Seven Sorrows of Our Lady
A poetic tribute to the Seven Dolors suffered by the Blessed Virgin Mary concerning her Divine Son, Jesus.
Today (September 15th) is the Feast of the Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, referring to these events in the Queen of Martyrs' life:
- The Prophecy of St. Simeon: a sword shall pierce your heart.
- The Flight into Egypt.
- Losing the Child Jesus in Jerusalem.
- Mary meeting Her Son while carrying the Cross.
- Witnessing the Crucifixion of Jesus.
- Taking Jesus down from the Cross.
- Laying Christ in the sepulcher.
As many will note, these dolors of Our Lady are a combination of the mysteries of the rosary (or the other side of the coin in the case of the Joyful Mystery, the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple) and the Stations of the Cross. There is even a chaplet, or type of rosary, that can be said to commemorate these dolors, which was popularized by the Servite Order (dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary).
Today we offer this poetic tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary for the reflection of our readers.
Our Lady’s Seven Sorrows
O all ye that pass by the way, attend, and see if there be any sorrow like to my sorrow. (Lamentations 1:12)
Wisdom hath built herself a house, she hath hewn her out seven pillars." (Proverbs 9:1)
The words the old man Simeon spoke, sign of contradiction, a sword of sorrow piercing thy soul... Thy heart’s first affliction
Hatred of duplicitous king, who sought the Child to kill, into Egypt thou didst flee... a second Sorrowing
To Jerusalem thou didst go, according to the law, solemn day of the Pasch, the Lamb remains behind, to do His Father’s will, in the Temple thou didst find, another Sorrow, still
The Lamb laden with the wood,the altar of His Cross, meets thee upon His way, He counts His life, but loss... another sword of Sorrow... two Hearts it pierces a-Cross
The Lamb raised upon the hill, reigning from on high... another Sorrow still; the heavens loudly cry Seven words the Lamb does speak; Seven Sorrows of thy heart, amidst the darkness, O so bleak
The Lamb’s side pierced with a spear, blood and water issue forth, upon His flock He holds so dear, as in the days of Moses (cf. Exodus 24:8); The Lamb descended from
His throne, ignominious gibbet, caressed in thy loving arms, thy lap, cradle of Wisdom, a sixth Sorrow to call thine own... sorrowful Pieta
The Lamb wrapped in linen cloths, anointed with perfume, this... Thy seventh Sorrow: Fruit of Immaculate womb placed in a rock-hewn tomb... awaiting three days morrow
Consummatum est, all is now completed, Thy Sorrows all fulfilled, numbering perfection, like the Sacraments... seven pillars of His wisdom
