The Seven Sorrows or “Dolors” of Our Lady

Feast Day: September 15

Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” - Luke 2:34-35

(Photo: by Lydia Davidson)

Along with the Holy Rosary, Our Lady has given us a very powerful devotion as a protection from evil attacks and to aid us in our spiritual life. She promised St. Bridget of Sweden special graces to those who honor her daily by reciting seven Hail Mary's and meditating on her tears and sorrows.

SEVEN SORROWS

1. The prophecy of Simeon. (St. Luke 2:34, 35)

2. The flight into Egypt. (St. Matthew 2:13, 14)

3. The loss of the Child Jesus in the temple. (St. Luke 2: 43-45)

4. The meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross.(John 19:17) (Note: the meeting with our Lady is not mentioned in the New Testament)

5. The Crucifixion. (John 19:18-30)

6. The taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross. (John 19:39-40)

7. The burial of Jesus. (John 19:39-42)

The 7 Promises to Those Who Pray the 7 Sorrows

1. I will grant peace to their families.

2. They will be enlightened about the divine mysteries.

3. I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.

4. I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.

5. I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.

6. I will visibly help them at the moment of their death, they will see the face of their Mother.

7. I have obtained from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors, will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy. ¹

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   How to pray the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows

• Pray the Introductory Prayers (on the medal or Cross).

• Announce the First Sorrow; then pray the Our Father.

• Pray seven Hail Mary’s while meditating on the Sorrow

• At the conclusion of each Sorrow, pray “Holy Mother hear my prayers, and renew in my heart each wound of Jesus my Savior.”

• Repeat steps 2 - 4 for all seven Sorrows.

• Pray three Hail Mary’s in honor of the tears of Our Sorrowful Mother (on the three final beads).

• Pray the Closing Prayers.

• You may also wish to pray the Litany of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady. The Litany of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady was composed by Pope Pius VII (1740-1823) while held in captivity during the Napoleonic Wars.

Please click the button below for a pdf copy of the Chaplet, Litany, and for prayers and meditations composed by Fr. Scott McCaig, CC, Moderator (General Superior) of the Companions of the Cross.

1. https://saintmichael.ca/the-seven-sorrows-of-mary-why-you-should-know-them-and-pray-them/