The Seven Sorrows of Mary
Seven swords pierced the Heart of Mary. This very ancient Servite devotion recalls each one with one Our Father and seven Hail Marys.
- The prophecy of Simeon. In the Temple, the elder announces to Mary: a sword shall pierce thy soul. (Lk 2:34-35)
- The flight into Egypt. Warned by an angel, Joseph takes the Child and his Mother to a foreign land, fleeing Herod. (Mt 2:13-15)
- The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple. For three days, Mary seeks him in anguish: thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. (Lk 2:41-50)
- The meeting with Jesus on the way to Calvary. Mary sees her Son carrying the Cross; their eyes meet.
- The Crucifixion and death of Jesus. Mary stands beneath the Cross; she receives the beloved disciple as son. (Jn 19:25-27)
- Mary receives the Body of Jesus taken down from the Cross. The Pietà — the Mother embraces her dead Son.
- The burial of Jesus. Mary follows the Body to the new tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. (Jn 19:38-42)