...today is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Pierced with a sword of sorrow (Luke 2:33-35), Mary stood by the cross of her Son. The sorrows of Mary numbered seven: the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, the flight into Egypt, Jesus being lost in Jerusalem, the meeting of Mary and Jesus on the way to Calvary, the crucifixion, the taking down of Jesus' body from the cross, and His burial.
Our Blessed Mother mourned all that her Son endured. "Our Mother Mary teaches us to live, together with her, beside the Cross of her Son. In her suffering, she reminds us of the malice of sin and shows us the way to true repentance." (Daily Roman Missal).
Prayer to Our Blessed Mother
Take my hand, O Blessed Mother
hold me firmly lest I fall;
I grow nervous while walking and
humbly on thee call.
Guide me over every crossing,
watch me when I’m on the stairs
let me know that you’re beside me;
listen to my fervent prayers
.
Bring me to my destination
safely along the way,
bless my every undertaking
and my duties for the day.
And when evening creeps upon me
I’ll never fear to be alone:
once again, O Blessed Mother,
take my hand and lead me home.
Amen.
(author unknown)