Today, the Church commemorates Our Lady of Sorrows, honouring the deep suffering and compassion of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she shared in the passion and death of her Son, Jesus Christ.
This feast reminds us of Mary’s steadfast faith, her maternal love, and her example of strength through sorrow.
Prayer of the Day
Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows
O most sorrowful Mother Mary,
you who stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross,
teach us to unite our sufferings with those of Christ.
May your example of strength, patience, and love
help us carry our daily crosses with courage.
Intercede for us, O Mother of Sorrows,
that we may remain faithful to your Son
in times of trial and hardship.
Amen
Mass Readings of the Day
- First Reading: Hebrews 5:7–9 — Christ learned obedience through suffering and became the source of eternal salvation.
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31:2, 3b, 3cd-4, 5-6, 15-16, 20 — Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.
- Sequence (optional): Stabat Mater — At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful Mother weeping.
- Gospel: John 19:25–27 — “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
Saint of the Day: Our Lady of Sorrows
This feast honors the Virgin Mary in her role as the grieving Mother who remained faithful and steadfast through Christ’s suffering and death. It highlights her seven sorrows, from Simeon’s prophecy to the burial of Jesus.
5 Interesting Facts about Our Lady of Sorrows
- The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows dates back to the 13th century and was promoted by the Servite Order.
- The Seven Sorrows of Mary are central to this devotion, reflecting her deep suffering as the Mother of Jesus.
- The Stabat Mater, a famous hymn, is dedicated to her and often sung during Lent and this feast.
- Pope Pius VII extended the feast to the universal Church in 1817 after being freed from captivity.
- Mary is often depicted with seven swords piercing her heart, symbolizing her seven sorrows
