Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Today's Mass Readings

Sorrow

Yesterday, we celebrated Jesus’ Exaltation on the Cross, which is the focal point of our salvation. Today, however, we turn to his Blessed Mother, who has become our Mother also. For Jesus said from the Cross, “Behold, your mother” (see John 19:27).

In my time as a monk at a monastery dedicated to the Blessed Mother and her Immaculate Conception, I have grown in my understanding of and relationship with Mary as my spiritual mother. To be honest, it didn’t come easily or naturally for me.

When I think of Mary, I think of the Rosary. The most I prayed the Rosary was when I was a catechist/missionary with the Catholic youth program Totus Tuus (summers of 2011 and 2012). I enjoyed teaching the children about the mysteries of the Rosary and how to pray the Rosary. But when my team and I prayed the Rosary at the end of the day, it was hard for me to focus and even stay awake!

Now working in the Gift Shop at the Abbey, I am at the point-of-purchase of many rosaries and other Marian devotions. I didn’t know there is a specially made rosary or “chaplet” for the Seven Sorrows of Mary! Did you?

For the Journey:

Do you know the Seven Sorrows of Mary? Have you prayed the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows before? Come on, I’ll try it with you today.

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB