About Our Lady of Sorrows
On September 15, the Catholic Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary in her profound suffering and her unwavering union with Jesus Christ, especially during His Passion and Death.
September has traditionally been associated with devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, also known as Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, Our Lady of Dolours, or Mater Dolorosa. Her memorial is celebrated the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, inviting us to contemplate not only the Cross of Christ but also the sorrowful heart of His Mother who stood faithfully beneath it.
Mary’s sorrow was not a sorrow without hope. She remained faithful when she could not understand everything that God was allowing to happen. She stood beside her Son through His suffering, trusting in the Father’s will even when her maternal heart was pierced with grief.
For this reason, Our Lady of Sorrows is a powerful mother and companion for all who suffer.
Why Do We Honor Our Lady of Sorrows?
From the beginning of Jesus’ life, Mary shared in the mystery of her Son’s mission. At the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the aged Simeon foretold her suffering:
“And you yourself a sword will pierce.” — Luke 2:35
This prophecy came to fulfillment throughout Mary’s life, especially as she witnessed the rejection, suffering, crucifixion, and death of Jesus.
What is the Our Lady of Sorrows Novena?
The Our Lady of Sorrows Novena is a nine-day Catholic devotion honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary’s seven sorrows and asking for her powerful intercession.
What is the First Sorrow of Mary?
The First Sorrow is the Prophecy of Simeon, who foretold that a sword would pierce Mary’s soul as she witnessed the suffering and death of Jesus (Luke 2:35).
When should I pray the Our Lady of Sorrows Novena?
You may pray this novena at any time of the year. Many Catholics begin it before the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrowson September 15.
What can I pray for during this novena?
You can pray for:
- Strength during suffering
- Peace in times of sorrow
- Healing for yourself or loved ones
- Conversion of sinners
- Comfort for grieving families
- Perseverance in faith
- Any special intention
Why is Our Lady of Sorrows important?
Our Lady of Sorrows reminds us that Mary faithfully remained with Jesus throughout His Passion. Her example teaches us to trust God, even amid suffering, and to unite our crosses with Christ.
Is devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows approved by the Catholic Church?
Yes. Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is an ancient and well-established Catholic tradition. The Church celebrates her memorial annually on September 15, and the Seven Sorrows devotion has been encouraged by many saints and popes.
Novena Begins: September 6
Feast Day: September 15
Patron Saint of: Universal
Day 1 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Sorrowful Mother, I turn to you with complete trust. You endured the deepest sorrows in life as you watched your Son die upon the Cross, yet you remained faithfully by His side until the very end.
Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings that God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross your Son was dying.
Mary stood beneath Him, weeping,
sharing in His saving sacrifice.
As He hung upon the Cross, your soul was filled with grief;
a sword pierced your heart,
and you wept in bitter sorrow.
O Mother of Sorrows, through your First Sorrow, the Prophecy of Holy Simeon, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and obtain for me the favor I humbly implore.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Sorrowful Mother, I turn to you with complete trust. You endured the deepest sorrows in life as you watched your Son die upon the Cross, yet you remained faithfully by His side until the very end.
Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings that God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross your Son was dying.
Mary stood beneath Him, weeping,
sharing in His saving sacrifice.
As He hung upon the Cross, your soul was filled with grief;
a sword pierced your heart,
and you wept in bitter sorrow.
O Mother of Sorrows, through your First Sorrow, the Prophecy of Holy Simeon, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and obtain for me the favor I humbly implore.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Sorrowful Mother, I turn to you with complete trust. You endured the deepest sorrows in life as you watched your Son die upon the Cross, yet you remained faithfully by His side until the very end.
Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings that God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross your Son was dying.
Mary stood beneath Him, weeping,
sharing in His saving sacrifice.
As He hung upon the Cross, your soul was filled with grief;
a sword pierced your heart,
and you wept in bitter sorrow.
O Mother of Sorrows, through your First Sorrow, the Prophecy of Holy Simeon, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and obtain for me the favor I humbly implore.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Sorrowful Mother, I turn to you with complete trust. You endured the deepest sorrows in life as you watched your Son die upon the Cross, yet you remained faithfully by His side until the very end.
Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings that God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross your Son was dying.
Mary stood beneath Him, weeping,
sharing in His saving sacrifice.
As He hung upon the Cross, your soul was filled with grief;
a sword pierced your heart,
and you wept in bitter sorrow.
O Mother of Sorrows, through your First Sorrow, the Prophecy of Holy Simeon, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and obtain for me the favor I humbly implore.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Sorrowful Mother, I turn to you with complete trust. You endured the deepest sorrows in life as you watched your Son die upon the Cross, yet you remained faithfully by His side until the very end.
Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings that God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross your Son was dying.
Mary stood beneath Him, weeping,
sharing in His saving sacrifice.
As He hung upon the Cross, your soul was filled with grief;
a sword pierced your heart,
and you wept in bitter sorrow.
O Mother of Sorrows, through your First Sorrow, the Prophecy of Holy Simeon, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and obtain for me the favor I humbly implore.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Sorrowful Mother, I turn to you with complete trust. You endured the deepest sorrows in life as you watched your Son die upon the Cross, yet you remained faithfully by His side until the very end.
Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings that God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross your Son was dying.
Mary stood beneath Him, weeping,
sharing in His saving sacrifice.
As He hung upon the Cross, your soul was filled with grief;
a sword pierced your heart,
and you wept in bitter sorrow.
O Mother of Sorrows, through your First Sorrow, the Prophecy of Holy Simeon, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and obtain for me the favor I humbly implore.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Sorrowful Mother, I turn to you with complete trust. You endured the deepest sorrows in life as you watched your Son die upon the Cross, yet you remained faithfully by His side until the very end.
Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings that God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross your Son was dying.
Mary stood beneath Him, weeping,
sharing in His saving sacrifice.
As He hung upon the Cross, your soul was filled with grief;
a sword pierced your heart,
and you wept in bitter sorrow.
O Mother of Sorrows, through your First Sorrow, the Prophecy of Holy Simeon, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and obtain for me the favor I humbly implore.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Sorrowful Mother, I turn to you with complete trust. You endured the deepest sorrows in life as you watched your Son die upon the Cross, yet you remained faithfully by His side until the very end.
Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings that God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross your Son was dying.
Mary stood beneath Him, weeping,
sharing in His saving sacrifice.
As He hung upon the Cross, your soul was filled with grief;
a sword pierced your heart,
and you wept in bitter sorrow.
O Mother of Sorrows, through your First Sorrow, the Prophecy of Holy Simeon, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and obtain for me the favor I humbly implore.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Sorrowful Mother, I turn to you with complete trust. You endured the deepest sorrows in life as you watched your Son die upon the Cross, yet you remained faithfully by His side until the very end.
Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings that God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross your Son was dying.
Mary stood beneath Him, weeping,
sharing in His saving sacrifice.
As He hung upon the Cross, your soul was filled with grief;
a sword pierced your heart,
and you wept in bitter sorrow.
O Mother of Sorrows, through your First Sorrow, the Prophecy of Holy Simeon, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and obtain for me the favor I humbly implore.
(Mention your request here…)
Pray one: Our Father…
Pray one: Hail Mary…
Pray one: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…