Start Date: September 7
Feast Day: September 15
Patronage:
Our Lady of Sorrows is patroness of the afflicted, the grieving, and all who suffer in body or soul. Standing at the foot of the Cross, she shared in the Passion of Our Adorable Jesus and so became Mother of all who carry heavy burdens. As patroness, she consoles the sorrowing, strengthens the persecuted, guides the exiled, and intercedes for sinners, teaching that no suffering is wasted when offered with Christ. In her maternal care, she leads us from tears to hope, from sorrow to peace, and from the shadow of the Cross to the light of eternal life.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer (to be said each day):
O, mother most holy and sorrowful, Queen of Martyrs, you who stood by your Son as He agonized on the cross; by the sufferings of your life, by that sword of pain that pierced your heart, by your perfect joy in heaven, look down on us kindly as we kneel before you, sympathizing with your sorrows and offering you our petition with childlike trust.
Dear Mother, since your Son refuses you nothing, ask of His Sacred Heart to mercifully grant what we ask, (mention your petitions here) through the merits of His sacred passion, along with those of your sufferings at the foot of the cross.
Mother most merciful, to whom shall we go in our misery if not to you who pities us poor sinful exiles in this valley of tears? In our name, offer Jesus but one drop of His most precious blood, but one pang of His loving heart. Remind Him that you are our sweetness, our life and our hope, and your prayer will be heard. Amen.
First Day : First Sorrow of Mary — The Prophecy of Simeon
Scripture Reading
“And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be contradicted—and a sword will pierce through your own soul also—that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.’” (Luke 2:34–35)
Reflection
Mary received Simeon’s prophecy with a heart open to God’s will. The joy of presenting her Son was pierced by the revelation that His mission would bring contradiction, suffering, and her own share of sorrow. She teaches us that faith does not resist the cross but embraces it with trust. Simeon’s words remind us of the brevity of life and the seriousness of eternity. To live wisely is to live with the end in view, shunning sin and clinging to Christ. In Mary’s pierced heart we see that love is proven in sacrifice, and that sorrow can bear eternal fruit.
Prayer
Most Sorrowful Mother, grief filled was your heart when, on offering your divine Son at the temple, Holy Simeon foretold that a sword would pierce your soul. There and then you knew you would suffer with Jesus.
Queen of Martyrs, let us unite our hearts to yours in this pain, and ask you the grace to keep the thought of our death in mind, so we may always avoid sin.
Hail Mary…
Second Day : Second Sorrow of Mary — The Flight into Egypt
Scripture Reading
“Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” (Matthew 2:13)
Reflection
The flight into Egypt reveals the vulnerability of the Holy Family and the depth of Mary’s sorrow. To protect her Son, she embraced exile, poverty, and the unknown. Yet in every hardship she trusted the providence of God and the guardianship of Joseph. In this sorrow we see the trials of countless families today—refugees, persecuted believers, and all who suffer displacement. Mary teaches us to endure adversity without despair, clinging to Christ as our true safety. Her suffering reminds us that evil seeks to destroy innocence, yet God’s plan always triumphs. With Mary, we learn to resist temptation and persevere toward heaven.
Prayer
Most sorrowful Mother, your heart brimmed over with sorrow at the hate of Herod for your innocent Son. To save Him from the king’s jealousy, you had to flee with Him to Egypt. Your heart also suffered at seeing the suffering of your holy spouse, Saint Joseph, at the prospect of taking the divine Babe and you, his delicate spouse, into the wilderness and the unknown.
Queen of Martyrs, let us unite our hearts to yours in this sorrow, and obtain for us the grace to avoid those who wish us evil, above all evil to our souls. Let us avoid temptations and never leave the difficult but royal road to heaven.
Hail Mary…
Third Day : Third Sorrow of Mary — The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Scripture Reading
“When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” (Luke 2:45–46)
Reflection
Mary’s heart was pierced with anguish when she and Joseph lost sight of Our Adorable Jesus. For three days He seemed absent, and every moment deepened her sorrow. Yet her steadfast search teaches us the perseverance of faith when Christ feels distant. Our Adorable Jesus allowed this trial not to wound His Mother, but to prepare her to trust Him in greater sorrows to come. When sin separates us from Him, the soul tastes the same emptiness Mary endured. But through contrition and confession, He is always found again. With Mary we learn to cling to Jesus, never letting Him go.
Prayer
Most sorrowful Mother, grief, sorrow and anxiety filled your immaculate heart when you found you were separated from your Son on leaving Jerusalem.
For three days He remained lost to you and to your holy spouse. For three days you sought Him who was the light of your life. And for three days you failed to find Him.
Let us join you in this pain, O Queen of Martyrs, and obtain for us the grace to never lose Jesus through sin, but to stay united to Him by the help of His grace. If we have the misfortune of falling, may we never doubt His mercy and always return through the Sacrament of Confession, which He instituted.
Hail Mary…
Fourth Day : Fourth Sorrow of Mary — The Meeting of Mary and Jesus on the Way to Calvary
Scripture Reading
“And they led him away, bearing his own cross. And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him.” (Luke 23:26–27)
Reflection
Mary’s eyes met those of Our Adorable Jesus as He staggered beneath the weight of the cross. That silent exchange contained more love and more sorrow than words could express. She saw Him bruised, despised, and yet determined to save the world through sacrifice. In this sorrow Mary teaches us to walk faithfully with Christ, even when His path is marked by rejection and pain. Our Adorable Jesus, carrying His cross, invites us to bear our own trials with patience, knowing they lead to resurrection. With Mary, we learn that true love does not flee suffering but stands firm beneath the cross.
Prayer
Most sorrowful Mother, who can fathom the grief of your heart when you saw your Son fall, wounded and bleeding under the crushing weight of the cross, on the way to Calvary?
Queen of Martyrs, let us unite our hearts to yours in this sorrow, and obtain for us the grace to bear patiently whatever cross God may see fit to send us.
Hail Mary…
Fifth Day : Fifth Sorrow of Mary — The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
Scripture Reading
“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!’” (John 19:25–26)
Reflection
At Calvary, Mary stood immovable, her soul pierced as Our Adorable Jesus was lifted upon the cross. She did not flee sorrow but embraced it, offering her Son with unwavering faith. Unlike Abraham, whose hand was stayed, Mary witnessed the full immolation of the spotless Lamb. Her sorrow unveils both the horror of sin and the depth of God’s love. Standing with Mary, we learn that discipleship costs sacrifice, even to death itself. Our Adorable Jesus calls us to fight temptation with courage, to endure trial with fidelity, and to prepare for death not in fear, but in grace and trust.
Prayer
Most sorrowful Mother, standing by the cross of Jesus, your heart was one great knot. And yet, you did not sit, you did not even lean, but stood as you watched Him suffer for the sins of the whole world—for our sins. Like Abraham, you offered the sacrifice standing up, consciously and willingly. In your case, you offered it for us, and for every sinner. Still, unlike Abraham, you stood and watched Him die. In your case, your perfect Son was not spared.
Queen of Martyrs, let us join you in this sorrow, and obtain for us the grace to fight against temptation and sin at the cost of effort, suffering, and even life. When our turn comes, grant us, Mother, by your Jesus’ death and your sacrifice, the grace to die in His holy Grace—the grace of a happy death.
Hail Mary…
Sixth Day : Sixth Sorrow of Mary — The Piercing of the Side of Jesus and His Descent from the Cross
Scripture Reading
“One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he tells the truth—that you also may believe.” (John 19:34–35)
Reflection
Mary received into her arms the lifeless body of Our Adorable Jesus, once radiant with divine beauty, now marred and scarred by our sins. This sorrow reveals the cost of our redemption and the tenderness of a Mother who held her slain Son as a final offering to the Father. In her grief we see both horror and hope: the blood and water flowing from His side signify mercy and new life. Mary teaches us to reverence His sacrifice, especially in the Eucharist, where He gives Himself to us still. United with her sorrow, we long to receive Him before death.
Prayer
Most Sorrowful Mother, when your Son’s body was lowered from the cross and laid in your arms, sorrow filled your heart.
Though now this sorrow had a note of relief, how painful it was for you to gaze on that body, formerly the seat of perfect life, health and beauty, gruesomely scarred, pale and lifeless.
Mother, Queen of Martyrs, let us join our hearts to yours in this grief, and obtain for us to receive Jesus into our souls before we die, so we may join Him in heaven forever.
Hail Mary…
Seventh Day : Seventh Sorrow of Mary — The Burial of Jesus
Scripture Reading
“Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock; and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and departed.” (Matthew 27:59–60)
Reflection
Mary’s sorrow deepened as the body of Our Adorable Jesus was taken from her arms and sealed in the tomb. For the world, it seemed like defeat and silence; yet Mary’s heart remained anchored in trust. She believed the promise of resurrection, even when darkness covered all. Her sorrow teaches us to cling to hope when faith is tested, to believe that suffering is never the final word. With Mary, we learn that every tomb conceals a dawn, and every trial hides God’s hidden work. Her faith leads us to repentance, to deeper love, and to the hope of eternal life.
Prayer
Most sorrowful Virgin, sorrow again filled your heart when the sacred body of your Son was taken from your arms, and placed in a cold grave. Yet you did not doubt that He would rise again.
Queen of Martyrs, let us join you in your sorrow, and grant us your own deep, trusting faith in the word of your Son. Let us trust that even in suffering, even when all seems lost, with Jesus there is always a way out.
Obtain for us too, a sincere sorrow for all our sins, a burning love for our God, a tender devotion to you, so that one day, we may die in His grace and, with Him, rise to eternal life.
Hail Mary…
Eighth Day : Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14)
Scripture Reading
“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14–15)
Reflection
The Cross, once a symbol of shame, is now exalted as the throne of victory, for upon it hung Our Adorable Jesus, who conquered sin and death by love. Mary, the Mother of Sorrows, stood beneath this tree of life, offering her Son and uniting her heart to His sacrifice. Like Saint Helena who discovered and honored the True Cross, we too are called to cherish this sign of salvation. To embrace the cross is to embrace Christ Himself. United with Mary, we learn that suffering offered in faith is transformed into prayer, power, and redemption for the world.
Prayer
Sweet Mother of Sorrows, Providence wished that Saint Helena, like you the mother of a King, find the cross of your Son and lavish honors on this relic of relics.
Grant us, Sorrowful Queen and Mother, that, like Saint Helena, we may always honor the symbol of our salvation, the cross. And like the Church, may we hold it high, display and wear it with gratitude and pride.
Above all, may we unite our sufferings to that of Jesus on the cross, and carry our crosses not in shame but in faith, love and patience as He did.
The Church teaches that suffering thus carried and united to His, is never in vain, but a powerful, redemptive prayer. May we always believe it, so our lives will always have meaning.
Hail Mary…
Ninth Day : Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Sorrows (September 15)
Scripture Reading
“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” (John 19:25)
Reflection
At Calvary, Mary became the Mother of Sorrows and also the Mother of all the living in Christ. By her union with Our Adorable Jesus, she shared His chalice of suffering, not as Redeemer but as the faithful companion of the Redeemer. Her pierced heart mirrored His pierced side, and from this union, the Church was born. On this feast, we learn that true discipleship requires standing with Mary at the foot of the Cross—remaining faithful when all seems lost. In her sorrow is hidden our hope, for she shows us that suffering, when surrendered to Christ, is the seed of eternal joy.
Prayer
O most holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ: by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon us kindly, and awaken in our hearts a tender sympathy for Our Lord’s sufferings.
Grant us a sincere detestation of our sins, so that free from undue affection for the passing joys of earth, we may set our sights higher on the eternal joys of heaven.
May all our thoughts and all our actions be directed towards this one great goal. Honor, glory, and love to our divine Lord Jesus, and to you, holy and immaculate Mother of God. Amen.
Hail Mary…
Closing Prayer (to be said each day):
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother! to you we come, before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer us. Amen.
Litany of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of the Crucified, pray for us.
Sorrowful Mother, pray for us.
Mournful Mother, pray for us.
Sighing Mother, pray for us.
Afflicted Mother, pray for us.
Forsaken Mother, pray for us.
Desolate Mother, pray for us.
Mother most sad, pray for us.
Mother set around with anguish, pray for us.
Mother overwhelmed by grief, pray for us.
Mother transfixed by a sword, pray for us.
Mother crucified in your heart, pray for us.
Mother bereaved of your Son, pray for us.
Sighing Dove, pray for us.
Mother of Dolors, pray for us.
Fount of tears, pray for us.
Sea of bitterness, pray for us.
Field of tribulation, pray for us.
Mass of suffering, pray for us.
Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Rock of constancy, pray for us.
Remedy in perplexity, pray for us.
Joy of the afflicted, pray for us.
Ark of the desolate, pray for us.
Refuge of the abandoned, pray for us.
Shield of the oppressed, pray for us.
Conqueror of the incredulous, pray for us.
Solace of the wretched, pray for us.
Medicine of the sick, pray for us.
Help of the faint, pray for us.
Strength of the weak, pray for us.
Protectress of those who fight, pray for us.
Haven of the shipwrecked, pray for us.
Calmer of tempests, pray for us.
Companion of the sorrowful, pray for us.
Retreat of those who groan, pray for us.
Terror of the treacherous, pray for us.
Standard-bearer of the Martyrs, pray for us.
Treasure of the Faithful, pray for us.
Light of Confessors, pray for us.
Pearl of Virgins, pray for us.
Comfort of Widows, pray for us.
Joy of all Saints, pray for us.
Queen of your Servants, pray for us.
Holy Mary, who alone are unexampled, pray for us.
Pray for us, most Sorrowful Virgin,
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
O God, in whose Passion, according to the prophecy of Simeon, a sword of grief pierced through the most sweet soul of Your glorious Blessed Virgin Mother Mary: grant that we, who celebrate the memory of her Seven Sorrows, may obtain the happy effect of Your Passion, Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.
May the Real Presence of Our Adorable Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament bless and sanctify us, filling our hearts with His love, peace, and grace, now and always. Amen.