September 15th 2009 - Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows

This feast which commemorates Mary standing at the foot of the cross as her son was dying focusses on the trials Mary had to contend with during her life. Sometimes we have a rather "plaster saint" image of Mary. We can sometimes see her as one who sailed through life with no difficulties. Today's feast reminds us that she is every bit as human as the rest of us and that she too had worries and difficulties.

The Seven Sorrows (or Dolors) are events in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary which are a popular devotion and are frequently depicted in art.

It is a common devotion for Catholics to say daily a Hail Mary for each.
The prophecy of Simeon over the Infant Jesus. (Luke 2:34)
The Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family. (Matthew 2:13)
The loss of the child Jesus for three days. (Luke 2:43)
The Meeting of Jesus and Mary along the Way of the Cross. (Luke 23:26) .

The crucifixion, where Mary stands at the foot of the cross. (John 19:25) .

The taking of the body of Jesus from the cross. (Matthew 27:57)
The Burial of Jesus. (John 19:40)

There is a famous hymn in Latin which is associated with this day. It is called "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" (The sorrowful mother was standing). Here is an english translation:

At the cross her station keeping, Mary stood in sorrow weeping

When her Son was crucified.
While she waited in her anguish, Seeing Christ in torment languish,

Bitter sorrow pierced her heart.

With what pain and desolation, With what noble resignation,

Mary watched her dying Son.
Ever-patient in her yearning Though her tear-filled eyes were burning,

Mary gazed upon her Son.

Who, that sorrow contemplating, On that passion meditating,

Would not share the Virgin's grief?
Christ she saw, for our salvation, Scourged with cruel acclamation,

Bruised and beaten by the rod.

Christ she saw with life-blood failing, All her anguish unavailing,

Saw him breathe his very last.
Mary, fount of love's devotion, Let me share with true emotion

All the sorrow you endured.

Virgin, ever interceding, Hear me in my fervent pleading:

Fire me with your love of Christ.
Mother, may this prayer be granted:That Christ's love may be implanted

In the depths of my poor soul.

At the cross, your sorrow sharing, All your grief and torment bearing,

Let me stand and mourn with you.
Fairest maid of all creation, Queen of hope and consolation,

Let me feel your grief sublime.

Virgin, in your love befriend me, At the Judgment Day defend me.

Help me by your constant prayer.
Savior, when my life shall leave me,Through your mother's prayersreceive me

With the fruits of victory.

Virgin of all virgins blest! Listen to my fond request:

Let me share your grief divine
Let me, to my latest breath, In my body bear the death

Of your dying Son divine.

Wounded with His every wound, Steep my soul till it has swooned

In His very Blood away.
Be to me, O Virgin, nigh, Lest in flames I burn and die,

In His awe-full judgment day.

Savior, when my life shall leave me,Through your mother's prayersreceive me

With the fruits of victory.
While my body here decays May my soul your goodness praise,

Safe in heaven eternally. Amen Alleluia.