The Catholic Defender: Devotion of Our Lady of Sorrows Day 1
- Donald Hartley
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Introductory Prayer: Begin by turning to the Sorrowful Mother in total trust, acknowledging the sharp pains she endured watching her Son.
Reflection on the First Sorrow: Contemplate the "Sword of Sorrow"—the prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34–35). This event made Mary aware that she would suffer alongside Jesus throughout His life.
Specific Petition: Ask for the grace of humility and the gift of the holy fear of God. It is also common to ask for the grace to keep the thought of death in mind to avoid sin.
The Seven Hail Marys: Recite one Hail Mary while meditating on this first sorrow. (If praying the full 7 Sorrows Rosary, you pray one Our Father and seven Hail Marys for each sorrow).
The Seven Promises associated with this devotion (revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden) include:
Granting peace to families.
Consolation in times of pain and work.
Protection at the moment of death.
First Day
Prayer in honor of the First Sorrow of Mary — The Prophecy of Simeon
Most Sorrowful Mother, grief filled was your heart when, on offering your divine Son at the temple, Holy Simeon foretold that a sword would pierce your soul. There and then you knew you would suffer with Jesus.
Queen of Martyrs, let me unite my heart to yours in this pain, and ask you the grace to keep the thought of my death in mind, so I may always avoid sin.
Hail Mary….Prayer to our Sorrowful Mother for a particular grace...Memorare....
The seven sorrows of Mary are:
1. St. Simeon’s Prophecy (Luke 2:35)
2. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-14)
3. The Loss of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:44-52)
4. The Meeting of Mary and Jesus on the Way to Calvary (Tradition Luke 23:26-32)
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:16-30)
6. The Piercing of the Side of Jesus, and His Descent from the Cross (John 19:31-37 and Tradition)
7. The Burial of Jesus (John 19:38-42)
Day 1 of the Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows focuses on the First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35), where Mary is told a sword will pierce her soul. This meditation emphasizes Mary's acceptance of suffering as part of God's plan, teaching believers to endure personal trials with faith and patience.
The Prophecy: Mary learns in the Temple that her Son is destined for contradiction and that she will share intimately in His suffering.
Reflection: Contemplate how joy (the Presentation) can be instantly mixed with deep sorrow, mirroring life's own challenges.
Prayer Focus: Ask for the grace to accept life's hardships, to remain faithful during trials, and for the protection of all mothers.
Opening/Closing Prayers: Traditionally begins with the Sign of the Cross, followed by a specific meditation on the first sorrow, a Hail Mary, and concludes with the Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother. To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your clemency, hear and answer me. Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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