Seven Sorrows Rosary

THE ROSARY OF THE SEVEN SORROWS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

LITANY OF
OUR LADY OF SORROWS

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, Pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, Pray for us.
Mother crucified, Pray for us.
Mother sorrowful, Pray for us.
Mother tearful, Pray for us.
Mother afflicted, Pray for us.
Mother forsaken, Pray for us.
Mother desolate, Pray for us.
Mother bereft of thy Child, Pray for us.
Mother transfixed with the sword, Pray for us.
Mother consumed with grief, Pray for us.
Mother filled with anguish, Pray for us.
Mother crucified in heart, Pray for us.
Mother most sad, Pray for us.

Fountain of tears, Pray for us.
Abyss of suffering, Pray for us.
Mirror of patience, Pray for us.
Rock of constancy, Pray for us.
Anchor of confidence, Pray for us.
Refuge of the forsaken, Pray for us.
Shield of the oppressed, Pray for us.
Subduer of the unbelieving, Pray for us.

Comfort of the afflicted, Pray for us.
Medicine of the sick, Pray for us.
Strength of the weak, Pray for us.
Harbor of the wrecked, Pray for us.
Allayer of tempests, Pray for us.
Solace of mourners, Pray for us.
Terror of the treacherous, Pray for us.
Treasure of the faithful, Pray for us.

Eye of the Prophets, Pray for us.
Staff of the Apostles, Pray for us.
Crown of martyrs, Pray for us.
Light of confessors, Pray for us.
Pearl of virgins, Pray for us.
Consolation of widows, Pray for us.
Joy of all saints, Pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Look down upon us, deliver us, and save us from all trouble, in the power of Jesus Christ. Amen.

R. Pray for us most Sorrowful Mother of God
V. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:
Imprint, O Sorrowful Mother, thy wounds upon my heart, that I may read therein sorrow and love — sorrow to endure every sorrow for thee; love, to despise every love for thee. R. Amen.

This litany was written in Latin by Pope Pius VII in 1809 during his captivity under Napoleon Bonaparte.

FIRST SORROW―THE PROPHECY OF ST. SIMEON

► Before the Our Father: O heavenly Father, Who didst send Thy Son into this world to suffer and die for the redemption of sinners; Who didst choose Mary to be the Co-Redemptrix and companion of “the Man of Sorrows”; grant us the grace to see Thy Divine wisdom behind all our sufferings, to understand the purpose of pain in our lives, and grant us the grace to willingly accept our own swords of sorrow―in whatever shape or form they may be―so that imitating Our Lady of Sorrows on Earth, we might participate in her joys in Heaven.   Our Father … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 1.
And after the days of her purification were accomplished, according to the law of Moses, they carried Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord―as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every male, opening the womb, shall be called holy to the Lord!”―and to offer a sacrifice, according as it is written in the law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω   After the word Jesus: 1.
Being carried to the Temple as a sacrifice to God. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 2.
And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Ghost was in him.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω   After the word Jesus: 2.
Being consecrated to the service of God. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 3.
And he had received an answer from the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Christ of the Lord. And he came by the Spirit into the Temple. Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω  After the word Jesus: 3.
Beginning a life of suffering. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 4.
And when His parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the Law, Simeon also took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said: “Now Thou dost dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word in peace; because my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples―a light to the revelation of the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel!”   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω   After the word Jesus: 4.
Who was to become “The Man of Sorrows.” Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 5.
And His father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning Him.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω   After the word Jesus: 5.
Who came to redeem mankind from sin. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 6.
And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother: “Behold this Child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; and thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.”   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω  After the word Jesus: 6.
Bringing a sword of sorrow to Mary’s heart. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 7.
And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their city Nazareth. The Child grew and waxed strong, full of wisdom; and the grace of God was in Him. Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 7.
Help us to understand the purpose and blessings of suffering. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost … etc.
♥  O most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to suffer willingly, worthily and meritoriously all the sufferings that God will send to us by His merciful Providence; as a payment for our sins, for the conversion of sinners, for the souls in Purgatory and for the welfare of our Holy Mother the Church.

LITANY OF
OUR LADY OF SORROWS

SECOND SORROW―THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT

►  Before the Our Father:   O heavenly Father, Who didst send Thy Son into this world to suffer and die for the redemption of sinners; Who didst choose Mary to be the Co-Redemptrix and companion of “the Man of Sorrows”; grant us the grace to see Thy Divine wisdom behind all our sufferings, to understand the purpose of pain in our lives, and grant us the grace to willingly accept our own swords of sorrow―in whatever shape or form they may be―so that imitating Our Lady of Sorrows on Earth, we might participate in her joys in Heaven.   Our Father … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 1.
When Jesus, therefore, was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of King Herod, behold, there came Wise Men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East, and are come to adore Him.”  And King Herod, hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω   After the word Jesus: 1.
Adored by pagan kings, but rejected by people of His own religion.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 2.
Then Herod, privately calling the Wise Men, learned diligently of them the time of the star, which appeared to them; and, sending them into Bethlehem, said: “Go and diligently inquire after the Child, and, when you have found Him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore Him.”    Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω   After the word Jesus: 2.
Accepting gold as a King; frankincense as a Priest and myrrh as a Victim.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 3.
The Wise Men, having heard the king, went their way; and, behold, the star which they had seen in the East, went before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And, seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And entering into the house, they found the Child with Mary His Mother, and, falling down, they adored Him; and opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts―gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω   After the word Jesus: 3.
Having to flee into Egypt.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 4.
And, having received an answer, in sleep, that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω   After the word Jesus: 4.
Living in exile.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 5.
And, after they were departed, behold an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, in his sleep, saying: “Arise, and take the Child and His Mother, and flee into Egypt: and be there until I shall tell thee! For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the Child to destroy Him.” Who arose, and took the Child and His Mother by night, and retired into Egypt: and he was there until the death of Herod―that it might be fulfilled, which the Lord spoke by the prophet, saying: “Out of Egypt have I called My Son.”  Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω   After the word Jesus: 6.
Returning to a home to a humble hidden life.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 6.  Then Herod, perceiving that he was deluded by the Wise Men, was exceedingly angry; and, sending soldiers, killed all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the Wise Men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying:  “A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not!”   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω   After the word Jesus: 6.
Bringing forth martyrs. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray ... etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 7.
But when Herod was dead, behold an angel of the Lord appeared, in Egypt, to Joseph in his sleep, saying: “Arise, and take the Child and His Mother, and go into the land of Israel. For they are dead that sought the life of the Child.” Who arose, and took the Child and His Mother, and came into the land of Israel. But, hearing that Archelaus reigned in Judea, in place of Herod his father, he was afraid to go there―and, being warned in sleep, retired into the quarters of Galilee, and dwelt in a city called Nazareth.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω   After the word Jesus: 7.
Returning home safely. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray ... etc.

♣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost … etc.
♥ O most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to suffer willingly, worthily and meritoriously all the sufferings that God will send to us by His merciful Providence; as a payment for our sins, for the conversion of sinners, for the souls in Purgatory and for the welfare of our Holy Mother the Church.

LITANY OF
OUR LADY OF SORROWS

THIRD SORROW―THE LOSS OF THE CHILD JESUS

►  Before the Our Father:    O heavenly Father, Who didst send Thy Son into this world to suffer and die for the redemption of sinners; Who didst choose Mary to be the Co-Redemptrix and companion of “the Man of Sorrows”; grant us the grace to see Thy Divine wisdom behind all our sufferings, to understand the purpose of pain in our lives, and grant us the grace to willingly accept our own swords of sorrow―in whatever shape or form they may be―so that imitating Our Lady of Sorrows on Earth, we might participate in her joys in Heaven.   Our Father … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 1. And His parents went every year to Jerusalem, at the solemn day of the Pasch.    Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 1.   Keeping the religious laws of His Father.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 2. And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 2.  Praying to and adoring His Father in the Temple of Jerusalem.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 3. And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and His parents knew it not.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 3.   Preferring to remain in Jerusalem, to do the work of His Father.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 4. And thinking that He was in the company of others, they came a day’s journey, and sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances. And not finding Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.  Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 4.  Hiding Himself from Mary and Joseph.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 5. And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions. And all that heard Him were astonished at His wisdom and His answers. And seeing Him, they wondered.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 5.   Enlightening the doctors in the Temple.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 6. And His mother said to Him: “Son, why hast Thou done so to us? Behold Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing!”  Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 6.  Bringing another sword of sorrow to Mary’s heart.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 7. And He said to them: “How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know, that I must be about My Father’s business?” And they understood not the word that He spoke unto them.  Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 7.  Causing pain and sorrow in Mary and Joseph.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost … etc.
♥ O most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to suffer willingly, worthily and meritoriously all the sufferings that God will send to us by His merciful Providence; as a payment for our sins, for the conversion of sinners, for the souls in Purgatory and for the welfare of our Holy Mother the Church.

LITANY OF
OUR LADY OF SORROWS

FOURTH SORROW―OUR LADY MEETS JESUS CARRYING HIS CROSS

► Before the Our Father:    O heavenly Father, Who didst send Thy Son into this world to suffer and die for the redemption of sinners; Who didst choose Mary to be the Co-Redemptrix and companion of “the Man of Sorrows”; grant us the grace to see Thy Divine wisdom behind all our sufferings, to understand the purpose of pain in our lives, and grant us the grace to willingly accept our own swords of sorrow―in whatever shape or form they may be―so that imitating Our Lady of Sorrows on Earth, we might participate in her joys in Heaven.   Our Father … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 1.
And after they had mocked Him, they took off the cloak from Him, and put on Him His own garments, and led Him away to crucify Him.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 1.
Accepting the Cross from mankind.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 2.
And bearing His own Cross, He went forth to that place which is called “Calvary”―but in Hebrew, “Golgotha.”   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 2.
Embracing the Cross.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 3.
And there were also two other malefactors, led with Him, to be put to death.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 3.
Meeting His Holy Mother.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 4.
And going out, they found a man named Simon, who passed by, coming out of the country of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and of Rufus. And they forced Simon to take up His Cross.  Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 4.
Accepting the help of Simon of Cyrene.   Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 5.
And there followed Him a great multitude of people, and of women, who bewailed and lamented Him.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 5.
Accepting the help of Veronica.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 6.
But Jesus turning to them, said: “Daughters of Jerusalem! Weep not over Me; but weep for yourselves, and for your children! For behold, the days shall come, wherein they will say: ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that have not borne, and the paps that have not given suck!’”   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 6.
Warning the women of Jerusalem of the future.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 7.
Jesus said to them: “Then shall they begin to say to the mountains: ‘Fall upon us!’ and to the hills: ‘Cover us!’ For if in the green wood they do these things, what shall be done in the dry?”   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 7.
Falling under the weight of Cross.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost … etc.
♥ O most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to suffer willingly, worthily and meritoriously all the sufferings that God will send to us by His merciful Providence; as a payment for our sins, for the conversion of sinners, for the souls in Purgatory and for the welfare of our Holy Mother the Church.

LITANY OF
OUR LADY OF SORROWS

FIFTH SORROW―THE CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH OF JESUS

► Before the Our Father:    O heavenly Father, Who didst send Thy Son into this world to suffer and die for the redemption of sinners; Who didst choose Mary to be the Co-Redemptrix and companion of “the Man of Sorrows”; grant us the grace to see Thy Divine wisdom behind all our sufferings, to understand the purpose of pain in our lives, and grant us the grace to willingly accept our own swords of sorrow―in whatever shape or form they may be―so that imitating Our Lady of Sorrows on Earth, we might participate in her joys in Heaven.   Our Father … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 1.
And it was the third hour when they were come to the place which is called Calvary, they crucified Him there. And Jesus said: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!” The soldiers, therefore, when they had crucified Him, took and divided His garments, and they made four parts, to every soldier a part, and also His coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said then one to another: “Let us not cut it, but let us cast lots for it, whose it shall be!” that the Scripture might be fulfilled, saying: “They divided My garments among them; and upon My vesture they cast lots.” And the soldiers indeed did these things.  Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 1.
Stripped of His garments and nailed to the Cross.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 2.
And they put over His head the written inscription of His cause: “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.” And with Him they crucified two thieves; the one robber on His right hand, and the other on His left, so that the Scripture was fulfilled, which saith: “And with the wicked He was reputed.” And they sat and watched Him. Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 2.
Forgiving His enemies from the Cross .  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 3.
And they that passed by, blasphemed Him, wagging their heads, and saying: “Vah! Thou that destroyest the Temple of God, and in three days dost rebuild it! Save Thy own self! If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the Cross!” In like manner also the Chief Priests, with the Scribes and Ancients, mocking, said: “He saved others; Himself He cannot save! Let Christ the King of Israel come down now from the Cross! If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the Cross, that we may see and believe! He trusted in God; let Him now deliver Him if He will have Him! For He said: ‘I am the Son of God!’ He saved others; Himself He cannot save!”  And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him and saying: “If Thou be the King of the Jews, save Thyself!” And the self-same thing the thieves, that were crucified with Him, also reproached Him with and reviled Him.  Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω   After the word Jesus: 3.
Despised and mocked upon the Cross.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 4.
And one of those robbers, who were hanged, blasphemed Him, saying: “If Thou be Christ, save Thyself and us!” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying: “Neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art condemned under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man hath done no evil!” And he said to Jesus: “Lord! Remember me when Thou shalt come into Thy Kingdom!”
And Jesus said to him: “Amen I say to thee, this day thou shalt be with Me in paradise!” And it was almost the sixth hour.  Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 4.
Opening Paradise to the repentant Good Thief.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 5.
Now there stood by the Cross of Jesus, His Mother, and His Mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus, therefore, had seen His Mother and the disciple standing, whom He loved, He saith to His Mother: “Woman, behold thy son!” After that, He saith to the disciple: “Behold thy Mother!” And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.    Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 5.
Bestowing His Holy Mother upon us in the person of St. John.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 6.
And when the sixth hour was come, the sun was darkened and there was darkness over the whole Earth until the ninth hour. And, about the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: “Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani?” That is: “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” And some that stood there and heard, said: “Behold, this Man calleth Elias!” And the others said: “Let be! Let us see whether Elias will come to deliver Him!” Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said: “I thirst!” Now there was a vessel set there, full of vinegar. And immediately, one of them running, took a sponge and filled it with vinegar and hyssop and put it on a reed. And they, putting a sponge full of vinegar and hyssop, put it to His mouth and gave Him to drink. Jesus, therefore, when He had taken the vinegar, said: “It is consummated!”   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 6.
Feeling abandoned by His Father in Heaven.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 7.
And Jesus, again crying with a loud voice, said: “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit!” And, after saying this, bowing His head, He gave up the ghost. And the veil of the Temple was rent in two, from the top to the bottom. And the centurion, who stood over against Him, seeing that, crying out in this manner, He had given up the ghost, seeing what was done, glorified God, saying:  “Indeed this was a just Man! Indeed this Man was the Son of God!” And all the multitude of them that were come together to that sight, and saw the things that were done, returned striking their breasts. Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 7.
Thirsting for the conversion of sinners.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost … etc.
♥  O most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to suffer willingly, worthily and meritoriously all the sufferings that God will send to us by His merciful Providence; as a payment for our sins, for the conversion of sinners, for the souls in Purgatory and for the welfare of our Holy Mother the Church.

LITANY OF
OUR LADY OF SORROWS

SIXTH SORROW―MARY RECEIVES THE DEAD BODY OF JESUS

► Before the Our Father:    O heavenly Father, Who didst send Thy Son into this world to suffer and die for the redemption of sinners; Who didst choose Mary to be the Co-Redemptrix and companion of “the Man of Sorrows”; grant us the grace to see Thy Divine wisdom behind all our sufferings, to understand the purpose of pain in our lives, and grant us the grace to willingly accept our own swords of sorrow―in whatever shape or form they may be―so that imitating Our Lady of Sorrows on Earth, we might participate in her joys in Heaven.   Our Father … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 1.
Then the Jews, because it was the Parasceve, that the bodies might not remain on the Cross on the Sabbath day—for, at the time of the Pasch or Passover, it was a great Sabbath day—besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 1.
Having accomplished His mission. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 2.
The soldiers, therefore, came; and they broke the legs of the first and of the other, that was crucified with Him. But after they were come to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.  Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 2.
Dead to the world, but alive in soul. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 3.
But one of the soldiers, with a spear, opened His side, and immediately there came out blood and water.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω  After the word Jesus: 3.
Washing away our sins by His death. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 4.
These things were done, that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “You shall not break a bone of Him.”  And again another Scripture saith: “They shall look on Him Whom they pierced.” And he that saw it, hath given testimony, and his testimony is true. And he knoweth that he saith true; that you also may believe. Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 4.
Pierced for our sins.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 5.
And all His acquaintances, and the women that had followed Him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things. Among whom was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joseph, and Salome: who, also, when He was in Galilee, followed Him, and ministered to Him, and many other women that came up with Him to Jerusalem.     Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 5.
Piercing the soul of Thy Holy Mother.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 6.
And when evening was now come, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a noble counselor, who was also himself looking for the Kingdom of God, came and went in boldly to Pilate and begged the Body of Jesus. Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 6.
Dead in the arms of Mary, but alive in her heart. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 7.
But Pilate wondered that He should be already dead. And sending for the centurion, he asked him if He were already dead. And when he had understood it by the centurion, he gave the Body to Joseph. “O all ye that pass by the way, attend, and see if there be any sorrow like to my sorrow! For He hath made a vintage of me, as the Lord spoke in the day of His fierce anger!”  Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 7.
Victorious through death.  Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♣ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost … etc.
♥  O most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, help to suffer willingly, worthily and meritoriously all the sufferings that God will send to us by His merciful Providence; as a payment for our sins, for the conversion of sinners, for the souls in Purgatory and for the welfare of our Holy Mother the Church.

LITANY OF
OUR LADY OF SORROWS

SEVENTH SORROW―MARY SEES JESUS PLACED INTO THE TOMB

►  Before the Our Father:   O heavenly Father, Who didst send Thy Son into this world to suffer and die for the redemption of sinners; Who didst choose Mary to be the Co-Redemptrix and companion of “the Man of Sorrows”; grant us the grace to see Thy Divine wisdom behind all our sufferings, to understand the purpose of pain in our lives, and grant us the grace to willingly accept our own swords of sorrow―in whatever shape or form they may be―so that imitating Our Lady of Sorrows on Earth, we might participate in her joys in Heaven.   Our Father … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 1.
Pilate gave the body to Joseph. And Joseph buying fine linen, and taking him down, wrapped him up in the fine clean linen cloth, and laid him in a sepulcher, his own new monument, which he had hewed out in a rock.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 1.
Helpless at birth and helpless at death. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 2.
And he rolled a stone to the door of the sepulcher, and went his way. And Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of Joseph, beheld where he was laid. And Mary Magdalen, and the other Mary sat against the sepulcher.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 2.
Buried deep in the heart of Mary. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 3.
There is no beauty in Him, nor comeliness: and we have seen Him, and there was no sightliness, that we should be desirous of Him. Despised, and the most abject of men, a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with infirmity: and His look was as it were hidden and despised, whereupon we esteemed Him not.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 3.
Teaching us how to suffer and die. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 4.
Surely He hath borne our infirmities and carried our sorrows: and we have thought Him as it were a leper, and as one struck by God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our iniquities, He was bruised for our sins: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His bruises we are healed.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 4.
Teaching us how to pay for our sins. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 5.
All of us like sheep have gone astray, every one hath turned aside into his own way: and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was offered because it was His own will, and He opened not His mouth: He shall be led as a sheep to the slaughter, and shall be dumb as a lamb before his shearer, and He shall not open His mouth.    Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 6.
The Lamb of God, slain for sin. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 6.
He was taken away from distress, and from judgment: who shall declare His generation? Because He is cut off out of the land of the living: for the wickedness of my people have I struck Him. And He shall give the ungodly for His burial, and the rich for His death: because He hath done no iniquity, neither was there deceit in His mouth.
Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 6.
Preparing for a new life. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♥ Before the Hail Mary: 7.
And the Lord was pleased to bruise Him in infirmity: if He shall lay down His life for sin, He shall see a long-lived seed, and the will of the Lord shall be prosperous in His hand.   Hail Mary, full of grace … etc.
Ω After the word Jesus: 7.
Preparing for the victory over death. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray … etc.

♣  Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost … etc.
♥  O most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to suffer willingly, worthily and meritoriously all the sufferings that God will send to us by His merciful Providence; as a payment for our sins, for the conversion of sinners, for the souls in Purgatory and for the welfare of our Holy Mother the Church.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO OUR LADY OF SORROWS

Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, holy Queen of Martyrs and spotless Virgin, would that I could be in Heaven with thee; there to contemplate the honors rendered to thee by the Most Holy Trinity and by the whole Heavenly Court! But since I am still a pilgrim in this valley of tears, receive from me, thy unworthy servant and a poor sinner, the most sincere homage and the most perfect act of vassalage and devotion that a human creature can offer thee.

I consecrate myself to thy Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, pierced with so many swords of sorrow, and place my poor soul therein forever. Receive me as a partaker in thy Sorrows, and never suffer that I should depart from that Cross on which thy only begotten Son expired for me and which He wishes to share with me. With thee, O Mary, I will endure all the sufferings, persecutions, adversities, failures, contradictions and infirmities, with which it will please thy Divine Son to visit me in this life.

All of them I offer to thee, in memory of the Sorrows which thou didst suffer during thy life, that every thought of my mind, every beating of my heart may henceforward be an act of compassion to thy Sorrows, and of delight for the glory thou now enjoyest in Heaven.

Since then, O Dear Mother, I now meditate thy Sorrows, and rejoice in seeing thee glorified, do thou also have compassion on me, and reconcile me to thy Son Jesus, that I may become thy true and loyal son (daughter); come on my last day and assist me in my last agony at the hour death, even as thou wert present at the Agony of thy Divine Son Jesus, that from this painful exile I may go to Heaven, there to be made partaker of thy glory. Amen.

SHORT DEVOTION ON THE SEVEN SORROWS OF OUR LADY

V. Incline unto my aid, O Lord.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
V. Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As is was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen

Our Father....

1. The Prophecy of Simeon

“And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother: ‘Behold this Child is set for the fall and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted! And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many hearts thoughts may be revealed!’” (Luke 2:34-35).

BRIEF MEDITATION: How great was the shock to Mary’s Heart at hearing the sorrowful words, in which holy Simeon told the bitter Passion and death of her sweet Jesus, since in that same moment she realized in her mind all the insults, blows, and torments which the impious men were to offer to the Redeemer of the world. But a still sharper sword pierced her soul. It was the thought of men’s ingratitude to her beloved Son. Now consider that because of your sins you are unhappily among the ungrateful.

Say one Ave Maria (Hail Mary)

2. The Flight into Egypt

“And after they (the wise men) were departed, behold an angel of the Lord appeared in sleep to Joseph, saying: ‘Arise and take the Child and His mother and fly into Egypt: and be there until I shall tell thee. For it will come to pass that Herod will seek the Child to destroy Him!’ Who arose and took the Child and His mother by night, and retired into Egypt: and He was there until the death of Herod.” (Matthew 2:13-14).

BRIEF MEDITATION: Consider the sharp sorrow which Mary felt when, St. Joseph being warned by an angel, she had to flee by night in order to preserve her beloved Child from the slaughter decreed by Herod. What anguish was hers, in leaving Judea, lest she should be overtaken by the soldiers of the cruel king! How great her privations in that long journey! What sufferings she bore in that land of exile, what sorrow amid that people given to idolatry! But consider how often you have renewed that bitter grief of Mary, when your sins have caused her Son to flee from your heart.

Say one Ave Maria (Hail Mary)

3. The Loss of the Child Jesus for Three Days

“And having fulfilled the days, when they returned, the Child Jesus remained in Jerusalem; and His parents knew it not. And thinking that He was in the company, they came a day’s journey, and sought Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And not finding Him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking Him.” (Luke 2:43-45).

BRIEF MEDITATION: How dread was the grief of Mary, when she saw that she had lost her beloved Son! And as if to increase her sorrow, when she sought Him diligently among her kinsfolk and acquaintance, she could hear no tidings of Him. No hindrances stayed her, nor weariness, nor danger; but she forthwith returned to Jerusalem, and for three long days sought Him sorrowing. Great be your confusion, O my soul, who has so often lost your Jesus by your sins, and has given no heed to seek Him at once, a sign that you make very little or no account of the precious treasure of divine love.

Say one Ave Maria (Hail Mary)

4. The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross

“And there followed Him a great multitude of people, and of women, who bewailed and lamented Him.” (Luke 23:27).

BRIEF MEDITATION: Come, O ye sinners, come and see if ye can endure so sad a sight. This Mother, so tender and loving, meets her beloved Son, meets Him amid an impious rabble, who drag Him to a cruel death, wounded, torn by stripes, crowned with thorns, streaming with blood, bearing His heavy cross. Ah, consider, my soul, the grief of the blessed Virgin thus beholding her Son! Who would not weep at seeing this Mother’s grief? But who has been the cause of such woe? I, it is I, who with my sins have so cruelly wounded the heart of my sorrowing Mother! And yet I am not moved; I am as a stone, when my heart should break because of my ingratitude.

Say one Ave Maria (Hail Mary)

5. The Crucifixion

“They crucified Him ... Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, His Mother. When Jesus therefore had seen His Mother and the disciple standing whom He loved, He saith to His Mother: ‘Woman! Behold thy son!’ After that He saith to the disciple: ‘Behold thy Mother!’” (John 19:18, 25-27).

BRIEF MEDITATION: Look, devout soul, look to Calvary, whereon are raised two altars of sacrifice, one on the body of Jesus, the other on the heart of Mary. Sad is the sight of that dear Mother drowned in a sea of woe, seeing her beloved Son, part of her very self, cruelly nailed to the shameful tree of the cross. Ah me! how every blow of the hammer, how every stripe which fell on the Saviour’s form, fell also on the disconsolate spirit of the Virgin. As she stood at the foot of the cross, pierced by the sword of sorrow, she turned her eyes on Him, until she knew that He lived no longer and had resigned His spirit to His Eternal Father. Then her own soul was like to have left the body and joined itself to that of Jesus.

Say one Ave Maria (Hail Mary)

6. The Taking Down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross

“Joseph of Arimathea, a noble counselor, came and went in boldly to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And Joseph buying fine linen, and taking Him down, wrapped Him up in the fine linen.” (Mark 15:43-46).

BRIEF MEDITATION: Consider the most bitter sorrow which rent the soul of Mary, when she saw the dead body of her dear Jesus on her knees, covered with blood, all torn with deep wounds. O mournful Mother, a bundle of myrrh, indeed, is thy Beloved to thee. Who would not pity thee? Whose heart would not be softened, seeing affliction which would move a stone? Behold John not to be comforted, Magdalen and the other Mary in deep affliction, and Nicodemus, who can scarcely bear his sorrow.

Say one Ave Maria (Hail Mary)

7. The Burial of Jesus

“Now there was in the place where He was crucified, a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, wherein no man yet had been laid. There, therefore, because of the Parasceve of the Jews, they laid Jesus, because the sepulcher was nigh at hand.” (John 19:41-42).

BRIEF MEDITATION: Consider the sighs which burst from Mary’s sad heart when she saw her beloved Jesus laid within the tomb. What grief was hers when she saw the stone lifted to cover that sacred tomb! She gazed a last time on the lifeless body of her Son, and could scarce detach her eyes from those gaping wounds. And when the great stone was rolled to the door of the sepulcher, oh, then indeed her heart seemed torn from her body!

Say one Ave Maria (Hail Mary)