September is a special month in the Catholic Church, as it is dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary. This devotion has a long history and deep significance, reflecting the profound suffering and sorrow experienced by the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout her life.
The Seven Sorrows of Mary refer to the seven key moments of anguish and grief that Mary endured:
1. The prophesy of Simeon: When the infant Jesus was presented in the temple, the prophet Simeon foretold that a "sword of sorrow" would pierce Mary's heart (Luke 2:34-35).
2. The flight into Egypt: Having been warned in a dream, Mary and Joseph had to flee with the infant Jesus to Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod (Matthew 2:13-15).
3. The loss of the child Jesus in the temple: Mary and Joseph lost the 12-year-old Jesus during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, only to find him days later conversing with the teachers in the temple (Luke 2:41-50).
4. The meeting of Jesus and Mary on the way to Calvary: As Jesus carried his cross to his crucifixion, Mary encountered her son, adding to her immense grief (Luke 23:27-31).
5. The crucifixion of Jesus: Mary stood at the foot of the cross, witnessing the excruciating death of her divine Son (John 19:25-27).
6. The taking down of the body of Jesus from the cross: After his death, Mary received the lifeless body of Jesus into her arms (Mark 15:42-47).
7. The burial of Jesus: Mary accompanied the body of Jesus as it was laid in the tomb (John 19:38-42).
The devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary serves as a profound meditation on the depth of Mary's suffering and her unwavering faith and love for her Son. It encourages the faithful to reflect on the sacrifices made by the Blessed Mother and to seek her intercession during times of sorrow and grief.
The dedication of September to this devotion is particularly meaningful, as it aligns with the liturgical calendar and the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, celebrated on September 15th. This feast day provides an opportunity for the faithful to honor Mary's role in the passion and death of Jesus, and to draw strength from her example of steadfast faith and compassion.
September is also a significant month for Mother Mary as Marymas, or her birthday is traditionally celebrated on September 8, nine months after the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8.
In conclusion, the devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary is a powerful reminder of the depth of the Blessed Mother's love and the importance of seeking her intercession during times of trial and suffering. By reflecting on these profound moments of anguish, the faithful can deepen their understanding of the sacrifices made by the Blessed Virgin Mary and find comfort in her unwavering presence.
Reference List:
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd ed. Vatican City: Liberia Editrice Vaticana, 2019.
Cruz, Joan Carroll. Miraculous Images of Our Lady: 100 Famous Catholic Portraits and Statues. Charlotte, NC: TAN Books, 2016.
Foley, Leonard. Saint of the Day: Lives, Lessons, and Feast. Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2003.
Miravalle, Mark I. Introduction to Mary: The Heart of Marian Doctrine and Devotion. Goleta, CA: Queenship Publishing, 1993.
Roten, Johann. "The Seven Sorrows of Mary: A Spirituality for Our Times." University of Dayton, 2018. Accessed September 1, 2024. https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/s/seven-sorrows-of-mary.php.
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