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Seven Sorrows Rosary
Explanation of the Seven Sorrows Rosary
The Seven Sorrows Rosary is a deeply spiritual devotion in the Catholic faith that focuses on the sorrows endured by the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout her life.
This is different from the traditional rosary, the Seven Sorrows Rosary consists of seven sets of seven Hail Mary Prayers, each set dedicated to one of Mary’s seven sorrows. Where the traditional rosary has five sets of ten Hail Mary Prayers, each dedicated to the mysteries of Jesus and Mary's life.
This form of prayer invites us to meditate on the suffering and unwavering faith of Mary. It can provide a way to deepen our spiritual growth and understanding and connect us to the passion of Christ.
What Are the Seven Sorrows of Mary in the Seven Sorrows Rosary?
The Seven Sorrows of Mary
Click or hover to reveal the reflection for each sorrow.
The Prophecy of Simeon
Luke 2:25-35
Joyful Mysteries Connection
Simeon foretold that Jesus would be a "sign of contradiction" and a sword would pierce Mary’s soul. This reveals the hidden pain within the Joyful Mystery of the Presentation.
The Flight into Egypt
Matthew 2:13-15
King Herod sought to kill Jesus, forcing the Holy Family into exile. Imagine the fear and displacement Mary felt protecting her infant Son from imminent danger.
The Loss in the Temple
Luke 2:41-50
Finding Jesus Connection
After three days of agonizing searching, Mary found Jesus in the Temple. This sorrow highlights her maternal anxiety and the mystery of Jesus' divine mission.
Meeting on the Way
John 19:17
4th Station of the Cross
As Jesus carried His Cross to Calvary, He encountered His Mother. Their eyes met in a profound moment of shared suffering and compassion.
Crucifixion and Death
John 19:25-30
12th Station of the Cross
Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, witnessing the pinnacle of her Son's sacrifice. This is the heart of her sorrow, watching the redemption of humanity unfold.
Taken Down from the Cross
John 19:31-34
The Pieta / 13th Station
The lifeless body of Jesus was placed in Mary’s arms. This tender, heartbreaking moment underscores the depth of her grief and her perfect love.
The Burial of Jesus
John 19:40-42
14th Station of the Cross
Mary accompanied Jesus to the tomb. In this final sorrow, she bid farewell to her Son’s body, waiting in desolation for the promised Resurrection.
Explore the Interconnections
Deepen your meditation by visiting these related mysteries and stations.
The Seven Promises of Our Lady
“According to tradition, Our Lady made the following promises to those who devoutly pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary.”
Family Peace: I will grant peace to their families.
Enlightenment: They will be enlightened about divine mysteries.
Consolation: I will console them in their pains and work.
Answered Prayers: I will give them as much as they ask for.
Protection: I will defend them in spiritual battles.
Help at Death: I will visibly help them at the moment of death.
Intercession: Forgiveness of sins and eternal consolation.
Download and Print: Seven Sorrow Promises
The Pieta
Jesus is taken down from the Cross and placed into the arms of His mother Mary.
Receive me into your arms, O Sorrowful Mother, and obtain for me and obtain for me perfect contrition for my sins
How do we pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary
LEARN TO PRAY THIS ROSARY WITH VISUAL PHOTOS
Seven Sorrows of Mary Rosary
Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
Act of Contrition: "O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of Thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen."
First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon
Pray an Our Father. Pray seven Hail Mary's while meditating on the sorrow of the Prophecy of Simeon. "I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the affliction of thy tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon. Dear Mother, by thy heart so afflicted, obtain for me the virtue of humility and the gift of the holy fear of God. Amen."
Second Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt
Pray an Our Father. Pray seven Hail Mary's while meditating on the sorrow of the Flight into Egypt. "I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the anguish of thy most affectionate heart during the flight into Egypt and thy sojourn there. Dear Mother, by thy heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of generosity, especially toward the poor, and the gift of piety. Amen."
Third Sorrow: The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Pray an Our Father. Pray seven Hail Mary's while meditating on the sorrow of the Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple."I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in those anxieties which tried thy troubled heart at the loss of thy dear Jesus. Dear Mother, by thy heart so full of anguish, obtain for me the virtue of chastity and the gift of knowledge. Amen."
Fourth Sorrow: Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary
Pray an Our Father. Pray seven Hail Mary's while meditating on the sorrow of Mary meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary."I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the consternation of thy heart at meeting Jesus as He carried His Cross. Dear Mother, by thy heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of patience and the gift of fortitude. Amen."
Fifth Sorrow: The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
Pray an Our Father. Pray seven Hail Mary's while meditating on the sorrow of the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus."I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the martyrdom which thy generous heart endured in standing near Jesus in His agony. Dear Mother, by thy heart afflicted in such measure, obtain for me the virtue of temperance and the gift of counsel. Amen."
Sixth Sorrow: The Body of Jesus Being Taken Down from the Cross
Pray an Our Father. Pray seven Hail Mary's while meditating on the sorrow of the Body of Jesus being taken down from the Cross."I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the wounding of thy compassionate heart when the side of Jesus was struck by the lance before His body was removed from the Cross. Dear Mother, by thy heart thus transfixed, obtain for me the virtue of fraternal charity and the gift of understanding. Amen."
Seventh Sorrow: The Burial of Jesus
Pray an Our Father. Pray seven Hail Mary's while meditating on the sorrow of the Burial of Jesus."I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, for the pangs that wrenched thy most loving heart at the burial of Jesus. Dear Mother, by thy heart sunk in the bitterness of desolation, obtain for me the virtue of diligence and the gift of wisdom. Amen."
Concluding Prayers:
Pray three Hail Mary's in honor of the tears of Our Sorrowful Mother.
Conclude with the prayer: "Virgin Most Sorrowful, pray for us."
What Could This Journey Change in You?
Devotions aren't just about reciting words; they are about opening doors within the heart. If you’ve found your way here, perhaps you're asking the same questions many of us have:
Can we find strength in our own suffering?
Life brings trials that often feel heavy and isolating. By reflecting on the Seven Sorrows, we see our own struggles mirrored in Mary’s journey. Her example doesn't just offer sympathy; it provides a roadmap of faith and resilience to face life's challenges.
How do we grow in compassion?
When we meditate on the grief Mary endured, our own capacity for empathy expands. It softens the heart, allowing us to carry not only our own burdens but to walk more compassionately with others in their time of need.
Why connect the Rosary to the Stations?
The beauty of this website is in the interconnections. The Sorrows are not separate from the Passion of Christ—they are the heart's witness to it. Seeing these links helps us draw closer to the shared experience of Mother and Son.
"In my own life, delving into these mysteries wasn't just a study—it was a transfiguration. It changed how I see the world and how I pray." — Angela
Let’s Journey Together
Spiritual growth is often found in the sharing of our stories. Do you have a reflection on the Seven Sorrows, or would you like to be notified when the Seven Joys of Mary is released?
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