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Our Lady of Sorrows: Finding Value in Suffering
by Brian
On September 15th, the Church will celebrate the feast of "Our Lady of Sorrows". Similar to the month of June, which is dedicated to the Sacred Heart, the month of September is dedicated to Our Sorrowful Mother.
In the thirteenth century, the Servite Order chose as their primary devotion "the sorrows of Mary". Under their direction and influence this devotion spread throughout Europe. According to John O'Connell, "…devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows flowered during the Middle Ages".
From the 14th century to the present, the Church has honored the "seven sorrows" of Our Lady, which are as follows:
The Prophecy of Simeon
The Flight into Egypt
The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
The Meeting of Jesus on the way to Calvary
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross
Jesus Is Placed in the Tomb
I recall the time when I showed an acquaintance a picture of Our Lady of Sorrows. In the picture Our Lady was holding the nails that pierced Our Lord's hands and feet as well as the crown of thorns that pierced his head. Her Immaculate Heart was surrounded by seven swords, representing her seven sorrows, and tears were rolling down her cheeks.
I think this individual was a bit scandalized by the picture. He claimed that he could never envision Our Lady like that and said no more about the picture. I could not help but feel a little sorry for him, but I think his reaction is typical of many Catholics today. Many Catholic's desire the resurrection without the crucifixion. And many see suffering as unnecessary and pointless.
This is precisely why devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is so important. The sorrows Our Lady experienced point us to the reality that suffering, if offered to God in a generous spriit, will be transformed into pure spiritual power.
If you are interested in practicing the devotion to the seven sorrows of Our Lady, it is recommended that after meditating upon each sorrow a Hail Mary be prayed.
Our Lady of sorrows, pray for us!