This devotion began in the thirteenth century, recalling the Sorrows the Virgin Mother of God endured in the suffering and death of her Divine Son. The Seven Sorrows chaplet consists of seven Hail Marys For each of the seven Sorrows. One Our Father is said before each group of seven Hail Marys. On the three beads, three Hail Marys are said at the end of the prayer in honor of the Tears of our Sorrowful Mother. Following are the sorrows to meditate on.
THE FIRST SORROW: The Prophecy
Simeon tells our Sorrowful Mother of the bitter passion and death of Jesus, and that a sword shall pierce her heart too.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys
THE SECOND SORROW: The Flight
Our Sorrowful Mother is forced to flee into Egypt to save her beloved Son from the death decreed by Herod.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys
THE THIRD SORROW: The Loss
Our Sorrowful Mother is separated From Jesus for three long days while He is lost in Jerusalem.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys
THE FOURTH SORROW: The Meeting
Our Sorrowful Mother meets Jesus on the road to Calvary and sees Him fall under the cruel weight of the cross.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys
THE FIFTH SORROW: Jesus Dies
Our Sorrowful Mother watches as Jesus dies on the Cross.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys
THE SIXTH SORROW: Mary Receives Jesus (Pieta)
Our Sorrowful Mother receives the dead body of Jesus in her arms.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys
THE SEVENTH SORROW: The Burial
Our Sorrowful Mother sees Jesus placed in the tomb.
Our Father, Seven Hail Marys
THREE HAIL MARYS
Three Hail Marys are said in honor of the Tears of our Sorrowful Mother
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be for the intention of the Holy Father
Other Saints We Remember Today
St. Nicomedes (90), Martyr
St. Catherine of Genoa (1510), Widow
