The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows follows closely after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14th). This connection highlights the intimate link between Mary’s suffering and Christ’s Passion. Just as the Church exalts the Cross as the instrument of salvation, it also venerates Mary’s compassionate heart, pierced by the sword of sorrow as prophesied by Simeon.
Mary’s example teaches us that suffering is an unavoidable part of life. However, like Mary, we can unite our sufferings to Christ’s, offering them for the salvation of souls and the glory of God. Through faith, even the most profound sorrows can be transformed into sources of grace.
Mary’s sorrows arose from her deep love for her Son and her empathy for all humanity. By contemplating her compassionate heart, we are encouraged to grow in our own capacity for compassion, extending empathy and support to those who suffer around us.
Mary understands our sorrows because she experienced them firsthand. As the Mother of Sorrows, she intercedes for us before her Son, offering comfort and strength to those who turn to her in times of need. Let us confidently seek her maternal assistance, especially when we face life’s challenges.
Stabat Mater
The sorrowful mother was standing
beside the Cross weeping,
while the Son was hanging.
Whose moaning soul,
depressed and grieving,
the sword has passed through.
O how sad and stricken
was that blessed [woman],
mother of the Only-begotten [one]!
Who was mourning and suffering,
the pious Mother, while she was watching
the punishments of the glorious son.
Who is the person who would not weep,
if he had seen the mother of Christ
in such great suffering?
Who would not be able to be saddened
to behold the Mother of Christ
grieving with the Son?
For the sins of his people
she saw Jesus in torments,
and subjected to lashes.
She saw her sweet Son
dying forsaken,
while he sent forth [his] spirit.
Come now, O Mother, fountain of love
Make me feel the power of sorrow
that I might mourn with you.
Grant that my heart may burn
in loving Christ the God
that I might please him.
O Holy Mother, may you do that,
fix the wounds of the cross
mightily in my heart.
Of your wounded son,
[who] so deigned to suffer for me,
Share [his] penalties with me.
Make me cry dutifully with you,
to suffer (with him) on the cross,
as long as I shall have lived.
To stand by the Cross with you,
to unite me to you
in weeping [this] I desire.
O noble Virgin of virgins,
Be not bitter with me now,
Make me mourn with you.
Grant that I might bear the death of Christ,
Make [me] kindred in the passion,
and contemplate the wounds.
Make me injured by the wounds,
make me drunken by the Cross,
and by the blood of the Son.
Lest I be consumed burned by flames,
through you, O Virgin, may I be defended
on the day of judgement.
O Christ, when it is time to depart hence,
grant me to come through the Mother,
to the palm of victory.
When the body will decay,
grant that it may be bestowed on [my] soul
the glory of paradise. Amen.
The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows invites us to meditate on Mary’s profound love and her participation in the redemptive work of Christ. Through prayer, reflection, and participation in the traditions of this feast, may we learn to embrace suffering, cultivate compassion, and find solace and strength in her maternal intercession.
