Prayer of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary<br/><br/>

Besides the Rosary, Prayer of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also considered a traditional daily prayer used by our Church. While praying the Rosary, we mainly contemplate on the life of Jesus Christ. In the Prayer of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin, we contemplate on the events that evolved around the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially her involvement in the Salvation of the world.<br/><br/>

The First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon. When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicts that a "sword" of sorrow will pierce her soul.<br/><br/>

The Second Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt. When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus. They are forced to leave their homeland and travel across deserts. They encounter countless dangers.<br/><br/>

The Third Sorrow: The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple. Child Jesus stays behind in a temple in Jerusalem, causing Mary and Joseph to search frantically for Him for three days.<br/><br/>

The Fourth Sorrow: Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross. Mary shares Jesus' suffering as He carries the cross through the streets of Jerusalem.<br/><br/>

The Fifth Sorrow: Mary at the foot of the cross. Mary, as seen in movie The Passion of Christ directed by Mel Gibson, said these words, “You are the bones of my bones, flesh of my flesh,” when she witnessed the crucifixion and death of Jesus. The pain that Mary experienced is so real that it is as if she is sacrificing her life together with Jesus.<br/><br/>

The Sixth Sorrow: Mary receives the body of Jesus. Although she is faced with her son’s lifeless body, the message that “I will rise on the third day” is resounding in Mary’s head, giving her strength.<br/><br/>

The Seventh Sorrow: Mary witnesses the burial of Jesus. The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb and Mary awaits the Resurrection.<br/><br/>

One should start the Seven Sorrows with The Apostle’s Creed. While contemplating on each Sorrow, one should recite Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be to the Father. We can use Prayer of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary to pray for the sick and the souls of purgatory.