The Via Matris

The First Sorrow: The Dark Prophecy of Simeon

Let us meditate on the First Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin, when she presented her only Son in the temple, laid him in the arms of holy Simeon, and heard the prophetic words, “This one shall be a sword of sorrow to pierce thine own heart.”

I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in affliction of thy tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon.  O dearest Mother, by thy heart so afflicted, implore for me the virtue of humility and the Gift of the Holy Fear of God.  Our Father, seven Hail Marys (to be said after each Sorrow).

The Second Sorrow: The Desperate Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt

Let us meditate on the Second Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin, when, forced to endure the hardships of a long journey, and becoming a foreigner in a strange land, Mary and her family flee to protect the Christ Child from those who seek to destroy him.

I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the anguish of thy most affectionate heart during the flight into Egypt and thy sojourn there.  O dearest Mother, by thine anxious heart so troubled, implore for me the virtue of generosity, especially toward the poor, and the Gift of Piety.

The Third Sorrow: The Christ Child is Lost to his Parents

Let us meditate on the Third Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin, when Jesus disappeared for three days in Jerusalem at the age of twelve, causing his parents, especially Mary, agonizing sorrow.

I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in those anxieties which tried thy troubled heart at the loss of thy beloved Child Jesus.  O dearest Mother, by thine exceedingly troubled heart, implore for me the virtue of chastity and the Gift of Knowledge.

The Fourth Sorrow: The Sorrowful Meeting of Jesus and Mary

Let us meditate on the Fourth Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin, as Jesus makes his way to Calvary, condemned to crucifixion, and meets his mother, Mary.  He is bruised, derided, cursed and defiled, and her sorrow is absolute as Jesus drags his cross up the hill of his crucifixion.

I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, on account of the horror with which thy mother-heart was stricken when meeting Jesus bearing the Cross.  O dearest Mother, by thine exceedingly oppressed heart, implore for me the virtue of patience and the Gift of Fortitude.

The Fifth Sorrow: The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord

Let us meditate on the Fifth Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin, as she stands at the foot of the Cross near her dying Son.  She is 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.

I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, on account of that martyrdom which tortured thy generous heart at the death-agony of Jesus.  O dearest Mother, through this thy martyred heart, implore for me the virtue of temperance and the Gift of Counsel.

The Sixth Sorrow: The Heart of Our Blessed Lord is Pierced with a Lance, and his Body is Taken Down from the Cross

Let us meditate on the Sixth Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin, as she watches the soldier pierce her Son’s side with a lance, and then as she receives the body of Jesus taken down from the Cross.  His Passion and Death are over, but for his Mother, the grief continues.

I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the wounding of thy tender heart, by the thrust of the lance that opened the side of Jesus and pierced his most adorable Heart.  O dearest Mother, by this vicarious transfixion of thine own heart, implore for me the virtue of brotherly love, and the Gift of Understanding.

The Seventh Sorrow: Our Lord is Laid to Rest in the Sepulchre

Let us meditate on the Seventh Sorrow of the Blessed Virgin, as she places the body of Jesus in the tomb, awaiting the Resurrection.  The most tragic day in history thus comes to an end, with Mary alone in sorrow, as she lays the body of her Son in the sepulchre.

I grieve for thee, O Mary most sorrowful, on account of that agony which racked thy most loving heart at the burial of Jesus.  O dearest Mother, through this extreme torment that filled thy burdened heart, obtain for me the virtue of zeal and the Gift of Wisdom.