Feast Day: September 15
Today, September 15, the Catholic Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary in her profound union with the suffering and Passion of her Son, Jesus Christ.
Our Lady of Sorrows reminds us that Mary’s love for Jesus was not only present in His moments of glory, but remained steadfast when He suffered and died upon the Cross.
The Seven Sorrows of Mary
Catholic devotion traditionally remembers seven great sorrows in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
- The prophecy of Simeon
- The flight into Egypt
- The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
- Mary meets Jesus carrying His Cross
- Mary stands beneath the Cross of Jesus
- Mary receives the body of Jesus
- Jesus is laid in the tomb
These sorrows reveal the depth of Mary’s love and her complete trust in God.
Mary at the Foot of the Cross
The Gospel of John tells us:
“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother…”
— John 19:25
Mary did not abandon Jesus in His darkest hour. She remained near the Cross, sharing in His suffering with a mother’s faithful and sorrowful heart.
Jesus then entrusted Mary to the beloved disciple:
“Behold, your mother.”
Through these words, the Church has traditionally understood Mary as being given to the disciples as a spiritual mother.
What Our Lady of Sorrows Teaches Us
Our Lady of Sorrows teaches us how to remain faithful when life becomes difficult.
There are moments when we may experience grief, illness, family difficulties, disappointment, loneliness, or uncertainty. Mary understands the pain of a mother’s heart and the sorrow of watching someone she loves suffer.
Yet Mary’s sorrow was never separated from faith.
She trusted God even when she could not understand everything that was happening.
Her example teaches us to bring our suffering to Jesus rather than carrying it alone.
A Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows
Our Lady of Sorrows, Mother of Jesus and our Mother,
You stood faithfully beside the Cross of your Son and shared in His suffering with a loving and steadfast heart.
When we experience sorrow, teach us to remain close to Jesus.
When we are afraid, strengthen our faith.
When our hearts are wounded, lead us to the Sacred Heart of your Son.
Pray for our families, our loved ones, the suffering, the sick, and all those who carry heavy crosses today.
Help us to unite our sufferings with the Cross of Christ and to trust in God’s loving providence.
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.
Amen.
Bible Reading for Today
John 19:25–27
Today, take a few quiet moments to meditate on Mary standing beneath the Cross of Jesus.
Ask her to help you remain faithful to Christ in both times of joy and times of suffering.
A Simple Prayer for Your Intention
Bring your personal intention before Jesus through the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray for Us
May Our Lady of Sorrows teach us to remain close to Jesus in every trial and to trust that the Cross is not the end, but leads to the hope of the Resurrection.
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The post September 15 – Our Lady of Sorrows | Memorial appeared first on NOVENA PRAYER.