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Nov 30, 2025
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The title Our Lady of Sorrows has inspired centuries of Christian devotion, inviting the faithful to walk with Mary through the deepest pains of her life. At the heart of this devotion is the Seven Sorrows Rosary, a prayer that draws us into the mystery of Christ’s suffering by meditating on Mary’s own sorrowful journey as His Mother.
Unlike the traditional Rosary, the Seven Sorrows Rosary focuses specifically on seven events of grief and anguish that Mary endured. Praying it helps us grow in compassion, humility, and spiritual strength as we learn from her example of surrender and trust.
This guide will explain the origins of the devotion, why and when to pray it, step-by-step instructions for both full and shortened versions, and related Marian prayers. Along the way, we’ll reflect on how Our Lady of Sorrows continues to offer comfort and guidance for believers today.
The Seven Sorrows Rosary is more than a series of prayers—it is a pilgrimage of the heart. Each sorrow reflects not only Mary’s personal suffering but also her unshakable faith in God’s plan. Through this devotion, we learn to surrender in times of trial, to trust when life feels uncertain, and to love even when faced with pain.
Praying with Our Lady of Sorrows is a way of drawing near to Jesus, since her sorrows are inseparably linked to His passion. When we meditate on her grief, we find the courage to embrace our own crosses and deepen our relationship with Christ.
The Seven Sorrows Rosary is a devotion dating back to the 14th century.
Origin in St. Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373): According to tradition, Mary appeared to St. Bridget and revealed this prayer form, promising great graces to those who honored her sorrows.
Renewed devotion in Kibeho, Rwanda: In the 1980s, Marian apparitions reported by schoolgirls in Kibeho included encouragement to revive the Seven Sorrows Rosary as a path to repentance and reconciliation.
Unlike the traditional Rosary, which has decades of mysteries, the Seven Sorrows Rosary contains seven sorrows, each introduced with an Our Father, followed by seven Hail Marys and a meditation on the event.
This structure emphasizes both repetition (which calms the mind and centers the heart) and reflection (which brings deeper meaning to prayer).
At first glance, meditating on sorrow may seem like a gloomy practice. But devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows brings unexpected peace. Here’s why:
Understanding suffering – We begin to see suffering not as meaningless but as a place where God can bring redemption.
Learning compassion – By contemplating Mary’s sorrows, we cultivate empathy for the sorrows of others.
Finding spiritual joy – Strangely, meditating on sorrow brings joy, because it opens our hearts to God’s healing presence.
Confronting sin – Mary’s pain points us to the gravity of sin, not in despair but in hope of forgiveness.
This devotion resonates deeply with anyone who has felt grief, loss, or uncertainty—reminding us that even sorrow can be a channel of grace.
You can pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary anytime, whether for personal needs, for the intentions of others, or as a family devotion. However, there are special moments in the Church calendar and personal life when it holds even greater significance:
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows – Celebrated on September 15, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
During Lent and Holy Week – Especially Good Friday, when Mary’s grief mirrors Christ’s passion.
In times of personal sorrow – Illness, bereavement, or moments of crisis.
Whether privately or in a group, the Seven Sorrows Rosary unites believers with Mary’s compassionate heart.
Praying the Seven Sorrows Rosary usually takes 30–35 minutes and follows a structured format.
Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
Express repentance for sin and offer the rosary to meditate with Mary.
Traditionally prayed to honor Mary’s tears and sorrow.
For each sorrow:
Announce the sorrow.
Pray 1 Our Father and 7 Hail Marys.
Reflect on the sorrow, asking for grace to share in Mary’s faith and endurance.
The Seven Sorrows are:
The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)
The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15)
The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–50)
Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary (Luke 23:27–31)
The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25–30)
The Body of Jesus Placed in Mary’s Arms (Luke 23:55–56)
The Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:55–56)
End with a prayer of thanksgiving and trust in Mary’s intercession.
For those pressed for time, a shorter version can be prayed:
Begin with the Sign of the Cross.
Pray one Hail Mary for each sorrow, offering a brief reflection.
Close with an Act of Contrition or Marian prayer.
This “on-the-go” format makes the devotion more accessible while retaining its spirit.
The Seven Sorrows Rosary connects naturally with other Marian and Catholic devotions:
Novenas to Our Lady of Sorrows.
The Litany of the Sorrowful Mother.
Traditional Rosary prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be).
Many Catholics keep a prayer card or digital guide handy, offering structure for both full and shortened versions of the Seven Sorrows Rosary.
Across centuries, Mary has been depicted as the Mater Dolorosa—the Mother of Sorrows. Statues often show her heart pierced with seven swords, symbolizing the seven sorrows.
Artists from the Middle Ages to modern times have emphasized Mary’s maternal grief, not to glorify pain but to highlight her unwavering love and faith. These images continue to inspire prayer and reflection, reminding believers that Our Lady of Sorrows is not distant from human suffering but deeply united with it.
In today’s busy world, staying consistent with prayer can be challenging. Faith-based tools like the Manna app provide a modern way to stay rooted in devotion.
With Manna, you can:
Access daily Scripture readings.
Pray guided versions of the Rosary and Marian devotions.
Reflect with Our Lady of Sorrows on themes of suffering, trust, and love.
Set reminders to pray on feasts like September 15.
You can download Manna here and carry your devotions wherever you go.
Praying the Seven Sorrows Rosary is not about dwelling on sadness. It is about finding hope in the midst of pain, just as Mary did. Through her example, we discover the strength to trust God even when life feels overwhelming.
So, whether you pray the full rosary or the shortened version, take time to walk with Our Lady of Sorrows. She teaches us that sorrow can lead to grace, suffering can bring compassion, and faith can transform even the darkest nights into dawn.
