Order of Carmelites

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

Today, September 15, is the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows.

This celebration honors the spiritual martyrdom of the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as her unity with the sufferings and passion of her Son Jesus.

It was Pope Saint Pius X who, in 1913, set the date on September 15 as the memorial. This memorial actually dates to as far back as the 12th century.

Her Seven Sorrows are rooted in Sacred Scripture:

The prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)

The flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)

Loss of the Child Jesus for three days (Luke 2:41-50)

Mary meets Jesus on his way to Calvary (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)

Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)

The body of Jesus being taken from the Cross (Psalm 130; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:31-37)

The burial of Jesus (Isaiah 53:8; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Mark 15:40-47)