Hey there,
We’re just at the start of September, and fall will officially be here later this month. Too bad it doesn’t feel like fall yet here in Texas.
In the liturgical calendar, September is dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of Mary, building toward the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15th.
Merriam-Webster defines sorrow as:
Deep distress, sadness, or regret especially for the loss of someone or something loved. Resultant unhappy or unpleasant state.
Unfortunately, we can all relate. Sorrow is a natural, inescapable part of the human existence, and we all carry our own personal trials, losses, and anxieties through the seasons of life.
Because of this, it is always an appropriate time to turn to Our Lady and reflect on and honor her as Our Lady of Sorrows.
This week’s issue of Genuflect looks at what Mary’s 7 sorrows are, why we focus on her sorrows, their healing powers, the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, the 11 promises for grace, ways to celebrate Our Lady of Sorrows in September, and an amazing apparition of Our Lady of Sorrows in Italy.
Depending on where you live, September may not bring cooler weather just yet, but it always brings us a beautifully timed devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Mary’s 7 Sorrows
We’re well aware of the sorrows the Blessed Mother experienced during her son’s Passion. But there are others too … 7 in total officially recognized. Here’s a good overview of Our Lady’s sorrows.
What Are The Seven Dolors of Mary? | Simply Catholic
7 11 Promises of Grace
You know about Mary’s 7 sorrows, but did you know that Our Lady of Sorrows has promised to bestow 7 graces on those who pray a special devotion to her sorrows? And Jesus even adds 4 more for a total of 11 graces. Joseph Pronechen lays them all out here.
Our Lady’s Seven Sorrows, Seven Promises, And Fatima’s Connection | National Catholic Register
Pray The 7 Sorrows Rosary
Have you ever heard of The 7 Sorrows Rosary? This is a new one for me. It’s not meant to replace the Holy Rosary, but Our Lady asks us to pray this Rosary on Tuesdays and Fridays. Here’s how to pray it and Our Lady’s promises for those who do.
How to Pray the 7 Sorrows Rosary & Our Lady’s Miraculous Promises, According to a Visionary | ChurchPOP
Healing Your Sorrows
Amanda Evinger shares her heartbreaking loss and how an unexpected statement from a priest about Our Lady of Sorrows reset her perspective on her own sorrow and changed the course of her life. If your crucified heart is in need of healing, these words may be just what you need too.
In This Crisis, Unite Your Heart to Our Lady of Sorrows | National Catholic Register
Why Focus on Sorrows?
With Our Lady of Sorrows, we are called to focus on our Blessed Mother’s sufferings. Why on earth would we want to spend so much time … any time … focusing on sorrow? It’s a great question and Grace Bellon provides a compelling answer.
Our Lady of Sorrows: How to Comfort The Blessed Mother | Blessed is She
Our Lady of Sorrows Feast Day
September 15th is the feast day for Our Lady of Sorrows. Here’s a nice overview of the feast, including the 7 sorrows, its symbols, its patrons, and some things you can do to honor Our Lady of Sorrows.
Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows | Catholic Culture
10 Ways To Celebrate
In the Catholic Church we have the whole month of September to honor Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows. Here are 10 different ways you can integrate this special devotion into your daily life.
10 Ways to Honor Our Lady of Sorrows This September | Aleteia
September Mothers Challenge
Here’s a new twist on an Our Lady of Sorrows devotion. Melissa Guerrero suggests that rather than the traditional devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows that we pray for mothers who struggle in their vocation. She even offers 7 different groups of mothers to choose from. I love the idea of praying for Our Lady’s intercession to strengthen other mothers.
The Our Lady Of Sorrows Mother Challenge, Accepted! | Epic Pew
Our Lady of Sorrows Apparition
In 1888 in Castelpetroso, Italy, a peasant woman who was tending her sheep saw a bright light coming from between two rocks. And in that light appeared Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows. Read the fascinating story of the various apparitions and miracles that occurred at this spot over the years, causing the once doubting local Bishop to recognize the apparition after he personally experienced it.
Our Lady of Sorrows: Castelpetroso, Italy, 1888 | Divine Mysteries
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Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
September is the ideal time to pray the Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows. Mark your calendar to begin the Novena on September 6th to complete it prior to the feast day on September 15th. Or you can pray it anytime. You’ll find all the Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows instructions here.
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