In 1239, the seven founders of the Servite Order established the sorrows of Mary, as she stood under the Cross, as the central devotion of their order. This took place five years after they settled on Monte Senario.

The feast began with a 1413 provincial synod in Cologne to atone for the actions of the iconoclast Hussites. Originally named “Commemoratio angustix et doloris B. Marix V”, its focus was solely on Mary’s sorrow during Christ’s Crucifixion and Death. Initially, this feast was predominantly celebrated in dioceses of North Germany, Scandinavia, and Scotland. Depending on the region, it was known by different titles and observed on various dates, mainly during Eastertide or after Pentecost.

Several rhythmical offices, sequences, and hymns from the end of the 15th century suggest that in many dioceses, the feast began to encompass either:

1. Five sorrows, from Christ’s imprisonment to burial.
2. Seven sorrows, spanning Mary’s entire life.

By the late 16th century, the feast had expanded to parts of southern Europe. Different communities observed it on various dates, with varying titles. Notably, in 1727, Benedict XIII extended the feast to the entire Latin Church under the title “Septem dolorum B.M.V.”. However, its essence remained rooted in Mary’s Compassion at the Cross. The renowned “Stabat Mater” by Giacopone da Todi (1306) became integral to its Mass and Office.

A second, distinct feast emerged in 1668, specifically for the Servites, observed on June 9 and September 15. This feast celebrated the seven sorrows of Mary:

1. The prophecy of Simeon.
2. The flight into Egypt.
3. The loss of the Holy Child in Jerusalem.
4. Meeting Jesus en route to Calvary.
5. Standing at the foot of the Cross.
6. The removal of Jesus from the Cross.
7. The burial of Christ.

The feast gained traction, spreading to Spain in 1735 and Tuscany in 1807. Pius VII further extended it to the Latin Church in 1814.

Certain regions, like Goa in India and Braga in Portugal, observe a feast titled “B.M.V. de pietate” on the third Sunday of October. It pays homage to the sorrowful mother with a rich medieval office. Spanish-speaking countries have a unique devotion named “N.S. de la Soledad”, reflecting on Mary’s solitude on Holy Saturday. This particular tradition traces its roots back to Queen Juana, who mourned the untimely death of her spouse, Philip I, King of Spain, in 1506.

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20 COMMENTS

    • All we need to get the job done is a trustworthy smart phone, access to the Internet, and a responsible person. for all students, xn regardless of age, stage of education, recent graduation status, or employment status. To learn more
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  1. To the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. The pain and sorrow of your heart then and now must be as thorns. All that happened way back then was bad enough. Yet it continues today as some speak bad about Jesus today. After all he did for everybody. Yet you and your Son Jesus Christ are not filled with hate but with love and forgiveness. Compassion even for the worst sinner. Love is in your heart even as thorns by what some men may say of your son. As your son said,”Peace be with you.” Randy

  2. 2 our lady of sorry d mother of our lord jesus nd d mother of al mothers tank u 4 d graces given 2 us nd we ask u 2 interceed 4 us we love u mother.our lady QUEEN OF ALL HEART PRAY 4 US………

    • All we need to get the job done is a trustworthy smart phone, access to the Internet, and a responsible person. for all students, xm regardless of age, stage of education, recent graduation status, or employment status. To learn more
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  3. O most holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ: by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins, in order that being disengaged from all undue affection for the passing joys of this earth, I may sigh after the eternal Jerusalem, and that henceforward all my thoughts and all my actions may be directed towards this one most desirable object.
    Honor, glory, and love to our divine Lord Jesus, and to the holy and immaculate Mother of God.
    Amen.

  4. Our Lady of Sorrows: “… He died in body through a love greater than anyone
    had known. She died in spirit through a love unlike any other since His.”

    O Mother Mary, we dolefully share our anguish for You.

  5. “And she pondered these things in her heart.”
    Holy Mary, keep my mouth shut and my feet moving.
    Keep me from sin, and from causing others to sin.
    Amen.

  6. Holy Mary Mother of God we beg your prayers we thank you for sacrifice we humbly pray for for your intercession to your divine son our Lord n Saviour Jesus Christ bless us all O Lord amen

    • All we need to get the job done is a trustworthy smart phone, access to the Internet, and a responsible person. for all students, cq regardless of age, stage of education, recent graduation status, or employment status. To learn more
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