Our Blessed Mother has been depicted in many different ways throughout the ages and has a variety of titles.
The title “Our Lady of Sorrows” given to Mary concentrates on the deep suffering and intense grief she endured during the passion of her Son, Jesus. She is often portraited with seven swords piercing her heart, one for each of the seven sorrows she experienced. St. Bernard (d. 1153) wrote, “Truly, O Blessed Mother, a sword has pierced your heart.... He died in body through a love greater than anyone had known. She died in spirit through a love unlike any other since His.”
We all go through suffering during our lifetime here on earth. Our heavenly Mother understands our pain since she herself went through it. Meditating on Mary’s seven sorrows can unite us with her suffering, give us a better understanding of the sanctity of suffering, and provide consolation and a source of strength in our own suffering. The Priest Simeon foretold Mary’s seven sorrows, proclaiming to Mary the first sorrow:
“This child [Jesus] is destined to be the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed and you yourself shall be pierced with a sword so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare (Luke 2:34-35).
The additional sorrows of our Blessed Mother include
2. The flight of the Holy Family into Egypt
3. The loss and finding of the child Jesus in the Temple
4. Mary meets Jesus on His way to Calvary
5. Mary stands at the foot of the cross when our Lord is crucified
6. Mary holds Jesus when He is taken down from the cross
7. Our Lord's burial
At the Annunciation, Mother Mary expressed her fiat, let it be done unto me according to your word. She accepted the joy and suffering of being the mother of God with courage, love, and trust. A love not only for her son, but also for each one of us. This love gave her the strength to embrace each sword as it pierced her heart and continues as she cares for each of us tenderly, deeply, and faithfully.
Our Lady of Sorrows, Pray for us.
From the Spiritual Life Committee (Sybille Neuber)