Our lady of Sorrows (Mater Dolorosa)

Blessed Virgin Mary weeping over the dead body of Christ.

Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (Mater Dolorosa) or Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, or Our Lady of the seven Dolours are names given to the Blessed Virgin in relation to her sorrows in life,  namely:

1. Prophecy of Simeon(Luke2:34-35)  or the  circumcision of Christ.

2. The flight to Egypt  (Mat. 2:13)

3. The loss of the child Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:43-45).
4. Mary meets Jesus on the way to the cavalry (Luke 23:26).

5. Jesus dies on the cross (John 129:25).

6. Mary receives the body of Jesus in her arms Mat. 27:57-59).

7. Body of Jesus is placed in the tomb (John 19:4-42).

The seven sorrows should not be confused with the five sorrowful mysteries of the rosary.

“Standing close to Jesus’ cross were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there; so he said to his mother, “He is your son.” Then said to his disciple, “She is your mother.” From that time the disciple took her to live in his home.” -John 19:25-27.

Behold thy mother, an exhortation for John to take care of the blessed Mother. Jesus on the cross about to die made an assurance that somebody would take care of her mother.

It is a great challenge on our part to take care of our own mothers–to show our love and care while they are  still here on earth. It is the sentiment of old mothers that their children no to longer give attention to them.

Mary and John talking to Jesus while suffering on the cross.

 

                                                Our lady of Sorrows (Mater Dolorosa)