Episode 1640: Our Lady of Sorrows and Healing - Fr. Rippenger - Part 1

Fr. Rippenger discusses:

Our Lady of Sorrows intense suffering and grief during the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. She is often depicted in art as a sorrowful woman with tears in her eyes, and sometimes with seven swords piercing her heart. This is a reference to the prophecy of Simeon at the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, when he said to Mary, "A sword will pierce your own soul too, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:35)

The seven sorrows of Mary are traditionally listed as follows:

The prophecy of Simeon
The flight into Egypt
The loss of Jesus in the Temple
Mary's meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary
Standing at the foot of the Cross
Seeing Jesus taken down from the Cross
Burying Jesus

Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is a reminder of the great love and sacrifice that Mary made for her Son, and for all of us. She is a model of compassion and strength in the face of suffering.

In art, Our Lady of Sorrows is often depicted in a way that evokes both her sorrow and her strength. She may be shown standing at the foot of the Cross, her eyes filled with tears, but her expression is also one of resignation and acceptance. She knows that her Son's sacrifice is for the salvation of the world, and she is willing to share in his suffering.

Other common depictions of Our Lady of Sorrows include the Mater Dolorosa (Sorrowful Mother), the Stabat Mater (She Stood), and the Pietà (Pity). These images show Mary in various stages of grief, but they also convey her deep love for her Son.

Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is a way for us to reflect on the suffering of Jesus and to ask for Mary's intercession. She can help us to bear our own sufferings with courage and patience. She can also help us to grow in our love for Jesus and for all of humanity.