Traditionally prayed September 6–14 | Feast: September 15
At times, it seems that life is threatened on all sides. The Church invites us to turn to Mary, the Mother of Sorrows, who stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross, sharing in the suffering of her Son for our salvation. Her pierced heart (cf. Luke 2:35) reminds us that love and sorrow often go hand in hand.
Through this novena, we unite our prayers with the Sorrowful Mother, asking her intercession for ourselves, our families, the Church, and a world in need of God’s mercy.
The Seven Promises of Our Lady of Sorrows
Our Sorrowful Mother revealed these promises to St. Bridget of Sweden for those who daily honor her by praying seven Hail Marys while meditating on her tears and sorrows:
- I will grant peace to their families.
- They will be enlightened about the divine Mysteries.
- I will console them in their pains and accompany them in their work.
- 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.
- I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and protect them at every instant of their lives.
- I will visibly help them at the moment of their death. They will see the face of their Mother.
- I have obtained this grace from My divine Son: those who propagate this devotion to My tears and sorrows 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.
These promises reveal the tender love of Mary for those who keep her sorrows close to their hearts.
How to Pray the Novena
Each day:
Begin with the Preparatory Prayer
Read and meditate on the sorrow of the day
Pray Seven Hail Marys in honor of the Seven Sorrows
Conclude with the Closing Prayer
You may also pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows for deeper reflection.
Daily Novena Prayers & Meditations Preparatory Prayer (to be said each day)
O most holy and afflicted Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, who stood beneath the Cross witnessing the agony of your dying Son, through the sword of sorrow which pierced your heart, assist me in my life and in my death. Grant that I may walk faithfully in the footsteps of your Son to my last breath. Amen.
Day 1 – September 6
The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)
Mary, you presented your Son in the Temple with joy, yet Simeon’s words foretold the sword of sorrow that would pierce your heart. Pray for us, that we may accept God’s will in our lives with faith and trust.
Pray Seven Hail Marys in honor of this sorrow.
Day 2 – September 7
The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15)
Holy Mother, you fled into exile to protect your Child from Herod’s violence. Pray for all families forced to leave their homes, that they may find safety, peace, and provision in God’s care.
Pray Seven Hail Marys in honor of this sorrow.
Day 3 – September 8
The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–50)
Sorrowful Mother, for three long days you searched for your Son, fearing Him lost. Pray for us when we feel abandoned or lost, that we may always find our way back to Jesus.
Pray Seven Hail Marys in honor of this sorrow.
Day 4 – September 9
Mary Meets Jesus Carrying the Cross (Luke 23:27–31)
Mother of Sorrows, you met your Son bruised, beaten, and carrying His Cross. Pray for us when we face suffering, that we may bear our crosses with patience and love.
Pray Seven Hail Marys in honor of this sorrow.
Day 5 – September 10
The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25–30)
Mary, you stood at the foot of the Cross as your Son gave His life for us. Pray for us, that we may never take lightly the cost of our redemption.
Pray Seven Hail Marys in honor of this sorrow.
Day 6 – September 11
The Piercing of the Side of Jesus and His Descent from the Cross (John 19:31–34, 38)
Sorrowful Mother, you received your Son’s lifeless body in your arms. Pray for us when we grieve the death of loved ones, that we may find hope in Christ’s Resurrection.
Pray Seven Hail Marys in honor of this sorrow.
Day 7 – September 12
The Burial of Jesus (Luke 23:55–56)
Mother of Sorrows, you watched as your Son was laid in the tomb. Pray for us in moments of despair, that we may trust that God brings life even from the grave.
Pray Seven Hail Marys in honor of this sorrow.
Day 8 – September 13
Mary’s Suffering for the Sins of the World
Holy Virgin, your heart was pierced not only by your Son’s Passion but by the sins of the world that crucify Him still. Pray for us, that we may repent and live as faithful disciples of Christ.
Pray Seven Hail Marys in honor of this sorrow.
Day 9 – September 14
Anticipation of the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
Dearest Mother, as we prepare to honor your feast, we unite our sufferings to yours. Pray for us, that we may remain steadfast at the Cross and find hope in the victory of Christ.
Pray Seven Hail Marys in honor of this sorrow.
Closing Prayer (to be said each day)
Most merciful Mother, remind us always of the sorrows of your Son, Jesus. Through your intercession, may we share in His Passion and come to the joy of His Resurrection. Amen.
Optional : Rosary of the Seven Sorrows
For those who wish to deepen their devotion, the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows may be prayed daily, meditating on each sorrow of Mary with seven Hail Marys.
This novena leads us to the heart of Mary, who points us always to her Son. As we pray, may we learn to carry our crosses with faith, hope, and love, finding strength in the Mother who never abandoned her Child, even at the Cross.
Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-our-lady-of-sorrows/
NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF SORROWS: Traditionally prayed September 6–14. The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows is September 15 | https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/nine-day-prayer-for-life-novena-to-our-lady-of-sorrows-283
Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows — Our Lady of Mount Carmel https://share.google/Vo8ri96OyoGFO2Cjg
Our Lady of Sorrows – Rosary of the Seven Sorrows https://share.google/ZrpLpvrmtg2wHqybT
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/