Monday, September 16, 2019

THE DEVOTION TO THE SEVEN SORROWS OF MARY


Promises of the Blessed Virgin to those who meditate on her sorrows.

THE DEVOTION:
Our Lady has always taught Christians to better love Christ. The devotion to her Seven Sorrows was developed by various private revelations.

The Blessed Virgin Mary said to Saint Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373):
“I look around at all who are on earth, to see if by chance there are any who pity me, and meditate upon my sorrows; and I find that there are very few. Therefore, my daughter, though I am forgotten by many, at least do you not forget me; consider my anguish, and imitate, as far as you can, my grief.”

Our Lady promised that she would grant seven graces to the souls who honor her and accompany her daily, praying seven Hail Marys while meditating on her anguish 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 sorrows, will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy.

In The Glories of Mary, St. Alphonsus also lists the four promises Jesus made to the devotees of His Mother’s sorrows. Alphonsus recounts the revelation made to St. Elizabeth of Hungary “that after the assumption of the Blessed Virgin into heaven, St. John the Evangelist desired to see her again. The favor was granted to him; his dear Mother appeared to him, and with her Jesus Christ also appeared; Saint John then heard Mary ask her Son to grant some special grace to all those who are devoted to her sorrow. Jesus promised her four principal ones:

1. Those who before death invoke the Divine Mother in the name of her sorrows should obtain true repentance of all their sins.
2. He will protect all who have this devotion in their tribulations, and especially at the hour of death.
3. He will impress upon their minds the remembrance of His Passion, and they will have their reward for it in heaven.
4. He will commit such devout souls to the hands of Mary, with the power to dispose of them in whatever manner she might please, and to obtain for them all the graces she might desire.”

Meditating on the Seven Sorrows of Our Blessed Mother is a way to share the deepest sufferings of her life on earth.

At the foot of the Cross, where a sword of pain pierced the heart of Mary, Jesus gave us His Mother as our Mother shortly before He died. In response to this supreme demonstration of His love for us, let's repeat every day of our lives: “Yes, She is my Mother. Jesus, I receive her and I ask You to lend Me Your Heart to love Mary as You love her.”

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