Our Lady of Sorrows

Biography

Our Lady of Sorrows, also known as Beata Maria Virgo Perdolens, Beata Vergine Addolorata, Dolorosa, Maria Santissima Addolorata, Mater Dolorosa, Mother of Sorrows, Our Lady of the Seven Dolours, Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, and Sorrowful Mother, is a title by which the Blessed Virgin Mary is referred to in relation to the sorrows she endured throughout her life. The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows stems from the events recorded in the New Testament, highlighting seven specific sorrows experienced by Mary: 1. The Prophecy of Simeon over the Infant Jesus (Luke 2:34): When Mary presented Jesus in the temple, Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce her heart. 2. The Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family (Matthew 2:13): To protect Jesus from King Herod, Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt. 3. The Loss of the Child Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:43): On their way back from Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph realized Jesus was missing and anxiously searched for Him. 4. The Meeting of Jesus and Mary along the Way of the Cross (Luke 23:26): Mary encountered Jesus as He carried His cross to Calvary, witnessing His suffering. 5. The Crucifixion, where Mary stands at the foot of the cross (John 19:25): Mary stood steadfastly at the foot of the cross as Jesus was crucified, sharing in His agony. 6. The Descent from the Cross, where Mary received the dead body of Jesus in her arms (Matthew 27:57): After Jesus' death, Mary held His lifeless body in her arms, deepening her sorrow. 7. The Burial of Jesus (John 19:40): Mary witnessed the burial of her beloved Son, experiencing the finality of His earthly life. The representation of Our Lady of Sorrows often depicts a heart surrounded by a wreath of roses and transfixed by a sword, symbolizing her sorrows. Another common representation includes a heart with seven swords, emblematic of the Seven Sorrows. The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows has flourished within the Catholic Church, and various organizations and places have been dedicated to her. The Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers, the Congregation of the Holy Cross, Slovakia, Brazil, Italy, the Philippines, Portugal, and the United States all have a special devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows. In Brazil, she is the patron of Alfenas, Bias Fortes, Boa Esperança, Camacho, Campo Florido, Capela Nova, Dona Eusébia, Dores de Campos, Dores de Guanhães, Dores do Indaiá, Dores do Turvo, Doresópolis, Gonçalves, Guaxupé, Ibiraci, Itaguara, Januária, Joaquim Felício, Lima Duarte, Marliéria, Piedade do Rio Grande, Presidente Kubitschek, Santa Juliana, and São Domingos das Dores. In Italy, she is honored in Abbiategrasso, Bitetto, Bosco Chiesanuova, Brivio, Castagneto (Cava de’ Tirreni), Castelforte, Castellazzo Bormida, Castelseprio, Costigliole d’Asti, Mola di Bari, Molise, Pettorazza Grimani, Postua, San Giorgio di Nogaro, Tornimparte, and Triuggio. In the Philippines, devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is observed in Dolores (Quezon), San Andres (Catanduanes), and San Fernando (Pampanga). Viana do Castelo in Portugal holds a special place of veneration for Our Lady of Sorrows. One notable devotion in the United States is found in Mississippi, where many faithful honor Our Lady of Sorrows. The feast day of Our Lady of Sorrows is observed on September 15th, allowing believers to express their reverence for the Blessed Virgin Mary's sorrows and seek her intercession in their own sufferings.