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The Healing Journey

September 15, 2023

“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple 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.”
— John 19:25-27
Blessed Mother Watching Her Son On The Cross

One of the titles of the Blessed Mother is Our Lady of Sorrows. It recalls the prophecy of Simeon, when the infant Jesus was presented in the Temple, and he told Mary: “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted … and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

Our Lady of Sorrows is pictured with seven swords piercing her Immaculate Heart. The Seven Sorrows of Mary became a devotion in the 14th century. Our Lady revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden that meditating on her sorrows would bring people special graces, including peace in their families, consolation in their pain, and the assurance that she would “visibly help them at the moment of their death—they will see the face of their mother.”

The Seven Sorrows are:

  1. The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)
  1. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-21)
  2. The Loss of Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:41-50)
  3. Jesus Carrying His Cross (John 19:17)
  4. The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:18-30)
  5. Jesus Taken Down from the Cross (John 19:39-40)
  6. Jesus Laid in the Tomb (John 19:39-42)

In her revelations to St. Bridget of Sweden, the Blessed Mother said, “I gaze upon the children of men to see whether anyone feels compassion for me, and alas, I see but few! Do not forget me. Consider how much I have suffered.”

Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows

Most holy Virgin Mary, when you presented Jesus your son in the Temple, you heard Simeon foretell that a sword of sorrow would pierce your own heart, that the thoughts of many hearts might be revealed. This day I reveal to you in prayer the longings of my own heart: (mention your prayerful requests.) Please present them to your Son so that in his mercy he may listen and respond.

O Mary, Mother of the Church, as you stood beneath the cross on Calvary, Jesus entrusted Saint John and all believers to your care. I now place in your hands all my sorrows and joys, all my fears and hopes, all my doubts and grief. I pray to God through Jesus Christ, your Son and our risen Lord. Amen

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