Come join us, at Holy Mass, as we reflect on the Word of God and feed on the Bread of Life
The Seven Sorrows of Mary, also known as the Seven Dolors, are key events in the life of the Virgin Mary that caused her immense sorrow. These events are deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition, and they invite the faithful to meditate on Mary’s suffering, offering a path to deeper compassion and spiritual growth.
1. The Prophecy of Simeon Luke 2:34-35 When Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple, the prophet Simeon foretold that Jesus would be a sign of contradiction and that a sword would pierce Mary’s soul. This prophecy revealed the future suffering of both Jesus and Mary, setting the stage for Mary’s participation in her Son’s redemptive mission.
2. The Flight into Egypt Matthew 2:13-14 After the visit of the wise men, an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and the child Jesus to escape King Herod’s wrath. The Holy Family’s sudden departure and the uncertainty of life in a foreign land brought great sorrow to Mary,
who feared for the safety of her Son.
3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple Luke 2:43-45 When Jesus was 12 years old, He remained behind in the Temple after a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph, unaware of His whereabouts, searched for Him anxiously for three days. This experience of losing her Son, even temporarily, caused Mary great distress.
4. Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary Luke 23:27 As Jesus carried His cross to Calvary, He encountered His mother along the way. Their eyes met, and Mary saw the agony and suffering of her beloved Son. Despite her sorrow, she remained steadfast, accompanying Him in spirit to His crucifixion.
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus John 19:25-27 Standing at the foot of the cross, Mary witnessed the brutal execution of her Son. She heard His final words, entrusting her to the care of the Apostle John and, in doing so, giving her as a mother to all of humanity. Mary’s heart was pierced with sorrow as she watched Jesus breathe His last.
6. The Body of Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross Mark 15:43-46 After Jesus’ death, His body was taken down from the cross and placed in His mother’s arms. This poignant moment, often depicted in art as the Pietà, symbolizes Mary’s deep grief and her profound love for her Son. She held the lifeless body of the one she had brought into the world,
mourning the loss of her child.
7. The Burial of Jesus John 19:41-42 Mary followed Jesus to the tomb, where His body was laid to rest. This final act of sorrow marked the end of her earthly relationship with Him, but it also held the promise of the Resurrection. Mary’s faith in God’s plan remained unshaken, even in the face of death.
