Our Lady of Sorrows
A brief explanation why the Church dedicates September to Our Lady of Sorrows.
The Church dedicates the month of September to Our Lady of Sorrows, also known as Mater Dolorosa (Mother of Sorrows). This devotion recalls the Blessed Virgin Mary’s spiritual martyrdom in virtue of her perfect union with the Passion of Christ.
This was her role in salvation history, and what merited her place as the spiritual Mother of all Christians. This is symbolized by a single sword, or seven swords, piercing Mary’s suffering heart, as foretold in Simeon’s prophecy.
Traditionally the Church meditates on the “Seven Sorrows” of our Blessed Mother: the prophecy of Simeon; the Holy Family’s flight into Egypt; the loss of the Child Jesus for three days; the meeting of Mary and Jesus as he carried his cross; Jesus’ crucifixion and death; Jesus’ sacred body taken down from the cross; and Jesus’ burial. The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (Mater Dolorosa) is September 15th.
As Mary stood at the foot of the cross, her Son dying so painfully, His pain became her pain, His death her death. And when the sword pierced His heart, a sword pierced her heart. She who suffered her Son’s death now shares most abundantly in his divine love and joy. Mary invites us to stand by her at the foot of the cross. We who share her sorrow will one day share in her joy.
May you have a blessed and restful Labor Day.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen