Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother. . . . When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! - John 19.25-26
The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is a solemnity in the priory - together with St. Philip she is one of the patrons of our canonry. This feast especially reminds us of the tears shed by Our Blessed Mother throughout the life and Passion of her Son. Traditionally seven events of Our Lady's life have been described as her sorrows;1.The Prophecy of Simeon over the Infant Jesus. (Luke 2:34)
2.The Flight into Egypt of the Holy Family. (Matthew 2:13)
3.The Loss of the Child Jesus for Three Days. (Luke 2:43)
4.The Meeting of Jesus and Mary along the Way of the Cross. (Luke 23:26)
5.The Crucifixion, where Mary stands at the foot of the cross. (John 19:25)
6.The Descent from the Cross, where Mary receives the dead body of Jesus in her arms. (Matthew 27:57)
7.The Burial of Jesus. (John 19:40)Devotion to these seven sorrows is particulary to be found in the recitation of the 'Dolour Rosary'. This devotion involves meditation on each of Our Lady's sorrows whilst a Pater and seven Aves are recited. The Stabat Mater hymn is also focused on Our Lady's sorrows and is recited as the sequence of today's Mass. Let us ask Our Lady of Sorrows to pray for us, and especially for our priory on this day.
Love Mary!… She is loveable, faithful, constant. She will never let herself be outdone in love, but will ever remain supreme. If you are in danger, she will hasten to free you. If you are troubled, she will console you. If you are sick, she will bring you relief. If you are in need, she will help you. She does not look to see what kind of person you have been. She simply comes to a heart that wants to love her. She comes quickly and opens her merciful heart to you, embraces you and consoles and serves you. She will even be at hand to accompany you on the trip to eternity - St. Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows
