Our Lady of Sorrows: A September Reflection

When we think of Mary, we generally think of her calm and serene—smiling gently as she holds the baby Jesus. But there is another image of Mary that the Church invites us to consider in September: the Sorrowful Mother, standing at the foot of the Cross, not pierced by a metal sword, but by the sword of sorrow.

September is the conventional month for the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These are not merely moments of sorrow in the life of Our Blessed Mother; they are profound lessons in divine love, steadfast trust and unwavering faith in God’s holy will, even when His divine plan remains beyond our understanding.

What Are the Seven Sorrows?

1. The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)
2. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15)
3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–50)
4. Mary Meets Jesus along the Via Dolorosa (Luke 23:27–31)
5. The Death of Jesus on the Cross (John 19:25–30)
6. Jesus’ Body is Removed from the Cross (Luke 23:50–54)
7. Jesus is Buried (Luke 23:55–56)

Each of these moments invites us into Mary’s heart. She did not just look at suffering—she suffered with faith, humbly uniting her suffering with her Son’s mission.

Why Do the Sorrows Matter?

Because sorrow is part of every life. We all have moments of terror, loss or failure. But Mary shows us how to walk through sorrow graciously, in faith, and without bitterness. She has a place in the hearts of those afflicted by grief, fear, and uncertainty.

And in the process, she became not only the Mother of Sorrows but the Mother of all the suffering.

How Can You Live This Devotion?

• Pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary

This is a special devotion where you pray Hail Marys while meditating on each of the sorrows. It’s simple, strong, and lovely to do so.

• Present Your Sorrows to Mary

Having a hard time? Tell her about it. She understands. Ask her to share it with you and to help you join your sorrow to Christ’s.

• Reflect on One Sorrow per Day

Spend a few minutes per day reflecting on one of her sorrows. What can it teach you about trusting God in your own hardship?

Mary’s sorrow does not end in despair, her sorrow leads to redemption. September is a time to sit with her, to listen to her, and to have her lead us not just through anguish but into more hope.

She stood at the Cross. She will stand with you, too.