September: A Month Dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows

The Catholic Church dedicates the month of September to Our Lady of Sorrows, a devotion that focuses on the profound sufferings and sorrows of the Virgin Mary. This devotion, which finds its roots in the 12th century, serves as a powerful reminder of Mary’s deep connection to the Passion of Christ and her unique role in salvation history.

Origins of the Devotion

The devotion to the Sorrows of Mary began in monastic circles under the influence of saints like St. Anselm and St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Their theological reflections on Mary’s participation in the sufferings of Christ inspired the Cistercians and later the Servite Order (the Order of the Servants of Mary) to propagate this devotion. The Servites, founded in the 13th century, made it their mission to promote the devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary.

The devotion became particularly widespread in the 14th and 15th centuries, especially in the Rhineland and Flanders, where Confraternities of the Sorrowful Mother were established. These Confraternities provided a communal way for the faithful to meditate on Mary’s sorrows and to participate in acts of reparation. The devotion gained further liturgical recognition when a provincial council in Mainz, Germany, in 1423, instituted the “Feast of the Sorrows of Mary” as a means of atoning for the desecration of her images by the Hussites.

The Seven Sorrows of Mary

The Seven Sorrows of Mary, also known as the Seven Dolors, are key events in the life of the Virgin Mary that caused her immense sorrow. These events are deeply rooted in Scripture and tradition, and they invite the faithful to meditate on Mary’s suffering, offering a path to deeper compassion and spiritual growth.

1. The Prophecy of Simeon
   Luke 2:34-35
   When Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the Temple, the prophet Simeon foretold that Jesus would be a sign of contradiction and that a sword would pierce Mary’s soul. This prophecy revealed the future suffering of both Jesus and Mary, setting the stage for Mary’s participation in her Son’s redemptive mission.
2. The Flight into Egypt
   Matthew 2:13-14
   After the visit of the wise men, an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and the child Jesus to escape King Herod’s wrath. The Holy Family’s sudden departure and the uncertainty of life in a foreign land brought great sorrow to Mary, who feared for the safety of her Son.
3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
   Luke 2:43-45
   When Jesus was 12 years old, He remained behind in the Temple after a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Mary and Joseph, unaware of His whereabouts, searched for Him anxiously for three days. This experience of losing her Son, even temporarily, caused Mary great distress.
4. Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary
   Luke 23:27
   As Jesus carried His cross to Calvary, He encountered His mother along the way. Their eyes met, and Mary saw the agony and suffering of her beloved Son. Despite her sorrow, she remained steadfast, accompanying Him in spirit to His crucifixion.
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
   John 19:25-27
   Standing at the foot of the cross, Mary witnessed the brutal execution of her Son. She heard His final words, entrusting her to the care of the Apostle John and, in doing so, giving her as a mother to all of humanity. Mary’s heart was pierced with sorrow as she watched Jesus breathe His last.
6. The Body of Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross
   Mark 15:43-46
   After Jesus’ death, His body was taken down from the cross and placed in His mother’s arms. This poignant moment, often depicted in art as the Pietà, symbolizes Mary’s deep grief and her profound love for her Son. She held the lifeless body of the one she had brought into the world, mourning the loss of her child.
7. The Burial of Jesus
   John 19:41-42
   Mary followed Jesus to the tomb, where His body was laid to rest. This final act of sorrow marked the end of her earthly relationship with Him, but it also held the promise of the Resurrection. Mary’s faith in God’s plan remained unshaken, even in the face of death.

The Liturgical Celebration

The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on September 15th, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. This proximity in the liturgical calendar highlights the inseparable connection between the Passion of Christ and the sufferings of His mother. The feast day invites the faithful to meditate on Mary’s sorrows and to offer prayers of reparation for the sins of the world.

In the liturgy, the Stabat Mater, a 13th-century hymn that reflects on Mary’s sorrows at the foot of the cross, is often sung. This hymn, which has inspired countless musical settings, beautifully expresses the depth of Mary’s sorrow and her solidarity with her Son’s suffering.

The Resurgence of Devotion

In the 20th century, devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows saw a resurgence, particularly after the apparitions of Our Lady of Kibeho in Rwanda. In the 1980s, the Blessed Virgin appeared to a group of young people, urging them to pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary and to reflect on the Passion of Christ and the sufferings of His mother. The apparitions, recognized by the Church, have reignited interest in this ancient devotion, reminding the faithful of its relevance in contemporary times.

Spiritual Significance of the Devotion

Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is not merely a reflection on the past but a powerful spiritual practice that invites the faithful to unite their own sufferings with those of Mary. By meditating on her sorrows, believers can find strength and consolation in their trials, knowing that Mary understands their pain and accompanies them on their journey of faith.

This devotion also deepens one’s understanding of the mystery of the Incarnation and the redemptive suffering of Christ. Mary’s sorrows are a testament to her unwavering faith and her participation in the salvific work of her Son. Through this devotion, the faithful are drawn closer to the heart of the Blessed Mother, who leads them to a deeper relationship with Jesus.

The month of September, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, offers Catholics a unique opportunity to reflect on the profound sufferings of the Virgin Mary and their connection to the Passion of Christ. Through this devotion, the faithful are invited to meditate on the Seven Sorrows of Mary, to seek her intercession in their own trials, and to grow in compassion and understanding of the mystery of suffering. As they journey with Mary through her sorrows, they are drawn closer to her Son, who is the source of all hope and redemption.