Mater Dolorosa

Picture SourceMATER DOLOROSA Attributed to José Joaquín Magón

Beautiful rendition Andreas Scholl & Barbara Bonney · Stabat Mater ~ Pergolesi

The Memorial of Our Lady or Sorrows is commemorated by the Catholic faithful on September 15, 2008. This devotion which dated back from the twelfth century has its roots in Sacred Scripture and in Christian piety which always associates the Blessed Mother with her suffering Son, Jesus Christ.

The title "Our Lady of Sorrows" focuses on Mary's intense suffering during the passion and death of Christ. "The Seven Dolors," the title by which it was celebrated in the 17th century, referred to the seven swords that pierced the Heart of Mary

Jesus Himself was Mary's sorrow, seven times repeated, aggravated sevenfold. During the hours of the Passion, the offering of Jesus and the offering of Mary were tied in one. As Mary stood at the foot of the Cross on which Jesus hung, the sword of sorrow Simeon had foretold pierced her soul.

Source St. Michael Center

May the Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, whom we contemplated yesterday as Our Lady of Sorrows at the foot of the Cross, obtain for us the gift of always trusting in God's love and help us to be merciful as our Father in Heaven is merciful.

- Pope Benedict XVI, Angelus, September 16, 2007