The Seven Sorrows of Mary

The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows (or the Servite Rosary) is a beautiful devotion that invites us to meditate on the suffering of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It originated with the Servite Order in the 13th century and was newly emphasized during the apparitions of Our Lady of Kibeho in the 1980s.

What are the Seven Sorrows?

Unlike the traditional Rosary which meditates on the life of Christ, this chaplet focus specifically on the pain Mary endured in union with her Son.

1. The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)
2. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-21)
3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-50)
4. Mary Meets Jesus on the Way of the Cross (Luke 23:27-31)
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
6. The Taking Down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross (Mark 15:42-46)
7. The Burial of Jesus (John 19:38-42)

The Promises of the Seven Sorrows

According to tradition, specifically visions given to St. Bridget of Sweden, Our Lady made seven promises to those who meditate on her tears and sorrows:

1. "I will grant peace to their families."
2. "They will be enlightened about the divine Mysteries."
3. "I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work."
4. "I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my Divine Son or the sanctification of their souls."
5. "I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives."
6. "I will visibly help them at the moment of their death—they will see the face of their mother."
7. "I have obtained this grace from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness, since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son will be their eternal consolation and joy."

How to Pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary

This rosary consists of seven sets of seven beads, separated by seven medals (or larger beads) depicting the sorrows.

Opening Prayer

Start by making the Sign of the Cross. Then pray an Act of Contrition, asking for God's mercy.

The Seven Sections

For each Sorrow:

1. Announce the Sorrow (e.g., "The First Sorrow: The Prophecy of Simeon").
2. Pray one Our Father.
3. Pray seven Hail Marys while meditating on the specific sorrow.
4. Close the section with: "Virgin Most Sorrowful, pray for us."

Closing Prayers

After the seventh sorrow, pray three Hail Marys in honor of the tears of Our Lady shed because of the suffering of her Son. Conclude with: "Pray for us, O most sorrowful Virgin // That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ."

Why Pray This Devotion?

In her apparitions at Kibeho (approved by the Church), Mary asked for the renewal of this prayer for the conversion of hearts and for peace in the world. It is a powerful weapon against spiritual dryness and a way to soften hardened hearts. By entering into Mary's sorrow, we learn to love Jesus more deeply and to carry our own crosses with patience.