with') for her Son becomes the model for Christian suffering offered in union with Christ. The novena is especially appropriate for: anyone walking through prolonged grief, parents who have lost a child or whose children are far from the faith, those caring for the dying, victims of trauma, and any soul whose suffering seems to have no immediate redemptive shape. The Marian title 'Our Lady of Sorrows' is also a particular intercession for end-of-life accompaniment.
15 min
Duración
9 días
Compromiso
Intermedia
Nivel
Our Lady of Sorrows
Santo patrono
Pray once daily for nine consecutive days. The novena is traditionally prayed in the nine days leading up to the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15) or in connection with Good Friday and Holy Saturday. The structure: (1) Sign of the Cross; (2) Meditate briefly on one of the seven sorrows in turn (one per day for the first seven days; days eight and nine are for personal intention and thanksgiving); (3) Pray the novena prayer; (4) Seven Hail Marys, one in honor of each sorrow. The Servite tradition includes the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows (a separate devotion with its own beads — seven groups of seven Hail Marys plus three closing Hail Marys for Mary's tears) which can be paired with the novena. The novena is particularly appropriate at: a wake or funeral, the bedside of a dying loved one, the anniversary of a child's death (Mary lost her Son and is the patron of grieving parents), or any season of deep grief that has not yielded to time. Catholic hospice chaplains often pray this novena alongside families. The Seven Sorrows are depicted in countless Catholic churches as 'pietà' images, sword-pierced-heart images, or scenes from the Stations of the Cross; the devotion can be entered through any of those visual entry points.
Most holy and afflicted Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, who didst stand beneath the Cross of thy Son, by the seven swords of grief which pierced thy soul through, look with pity upon us in our sorrows. Mother of Sorrows, who didst share the bitter Passion of thy Son, obtain for us the grace to bear our crosses with patience, our griefs without despair, and our trials in union with thee. By the merit of thy compassion, intercede for us in this our hour of need, and grant us the grace we now ask through your sorrowful Immaculate Heart (mention your intention). Amen.
Coordina oración sostenida por alguien que amas. Los voluntarios cubren horarios de 30 minutos durante días o semanas; la familia recibe un ramillete espiritual al final.
Invita a un grupo pequeño a rezar esto cada día contigo. Todos reciben el mismo texto, el mismo ritmo, la misma intención.