Mother Mary's Sorrows

To increase her devotion to the Blessed Mother, Elizabeth Estrada began meditating on the Seven Sorrows of Mary.

I have always had a very strong devotion to Our Lady. I think that she knows me very well as I call on her many times during the day. For years now, I have prayed the Rosary on most days and have consecrated myself to her for many years.

One of the reasons that my favorite mystery is the Visitation is because it reminds me of how she always thought of others first. This is a great reminder in a society that doesn’t really teach that concept.

This month is the month of reflecting on Mother Mary’s sorrows, something I really don’t consciously think about. Her sorrows come to mind during Lent and maybe when I pray the Sorrowful Mysteries ... and that’s it.

I decided to read a little booklet about Mary's sorrows. Even though the swords of those sorrows pierced her heart, there is something very comforting and beautiful about them. One of the things that stood out for me in this little book was that we can unite our sorrows to hers, something that I really never thought about.

I mostly think of uniting my suffering to the Lord on the cross. The author of the prayer booklet pointed out that meditating on her sorrows and praying the Seven Sorrows chaplet unites us even more to Our Lord.

He loved His mother more than anyone else could and so he is closer to those who reflect on her sufferings. In all honesty I never thought of it in that way at all.

So, for the last week or so I have prayed the Seven Sorrows chaplet and reflected on her sorrows. Somehow I feel a peace and joy that I can’t really explain, except that it only makes my love for Her stronger and closer to her Son.

If you, like me, haven’t learned more about Our Lady's Sorrows and those prayers, I invite you to take a look—especially this month.

I know that I am glad that I did.

Click to tweet:
Even though the swords of Mary's sorrows pierced her heart, there is something very comforting and beautiful about them. #catholicmom

Copyright 2022 Elizabeth Estrada
Images: Christ Meets the Virgin Mary on the Way to Calvary by Bartolome Esteban Murillo, licensed by Holy Cross Family Ministries