First Sorrow
The Prophecy of Simeon
The Blessed Virgin Mary gave God her first born as the law prescribed, and Simeon, led by the Holy Spirit, predicted how a sword of sorrow would pierce her heart. The Blessed Virgin knew that she had given birth to the Savior. She immediately and clearly understood this. Though her heart was deeply touched by this favor, her heart remained heavy and troubled for she knew what was written about the suffering and the death of the Savior. Whenever she saw Jesus, she was constantly reminded of His suffering.
Prayer:
Beloved Mother who suffered at heart beyond bearing because of us, teach us to suffer with you. As God wants, imitating you, we suffer and may our suffering be known to God only, like yours and that of Jesus. You dedicate it to God. You, who suffered with the Savior of the world, you are a Mother greater than all.
Our Father (1x)
Hail Mary (7x)
Virgin Most Sorrowful, Pray for Us!
Second Sorrow
The Flight into Egypt
Mary was greatly troubled when Joseph revealed to her the words of the angel, that they should wake up quickly and flee because Herod wanted to kill the Infant Jesus. The Blessed Virgin Mary hardly had time to decide what to take or leave behind. She took the child Jesus, left everything, rushed outside before Joseph so that they could hurry as God wished. Then she said: “Even though God has power over everything, He wants us to flee with Jesus His Son. God will show us the way and we shall arrive without being caught by the enemy.” Because the Blessed Virgin was the Mother of Jesus, she loved Him more than any one else. Her heart was deeply troubled at the sight of the discomfort her Infant Son experienced. Jesus was cold and shivering, and though they were tired, sleepy and hungry during this long travel, her only thought was about the safety and comfort of her Son. She feared coming face to face with the soldiers who had been ordered to kill Jesus, because she was aware that the enemy was still in Bethlehem. Her heart remained constantly anguished during this flight. She also knew that where they were going, there would be no friendly face to greet them.
Prayer
Beloved Mother who greatly suffered, give us a courageous heart like yours. We accept all the sufferings as God so wishes, our own and that inflicted by others. You alone purify our suffering so that we may give glory to God and save our souls.
Our Father (1x)
Hail Mary (7x)
Virgin Most Sorrowful, Pray for Us!
Hymn:
Oh how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother Highly blest,
Of the sole-begotten Son.
Holy Mother, hear my prayers,
In my heart each wound renew,
Of Jesus, my Savior.
Third Sorrow
The Loss of Jesus in the Temple
The Blessed Virgin knew God’s glory. She, who was most blessed among all others, received the gift of exceptional love, that is the grace to love her Son far more than most parents love their children. Jesus was the only begotten Son of God, and also the Virgin Mary’s Son. The Blessed Virgin loved Jesus more than herself, because He was her God. Compared to other children, He was a most unique child because He was already living as God. When Mary lost Him on their way back from Jerusalem, the world became so big and lonely that she believed that she couldn’t go on living without her Son Jesus, so great was her sorrow. Jesus had pleased her in everything. He never annoyed her in any way, nor would He ever displease His parents. As she looked anxiously for her beloved Jesus, deep pain welled in her heart; she blamed herself, asking why she didn’t take greater care of Him. But it was not her fault. Jesus no longer needed her protection as before. What pained Mary was that Jesus had decided to stay behind without her consent. She knew, however, that her Son always did what was necessary and she never suspected Him of being disobedient. Mary felt the same pain Jesus felt when He was abandoned by His apostles during His Passion.
Prayer
Beloved Mother, teach us to accept all our sufferings because of our sins and the sins of the whole world.
Our Father (1x)
Hail Mary (7x)
Virgin Most Sorrowful, Pray for Us!
Hymn
Is there one who would not weep,
Whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ’s dear mother to behold?
Holy Mother, hear my prayers,
In my heart each wound renew,
Of Jesus, my Savior.
Fourth Sorrow
Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary
The Blessed Virgin meets Jesus carrying the cross on which He is to be crucified. See the anguish on her face. John is informing her that Jesus, her beloved Son is going to be hanged on Calvary. Mary sees Jesus carrying the heavy Cross alone - the Cross on which He is to be crucified. This doesn’t surprise the Blessed Virgin, because she already knew about the approaching death of Our Lord Jesus. Already weakened by the numerous hard blows given with the soldier’s clubs, His body resembles a corpse carrying the Cross. Simon was made to help Him. The soldiers kept hurrying and pushing Him. Then He falls once more, exhausted, unable to raise Himself. At that moment, Mary’s eyes full of tender love and compassion meet His. Their hearts seem to be sharing the load. Nothing can be done except to believe and trust in God, and dedicate that suffering to Him.
Prayer
Beloved Mother, stricken with grief, teach us to accept all our sufferings, so that we may relieve your sorrowful heart and that of Jesus. In doing so, may we give glory to God who gave you and Jesus to us. As you suffered, teach us to suffer silently and patiently. Grant unto us the grace of loving God in everything. O Mother of Sorrows, O Mother most afflicted of all mothers, have mercy on the sinners of the whole world.
Our Father (1x)
Hail Mary (7x)
Virgin Most Sorrowful, Pray for Us!
Hymn:
Can the human heart refrain,
From partaking in her pain,
In that mother’s pain untold?
Holy Mother, hear my prayers,
In my heart each wound renew,
Of Jesus, my Savior.
