Episode 1796: Rosary of the 7 Sorrows of Our Lady

The Seven Sorrows of Our Lady, also known as the Seven Dolors, are seven significant events in the life of the Virgin Mary that are believed to have caused her immense grief and suffering. These events are traditionally seen as mirroring the Passion of Christ, her son, and are often used as a focus for prayer and meditation.

Here are the seven sorrows, along with their biblical references:

1. The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35): During the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, Simeon foretells that a sword will pierce Mary's soul, foreshadowing the pain she would endure throughout her son's life.

2. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-21): To escape King Herod's murderous decree, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus, facing the fear and hardship of exile.

3. The Loss of the Child Jesus (Luke 2:41-50): After losing track of Jesus during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Mary experiences the anguish of separation and worries about his safety.

4. The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Road to Calvary (John 19:17): On his way to be crucified, Jesus encounters his mother, carrying the burden of his suffering and their impending separation.

5. The Crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:18-30): Mary witnesses the brutal torture and death of her son, experiencing his physical and emotional pain as if it were her own.

6. Jesus Taken Down from the Cross (John 19:39-40): Mary receives the lifeless body of her son in her arms, grieving their final earthly moment together.

7. Jesus Laid in the Tomb (John 19:39-42): Mary witnesses the burial of her son, facing the reality of death and the unknown future without him.

These seven sorrows are not only seen as personal suffering for Mary but also as a way for Christians to connect with her compassion and empathize with the human experience of grief. There are various Catholic devotions and prayers dedicated to meditating on the Seven Sorrows, such as the Servite Rosary and the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows.