September: The Month of Our Lady of Sorrows
Devotion to
Our Lady of Sorrows became a standard devotion in the Church around the 14th century. It was revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373) that devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary's Seven Sorrows would bring great signal graces. The devotion consists in praying seven Hail Mary’s while meditating on the Seven Sorrows of Mary.
Mary, in a unique way, willingly suffered alongside her Divine Son as he gave his life to save the world, and she felt the bitterness of his passion as only a mother can. This devotion is especially remembered during September, the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows (the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is September 15th), and during the season of Lent.
Mary's seven sorrows (dolors) and a suggested reading for reflection are:
- The First Sorrow, The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35) | When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicts that a "sword" (of sorrow) will pierce Mary's soul.
- The Second Sorrow, The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15) | When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus.
- The Third Sorrow, The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple (Luke 2: 41-50) | Mary and Joseph search for the child Jesus for three days, finding Him at last — after agonizing sorrow — in the temple.
- The Fourth Sorrow, Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross (Luke 23: 27-29) | As Jesus makes His way to Calvary, condemned to crucifixion, He meets His mother, Mary. He is bruised, derided, cursed and defiled and her sorrow is absolute as Jesus drags His own cross up the hill of His crucifixion.
- The Fifth Sorrow, Mary at the foot of the cross (John 19: 25-30) | Mary stands near her dying Son unable to minister to him as He cries "I thirst." She hears Him promise heaven to a thief and forgive His enemies. His last words, "Behold your mother," charge us to look on Mary as our mother.
- The Sixth Sorrow, Mary receives the body of Jesus (Psalm 130) | Jesus is taken down from the cross and His body is placed in Mary's arms. The passion and death are over, but for His mother, grief continues. She holds His body in her arms.
- The Seventh Sorrow, Mary witnesses the burial of Jesus (Luke 23: 50-56) | The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb. The most tragic day in history ends, Mary alone in sorrow, awaiting the Resurrection.
The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of September 2022
For the abolition of the death penalty: We pray that the death penalty, which attacks the dignity of the human person, may be legally abolished in every country. (See also
http://www.popesprayerusa.net/)
Focus of the Liturgy
The Gospels for the Sundays in September 2022 are from the Gospel of St. Luke from Cycle C, Weekdays following Year II.
- September 4, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time | "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple."
- September 11, 24th Sunday in OT | This Gospel relates the parable of the Prodigal Son and the Forgiving Father.
- September 18, 25th Sunday in OT | "No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon."
- September 25, 26th Sunday in OT | The Gospel tells the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.