Seven Sorrows of Our Lady
Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows
Our Lady of Sorrows
Mater Dolorosa
Mater Dolorosa, ora pro nobis.
Sorrowful Mother, pray for us.
Traditional image of the Sorrowful Mother
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Origin Story
Devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary grew in the older life of the Church and was especially spread by the Servite Order. This nine-day form keeps the first seven days with the sorrows themselves, then moves into the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and finally the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, drawing the soul more deeply into union with the Passion of Christ through the compassionate heart of His Mother.
Instructions
Traditionally prayed from September 7 through September 15 in preparation for the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, though it may also be prayed at other times of grief, repentance, or family suffering.
Each day begins with the day meditation, then the Hail Mary, the prayer to Our Sorrowful Mother for a particular grace, and the Memorare.
Days 1 through 7 follow the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Day 8 turns toward the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14, and Day 9 keeps the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15.
It is fitting to place a private intention in the hands of the Sorrowful Mother and to ask for the grace named in each day of the novena.
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The First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon
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 me unite my heart to yours in this pain, and ask you the grace to keep the thought of my death in mind, so I may always avoid sin.
Daily Prayers Recited After Each Day
Hail Mary
Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Prayer to our Sorrowful Mother for a particular grace
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 me kindly as I kneel before you, sympathizing with your sorrows and offering you my petition with childlike trust. Dear Mother, since your Son refuses you nothing, ask of His Sacred Heart to mercifully grant what I ask, 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 I go in my 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.
Memorare
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, I fly unto you, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your clemency, hear and answer me. Amen.
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