FEAST OF THE MOTHER OF SORROWS

THE MOTHER WHO STAYED

On Calvary, as darkness covered the earth and Jesus suffered on the Cross, many had fled in fear. Mary remained. She stood silently and steadfastly beside her dying Son. The prophecy of Simeon, spoken years earlier, was now fulfilled as a sword pierced her heart.

She remembered the joys and sorrows of His life, from His birth and the flight into Egypt to His years in Nazareth and His journey to Calvary. Her Son was dying, and although she could not take away His suffering, she stayed with Him.

A MOTHER FOR THE SUFFERING

The Church has always recognized Mary’s profound union with Christ’s Passion. In the thirteenth century, the Servants of Mary promoted devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, helping Christians see her as a loving Mother who understands human suffering.

Her sorrows include the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, the loss of Jesus in the Temple, meeting Him on the way to Calvary, His Crucifixion and Death, receiving His body into her arms, and His burial.

Through each sorrow, Mary remained faithful to God and united herself more deeply with her Son. Her example gives hope to all who suffer, reminding us that she who stayed beside Jesus will also stay beside us in our own crosses.

A FEAST BORN OF TEARS

In 1817, Pope Pius VII extended the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows to the universal Church in thanksgiving for his safe return to Rome after his exile during the Napoleonic era. The memorial was placed on September 15, immediately after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The closeness of these feasts beautifully reminds us that where the Cross stands, Mary stands beside her Son.

THE SWORD AND THE HOPE

Mary’s sorrow speaks deeply to everyone who experiences grief, loss, betrayal, loneliness or silent suffering. She understands the pain of a mother’s heart and the anguish of standing helpless before suffering. She assures us that we do not have to carry our crosses alone.

Mary’s sorrows did not end in despair. Her sorrow at Calvary opened into the joy of the Resurrection. She teaches us that suffering, when united with Christ, can become a path to deeper faith, love and hope.

A MODERN EXAMPLE OF FAITH

A young mother who lost her little son after a sudden illness once sat before a crucifix, unable to pray. Through her tears, she simply whispered, “Mary, you too lost your Son. Stay with me.” Gradually, she found the strength to face each new day. Her sorrow did not disappear, but she discovered that she was not carrying it alone.

This is the comfort Our Lady of Sorrows offers to every wounded heart. She remains beside us, especially when our suffering is greatest.

CONCLUSION

The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows is not merely a remembrance of sadness. It is a celebration of faithful love and compassionate presence.

Mary stayed at the Cross, remained united with her Son, and continues to accompany us in our own crosses. Through her tears, she leads us towards the hope and joy of the Resurrection.

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FEAST OF THE MOTHER OF SORROWS
15th SEPTEMBER

John 19:25 b-27 – 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 whom he loved standing near, 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 to his own home.

Our Lady of Sorrows, the memories of your sorrows invites us to consider the decisive role you played in salvation history and how much you suffered for the redemption of the world.

Your sufferings began right from the moment of the Annunciation.

Though unmarried, you were approached to be the mother of God. The sufferings before the birth of Jesus were multiplied after his birth.

What could be more disturbing for a mother to hear that her only son and child would be the downfall and rising of many?

What could be more disturbing for a mother to know that because of her only son and child, a sword would pierce her heart?

What could be more painful for a mother about to give birth to a baby, to travel without any adequate means on a long journey?

What could be more disturbing and painful for a mother to frantically search for her only son and child for three whole days and upon finding him, to realize he would be missing most of her life, fulfilling his Father’s ministry?

These were all the sorrows you passed through, cooperating with your Son to gain Salvation for wretched mankind.

You suffered the risk of bringing up a son who was considered strange and eccentric. Your only child was arrested, beaten, disgraced publicly and killed after all the good he had done for mankind.

Yours was the horrendously painful task of witnessing the humiliating and cruel death of your Son crucified on the Cross of our sins.

Jesus, from the Cross, entrusted us to you, Mother, and exhorted us to be your children.

Let the privilege of having a heavenly, loving and caring Mother prompt us to be loving and caring sons and daughters of this Mother.

Mother Mary, you stood by Jesus to the end…as you stand by each one of us. You will not lose the children who have cost you so dearly.

OUR LADY OF SORROWS PRAY FOR US AND HELP US CARRY THE BITTER CROSS OF OUR SORROWS IN THIS LIFE, WITH HUMILITY AND FORBEARANCE! AMEN