Our Lady of Sorrows: The Meaning of the Seven Sorrows and How to Honor Mary

September 9, 2026

The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, celebrated on September 15, is a beautiful Marian feast that invites Christians to reflect on the suffering, faith, and love of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Mary is often remembered as the joyful mother of Jesus, the woman who welcomed the Savior with humility and faith. Yet her life also included profound sorrow. From the prophecy of Simeon to the suffering and death of Jesus on the Cross, Mary remained close to her Son through moments of deep pain.
The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows helps Catholics contemplate these moments and recognize Mary's unique participation in the suffering of Christ.
Her sorrows are not remembered simply as moments of sadness. They are also a testimony of faith, courage, love, and trust in God.
The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows offers an opportunity to slow down, pray, remember those who are suffering, and learn from Mary's example of remaining faithful even in the midst of great sorrow.

In This Guide

What Is Our Lady of Sorrows?
When Is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows?
Why Is Mary Called Our Lady of Sorrows?
The Seven Sorrows of Mary
What Do the Seven Sorrows Mean?
Mary as an Example of Faith and Compassion
How to Honor Our Lady of Sorrows
Prayers and Devotions for Our Lady of Sorrows
Meaningful Gifts for Our Lady of Sorrows
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

What Is Our Lady of Sorrows?

Our Lady of Sorrows is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary that reflects upon the profound suffering she experienced throughout the life, Passion, and death of her Son, Jesus Christ.
The devotion traditionally focuses on seven particular sorrows experienced by Mary.
These sorrows are closely connected with important events recorded in Scripture, especially the moments surrounding the early life, Passion, and death of Jesus.
Mary's suffering was not separate from her love for Christ.
Because she loved her Son deeply, she also experienced profound sorrow as she witnessed His rejection, suffering, and death.
For Catholics, contemplating Mary's sorrows can help deepen an understanding of the human suffering surrounding the Passion of Christ while also recognizing Mary's steadfast faith.
She remained present.
She remained faithful.
And she remained close to Jesus even when she could not remove His suffering.

When Is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows?

The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on September 15.
It follows the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, which is celebrated on September 14.
The placement of these two feasts is meaningful because the Cross and Mary's sorrow are closely connected in Christian devotion.
At the foot of the Cross, Mary remained near Jesus during His Crucifixion.
The feast therefore gives Catholics an opportunity to contemplate both the suffering of Christ and the sorrow of His Mother.
September 15 can be observed as a day of prayer, reflection, and compassion, particularly for those experiencing grief, loss, illness, hardship, or other forms of suffering.

Why Is Mary Called Our Lady of Sorrows?

Mary's life was marked by both extraordinary joy and extraordinary sorrow.
She experienced the joy of becoming the mother of Jesus, but she also encountered suffering that few mothers could imagine.
At the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Simeon told Mary that a sword would pierce through her soul.
That prophecy became increasingly meaningful as Mary's life unfolded.
She witnessed rejection.
She experienced separation from her Son.
She followed Him on the way to Calvary.
And she stood near the Cross as Jesus was crucified.
Mary's title, Our Lady of Sorrows, therefore reminds Christians that sorrow can exist alongside faith.
Faith does not always remove suffering.
Sometimes faith gives us the strength to remain faithful while passing through it.
Mary's example is especially meaningful for people who are experiencing grief or carrying difficult burdens of their own.

The Seven Sorrows of Mary

The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows traditionally focuses on seven particular moments of Mary's suffering.
Each sorrow invites Christians to pause and reflect on an important event in the life of Jesus and His Mother.

1. The Prophecy of Simeon

The first sorrow occurred when Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the Temple.
Simeon recognized Jesus as the promised Savior, but he also told Mary that a sword would pierce her soul.
Mary had received the joyful news that she would become the mother of the Savior.
Yet now she was also being warned that suffering lay ahead.
This first sorrow reminds us that we cannot always see what the future holds.
Mary accepted God's will even without knowing everything that would come.
Her example teaches us to trust God when the path ahead is uncertain.

2. The Flight into Egypt

Mary's second sorrow came when Joseph was warned to take Jesus and Mary and flee to Egypt because Herod sought the life of the child.
The Holy Family was forced to leave their home and travel into a foreign land for safety.
For Mary, this meant uncertainty, fear, and separation from everything familiar.
The Flight into Egypt can remind us of all families who have been forced to leave their homes because of danger, persecution, war, or hardship.
Mary's experience invites us to pray for families who are displaced and for those who live without the security of home.

3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple

The third sorrow occurred when Mary and Joseph discovered that Jesus was no longer with them while returning from Jerusalem.
After searching for Him, they found Jesus in the Temple.
For three days, Mary experienced the anguish of not knowing where her Son was.
This sorrow speaks to the fears that parents and families can experience when someone they love is in danger or far away.
It also reminds us that moments of uncertainty do not mean that God has abandoned us.
Even when Mary did not understand everything that was happening, she continued forward in faith.

4. Mary Meets Jesus Carrying His Cross

The fourth sorrow occurred as Jesus made His way toward Calvary carrying His Cross.
Mary saw her Son suffering under the weight of the Cross.
She could not remove the Cross from Him.
She could not stop the suffering.
But she could remain near Him.
This is one of the most powerful aspects of devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows.
Sometimes we cannot take away another person's pain.
But we can remain present.
We can listen.
We can pray.
We can offer compassion.
Mary's example reminds us that love sometimes means simply refusing to leave someone alone in their suffering.

5. Mary Stands Beneath the Cross

The fifth sorrow is the Crucifixion of Jesus.
Mary stood near the Cross while Jesus suffered and died.
The Gospel of John specifically describes Mary standing near the Cross.
Her presence is a powerful image of faithful love.
She did not turn away when the situation became unbearable.
She remained.
For Christians, this moment represents the depth of Mary's sorrow, but it also reveals the depth of her faith.
Mary trusted God even when she was confronted with suffering she could not fully understand.

6. Mary Receives the Body of Jesus

The sixth sorrow is traditionally associated with the moment when the body of Jesus was taken down from the Cross and placed in Mary's arms.
This scene is often represented in Christian art through the image known as the Pietà.
The mother who once held the infant Jesus now holds His lifeless body.
The contrast between these two moments is deeply moving.
The same hands that once embraced her newborn Son now receive Him after His death.
This sorrow invites us to reflect on grief, loss, and the profound love that remains even after death.

7. Jesus Is Laid in the Tomb

The seventh sorrow is the burial of Jesus.
Mary had followed her Son through His Passion and remained near Him until His death.
Now His body was placed in the tomb.
For Mary, the moment must have been filled with grief and uncertainty.
Yet the story does not end at the tomb.
The Resurrection of Christ is at the heart of Christian faith.
For this reason, the Seven Sorrows are not ultimately a devotion to despair.
They lead us through suffering toward the hope of Christ's victory over death.

What Do the Seven Sorrows Mean?

The Seven Sorrows can teach Christians several important lessons about faith.

Suffering Does Not Mean the Absence of Faith

Mary suffered deeply.
Yet her suffering did not mean that she had lost faith in God.
Her life demonstrates that faith and sorrow can exist together.
A person can experience grief, fear, confusion, or pain while still placing their trust in God.

Love Can Bring Both Joy and Sorrow

Mary's suffering came largely because of her profound love for Jesus.
Love makes us vulnerable.
When someone we love suffers, we suffer with them.
The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows reminds us that compassionate love means being willing to remain close to others even during difficult moments.

We Are Called to Remain Present

Mary could not prevent every painful event in Jesus' life.
But she remained near Him.
This is a lesson that applies to everyday life.
When a family member is struggling, when a friend is grieving, or when someone is facing a difficult season, we may not have the ability to fix everything.
But we can pray.
We can listen.
We can remain present.

Mary as an Example of Faith and Compassion

The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is not simply about remembering Mary's suffering.
It is also about learning from the way she responded to suffering.
Mary's example shows us a faith that does not disappear when life becomes difficult.
She teaches us to trust when we do not understand.
She teaches us to remain close to those who suffer.
And she reminds us that compassion requires more than words.
Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply stand beside someone.
This makes Our Lady of Sorrows particularly meaningful to anyone carrying grief or praying for someone who is suffering.

How to Honor Our Lady of Sorrows

There are many simple ways to observe the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15.

Pray the Rosary

The Rosary is one of the most familiar Marian devotions in Catholic life.
Meditating on the mysteries of Christ while praying the Hail Marys can provide a peaceful opportunity for reflection.
On the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, you may wish to offer your prayers especially for people who are experiencing suffering or loss.

Meditate on the Seven Sorrows

Take some quiet time to read through the Seven Sorrows one by one.
Instead of rushing through them, pause after each sorrow.

Ask yourself:
What does this moment teach me about faith?
Who in my life needs my prayers right now?
How can I remain close to someone who is suffering?
This can turn the feast day into a personal moment of reflection.

Pray for Those Who Are Suffering

One of the most meaningful ways to honor Our Lady of Sorrows is to remember others in prayer.

You might pray for:

Those who have lost a loved one
Parents worried about their children
Families facing hardship
Those experiencing illness
People who feel alone
Those going through grief
Anyone struggling to maintain hope

Mary's sorrows can remind us that we are called not only to receive comfort but also to offer compassion to others.

Prayers and Devotions for Our Lady of Sorrows

There are several traditional ways to deepen devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows.

The Seven Sorrows Devotion

The Seven Sorrows devotion invites the faithful to meditate on the seven moments of Mary's suffering while praying in her honor.
The focus is not simply on sorrow itself.
Instead, it is an opportunity to contemplate Christ's Passion, Mary's faith, and the meaning of compassionate love.

The Rosary

The Rosary can also be a natural way to honor Mary on September 15.
Holding the beads while praying provides a physical reminder to slow down and focus.
For many people, the rosary becomes a familiar companion during moments of joy, uncertainty, and sorrow.

A Personal Prayer

You can also offer a simple personal prayer:

Our Lady of Sorrows,
Mother of compassion and faith,
be near to all who suffer.
Help us to remain faithful in difficult moments,
to carry our burdens with courage,
and to show compassion to those who are hurting.
Lead us closer to your Son, Jesus Christ,
and help us trust in God's promise of hope.
Amen.

Meaningful Gifts for Our Lady of Sorrows

A religious gift can carry a meaning that goes beyond the object itself.
For someone with a special devotion to Mary, a Marian devotional item can become a personal reminder of faith and prayer.
The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows can be an especially meaningful occasion to give a devotional gift to:

A mother
A wife
A daughter
A friend
A family member
Someone experiencing a difficult season
Someone with a special devotion to Mary

The purpose of such a gift does not have to be complicated.

Sometimes it simply says:

“You are in my prayers.”

Why a Rosary Makes a Meaningful Marian Gift

A rosary can be more than a beautiful religious object.
It can become part of someone's daily prayer life.
The beads provide something tangible to hold while praying, while the crucifix and Marian elements keep the focus on Christ and His Mother.
For someone who prefers a more practical and distinctive design, a paracord rosary can offer a different way to carry this devotion into everyday life.
Its cord construction gives it a rugged, practical character while preserving the traditional purpose of the rosary.
Whether kept in a pocket, bag, vehicle, or personal prayer space, it can serve as a simple reminder to make time for prayer.

A Reminder to Pray for Those Who Suffer

The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows can also become an opportunity to look beyond ourselves.
There are people around us carrying invisible burdens.
Someone may be grieving a loved one.
Someone may be worried about a family member.
Someone may be facing illness, loneliness, financial hardship, or uncertainty about the future.
We may not always know what another person is going through.
But we can pray for them.
Mary's example reminds us that compassion begins by noticing the suffering of others and choosing not to look away.
A simple prayer can be an act of love.
A rosary can become a reminder to offer that prayer.
And a devotional object can help keep that intention close throughout the day.

The Seven Sorrows and the Hope of Christ

Although the devotion is centered on sorrow, Our Lady of Sorrows ultimately points beyond suffering.
Mary's story does not end at the Cross.
The Christian story does not end at the tomb.
The Resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christian hope.
This is why contemplating Mary's sorrows can be deeply meaningful.
It teaches us that suffering is real, but it is not the final word.
Grief is real.
Loss is real.
Pain is real.
But Christian faith also holds onto hope.
Mary's faith remained present through the darkest moments.
Her example can encourage us to hold onto faith when our own lives become difficult.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Our Lady of Sorrows?

Our Lady of Sorrows is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary that reflects upon the profound suffering she experienced in connection with the life, Passion, and death of Jesus Christ.

When is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows?

The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on September 15.

What are the Seven Sorrows of Mary?

The traditional Seven Sorrows are:

The prophecy of Simeon
The Flight into Egypt
The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
Mary meets Jesus carrying His Cross
Mary stands beneath the Cross
Mary receives the body of Jesus
Jesus is laid in the tomb

Why are the Seven Sorrows important?

The Seven Sorrows help Catholics meditate on Mary's suffering, her relationship with Jesus, and her example of faith, love, and perseverance.

How can I honor Our Lady of Sorrows?

You can honor Our Lady of Sorrows by praying the Rosary, meditating on the Seven Sorrows, attending Mass where appropriate, offering prayers for those who are suffering, and reflecting on Mary's example of faith and compassion.

Is Our Lady of Sorrows only about sadness?

No. Although sorrow is central to the devotion, it also points toward faith, love, compassion, perseverance, and ultimately the hope found in Christ.

Is a rosary a meaningful gift for the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows?

Yes. A Marian rosary can be a meaningful devotional gift for someone who has a special devotion to Mary or who finds comfort in prayer.

What is a paracord rosary?

A paracord rosary is a rosary constructed using cord rather than relying primarily on a traditional metal chain. It retains the traditional purpose of the Rosary while offering a more rugged and practical design.

Final Thoughts: Finding Faith in the Midst of Sorrow

The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows invites us to remember a side of Mary's life that can sometimes be overlooked.
Mary was not only the mother who experienced the joy of Christ's birth.
She was also the mother who watched her Son suffer.
She knew uncertainty.
She knew separation.
She knew grief.
And yet, she remained faithful.
The Seven Sorrows remind us that faith does not mean that we will never experience suffering.
Rather, faith can give us the courage to remain close to God and close to others even when life becomes difficult.
This September 15, take a moment to remember Our Lady of Sorrows.
Pray for someone who is suffering.
Remember someone who has been lost.
Offer comfort to someone who needs it.
And allow Mary's example to remind you that even in moments of deep sorrow, faith and hope can remain.

May Our Lady of Sorrows guide us toward greater compassion, stronger faith, and deeper trust in God.