Grieving with Mary in her first five sorrows, Mary: Day 338

Grieving with Mary in her first five sorrows

Pope Pius VII approved for the use of the faithful a series of “Seven Prayers in Honor of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” In this first portion of the devotion, we grieve with Mary in her first five sorrows.

I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the affliction of your tender

heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon. Dear Mother, by your heart so afflicted, obtain for me the virtue of humility and the gift of the holy fear of God.

I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the anguish of your most affec- tionate heart during the flight into Egypt and your sojourn there. Dear Mother, by your heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of generosity, especially toward the poor, and the gift of piety.

I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in those anxieties that tried your troubled heart at the loss of your dear Jesus. Dear Mother, by your heart so full of anguish, obtain for me the virtue of chastity and the gift of knowledge.

I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the consternation of your heart at meeting Jesus as he carried his cross. Dear Mother, by your heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of patience and the gift of fortitude.

I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the martyrdom that your gen- erous heart endured in standing near Jesus in his agony. Dear Mother, by your afflicted heart, obtain for me the virtue of temperance and the gift of counsel.

—From “Seven Prayers in Honor of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

IN GOD’S PRESENCE, CONSIDER . . .

For each of these first five sorrows, prayer is offered to obtain a specific virtue and gift of the Holy Spirit. Which of these virtues and gifts do I need most to cultivate?

CLOSING PRAYER

Mary, help me to be humble and generous, chaste, patient, and temperate. Ask the Holy Spirit to give me the gifts of fear of God, piety, knowledge, fortitude, and counsel.

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