Fr. David Ritchie
On the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, the Church invites us to reflect on the meaning of suffering and to contemplate the perfect example of endurance given to us by the Virgin Mary.
Today, September 15th, we honour Mary under the title of the Virgin of Sorrows. Why is she called this, and what can we learn from her experiences of suffering? Scripture and tradition teach us that Mary endured seven great sorrows in her life, each revealing her unwavering fidelity and her intimate union with God’s plan of salvation.
In the Gospel according to St. John, chapter 19, verse 25, we see Mary standing firmly at the foot of the Cross, accompanied by a few holy women. Her steadfast presence in the midst of suffering represents one of her sorrows and serves as a model of faithful endurance for all Christians.
In the Gospel according to St. Luke, chapter 2, we encounter another sorrow: the presentation of the Child Jesus to Simeon. Simeon prophesies that a sword will pierce Mary’s heart, foreshadowing the grief she would endure throughout her life. Other sorrows include the flight into Egypt to protect the Holy Child and the burial of Jesus, which, though sorrowful, is illumined by the hope of the Resurrection. In all these trials, Mary not only shared in Christ’s sufferings but also cared for all who belong to Him, with St. John symbolizing the faithful of every age.
Mary’s faithful endurance earned her the crown of martyrs, rightly calling her the Queen of Martyrs. As it is beautifully said: “Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, for without dying, you won the martyr’s crown beneath the Cross of the Lord.”
Her sorrows offer the perfect example for all Christians. Whatever trials and sufferings we face have already been embraced and sanctified by Mary. By turning to her, we can ask for the grace to endure our own crosses, to remain faithful in sorrow, and to grow in holiness alongside her at the foot of the Cross.
May this reflection deepen our understanding of Christian suffering, help us unite our trials to those of Mary, and strengthen us in living fully as children of God.
