Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son." Then he said to the disciple,
"Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. (Jn 19:25-27)

Last week we celebrated the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and today we continue our celebration of Mary and her relationship to the Church. This particular day is known as the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. Our Lady of Sorrows reminds Christians of the suffering and strength Mary endured during the passion and death of her Son. We admire Mary's fearlessness and faithfulness at the foot of the cross, so we come to imitate and honor her on this day.

When Jesus spoke from the cross, He said to the disciple John "Behold, your mother." This verse has become important for all Christians but is especially glorified in the Catholic faith. We acknowledge through the beloved disciple that Mary's maternal relationship extends to all mankind. And through Mary's devotion, Christ again invites all His children to come and share in a relationship with Him.

St. John Paul II writes, 

Mary Most Holy goes on being the loving consoler of those touched by the many physical and moral sorrows which afflict and torment humanity. She knows our sorrows and our pains because she too, suffered, from Bethlehem to Calvary. 'And thy soul too a sword shall pierce.' Mary is our Spiritual Mother, and the mother always understands her children and consoles them in their troubles. Then, she has that specific mission to love us, received from Jesus on the cross, to love us only and always so as to save us! Mary consoles us above all by pointing out the Crucified One and Paradise to us!"

On this special day, take some time to reflect on Our Lady of Sorrows, and just as the disciple "took her into his home," we too can bring her into our hearts and homes. Remember, Mary's prominent role and our devotion to her is always about bringing us closer to Christ. Her faithfulness during the passion and death of her Son can be an inspiration to our Christian journey. Listen quietly today as her humble manner ever so gently reminds us that in the wounds of Christ, we find salvation.

For further reflection:

The Seven Sorrows Devotion

V. O God, come to my assistance
R. O Lord, make haste to help me
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen 

(The Hail Mary is prayed a total of eight times, including once after each of the seven prayers.)

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

[For the First Sorrow - The Prophecy of Simeon:]

I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the affliction of thy tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon. Dear Mother, by thy heart so afflicted, obtain for me the virtue of humility and the gift of the holy fear of God.

Hail Mary, etc.

[For the Second Sorrow– The Flight into Egypt:]

I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the anguish of thy most affectionate heart during the flight into Egypt and thy sojourn there. Dear Mother, by thy heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of generosity, especially toward the poor, and the gift of piety.

Hail Mary, etc.

[For the Third Sorrow– The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple:]

I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in those anxieties which tried thy troubled heart at the loss of thy dear Jesus. Dear Mother, by thy heart so full of anguish, obtain for me the virtue of chastity and the gift of knowledge.

Hail Mary, etc.

[For the Fourth Sorrow- Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary:]

I grieve for thee, O Mary, most sorrowful in the consternation of thy heart at meeting Jesus as he carried His Cross. Dear Mother, by thy heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of patience and the gift of fortitude.

Hail Mary, etc.

[For the Fifth Sorrow- Jesus Dies on the Cross:]

I grieve for thee O Mary, most sorrowful, in the martyrdom which thy generous heart endured in standing near Jesus in His agony. Dear Mother, by thy afflicted heart, obtain for me the virtue of temperance and the gift of counsel.

Hail Mary, etc.

[For the Sixth Sorrow- Mary Receives Jesus:]

I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the wounding of thy compassionate heart, when the side of Jesus was struck by the lance and His Heart was pierced before His body was removed from the Cross. Dear Mother, by thy heart thus transfixed, obtain for me the virtue of fraternal charity and the gift of understanding.

Hail Mary, etc.

[For the Seventh Sorrow- Jesus is Placed in the Tomb:]

I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, for the pangs that wrenched thy most loving heart at the burial of Jesus. Dear Mother, by thy heart sunk in the bitterness of desolation, obtain for me virtue of diligence and the gift of wisdom.

Hail Mary, etc.

After the seven prayers, we conclude with the following:

V. Pray for us, O Virgin, most sorrowful 
R. That we made be worthy of the promises of Christ

Let us Pray

Let intercession be made for us, we beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, now and at the hour of our death, before the throne of Thy mercy, by the Blessed Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, whose most holy soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the hour of Thy bitter Passion. Through Thee, Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.