The Catholic Church honors the Blessed Virgin Mary under many titles, each highlighting her unique role in salvation history. One of the most moving and profound is Our Lady of Sorrows, whose feast day is celebrated every year on September 15.
This devotion invites us to meditate on the suffering of Mary as she shared in the Passion of her Son, Jesus Christ. Known for centuries as the “Mother of Sorrows,” Mary shows us the depth of love, faith, and endurance in the face of suffering.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of the feast, the Seven Sorrows of Mary, ways Catholics can honor Our Lady of Sorrows, and why this devotion remains powerful today.
The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is observed the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14). This connection is intentional: Mary’s sufferings are inseparable from the sufferings of her Son.
The Church has celebrated Mary’s sorrows since at least the 13th century. The devotion grew through the influence of the Servite Order, founded by seven holy men of Florence, who dedicated themselves to the service of Mary and encouraged meditation on her sufferings.
Pope Pius VII extended the feast to the universal Church in 1817, after experiencing personal trials and persecution. Today, it remains one of the most heartfelt Marian feasts in the Catholic calendar.
The Seven Sorrows of Mary
At the heart of the devotion are the Seven Sorrows, moments in Mary’s life when she experienced profound grief:
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The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25–35) – Simeon tells Mary that a sword will pierce her soul.
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The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15) – Mary and Joseph flee with Jesus to escape King Herod.
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The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–50) – Mary and Joseph search anxiously for their lost Son.
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Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary (Luke 23:27–31) – Mary encounters her suffering Son carrying the Cross.
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The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25–30) – Mary stands at the foot of the Cross as Jesus dies.
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The Body of Jesus Placed in Mary’s Arms (Luke 23:55–56) – Mary receives her Son after His death.
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The Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:55–56) – Mary watches as Jesus is laid in the tomb.
These sorrows invite us to reflect on both Mary’s pain and her unwavering faith.
How to Honor Our Lady of Sorrows
Catholics can honor Mary under this title in many ways, especially around her feast day:
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Pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows – a special chaplet that meditates on each sorrow.
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Pray one decade of the regular Rosary, offering it in memory of Mary’s suffering.
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Attend Mass on September 15 in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows.
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Place a Marian image or statue in your home and decorate it with flowers.
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Offer personal sacrifices in union with Mary’s suffering.
The Spiritual Meaning of Mary’s Sorrows
Mary’s sorrows teach us important lessons for our own lives:
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Compassion – walking with others in their pain.
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Perseverance – holding faith when trials come.
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Union with Christ – sharing in His Cross to share in His Resurrection.
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Hope – trusting that God brings life out of suffering.
For Catholics today, this devotion is especially meaningful in times of personal hardship, family struggles, or global crisis. Mary shows us that sorrow does not end in despair, but leads to new life in Christ.
Our Lady of Sorrows in Art and Culture
Throughout history, artists have portrayed Our Lady of Sorrows with a heart pierced by seven swords, symbolizing her seven sufferings. This image is often seen on prayer cards, icons, and rosaries.
In some cultures, processions and special prayers are held on September 15. In Latin America and the Philippines, devotion to Mary as Mother of Sorrows is deeply rooted in popular Catholic life.
Prayers to Our Lady of Sorrows
One of the most common prayers is the Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows:
"Most holy and afflicted Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, you stood beneath the Cross, witnessing the agony of your dying Son. Through your compassion and tears, obtain for us the grace to bear our sufferings with love, and to unite them to the Passion of Jesus. Amen."
Another beautiful devotion is the Stabat Mater, a hymn sung during Lent and on this feast day, meditating on Mary’s suffering at the foot of the Cross.
Final Thoughts
The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows reminds us that Mary understands suffering in a deeply personal way. She is not only the Mother of Jesus but also the Mother of all believers, standing with us in our trials.
By meditating on her sorrows, we learn patience, compassion, and hope. By honoring her on September 15, we join the Church in lifting up all human pain to Christ, who transforms sorrow into joy.
May Our Lady of Sorrows intercede for us and lead us closer to her Son.
