Our Lady of Sorrows

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Our Lady of Sorrows (Latin: *Beata Maria Virgo Perdolens*) is a title given to Mary, the mother of Jesus, focusing on the sorrows she experienced in her life. It is also a key subject for Marian art in the Catholic Church, where she is often depicted as *Mater Dolorosa* (Mother of Sorrows).
Feast Day:The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on September 15th, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
History of the Feast:

• In the 13th century, a group of men in Florence formed a religious community, later known as the Servites, after experiencing visions of the Virgin Mary. She instructed them to spread devotion to her Seven Sorrows.
• In 1668, the Servites were granted permission to celebrate a votive Mass of the Seven Sorrows of Mary.
• In 1692, Pope Innocent XII authorized a feast in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows on the third Sunday of September.
• In 1714, the feast was moved to the Friday before Palm Sunday.
• In 1814, Pope Pius VII extended the feast to the entire Latin Church and moved it back to the third Sunday of September.
• In 1913, Pope Pius X moved the feast to September 15th.

The Seven Sorrows:The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows focuses on seven specific events in Mary's life, which are:

1. The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)

2. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13)

3. The Loss of Jesus for Three Days (Luke 2:41-50)

4. Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31)

5. The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:17-30)

6. Taking Jesus Down from the Cross (John 19:38-40)

7. The Burial of Jesus (John 19:38-42)
Devotions:Some pious practices that are done in reference to this title are:

• The Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows
• The Seven Principal Dolors of the Blessed Virgin
• The Novena in Honor of the Seven Sorrows of Mary
• The Via Matris

Iconography:Our Lady of Sorrows is often depicted in art with one or seven swords piercing her heart, referencing Simeon's prophecy. She is portrayed sorrowful and with tears.