Fr Ed Homily 09-15-22: 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:

Names by which the Blessed Virgin Mary is referred to in relation to sorrows in her life

• The Prophecy of Simeon over the Infant Jesus (Luke 2:34)
• The Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family (Matthew 2:13)
• The Loss of the Child Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:43)
• The Meeting of Jesus and Mary along the Way of the Cross (Luke 23:26)
• The Crucifixion, where Mary stands at the foot of the cross (John 19:25)
• The Descent from the Cross, where Mary receives the dead body of Jesus in her arms (Matthew 27:57)
• The Burial of Jesus (John 19:40)

There is an Our Lady of Sorrows rosary. Yes, there are different rosaries. This one starts with a special prayer, then three Hail Mary’s, then a prayer, an Our Father, then seven Hail Mary’s. There are seven groups of seven Hail Mary’s, ending with a special prayer. You can google Our Lady of Sorrows rosary to get the entire prayer.

May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen