The Prophecy of Simeon
Mary and Joseph took the Child Jesus to the Temple. Simeon,inspired by the Holy Spirit, met them and told Joseph and Mary of the great sufferings of Jesus and Mary. He told Mary that a sword would pierce her heart. How great was the shock to Mary's heart at hearing the sorrowful words. Dear Mary, obtain for me a true sorrow for my sins.
The Flight into Egypt
The angel told Joseph to flee with Mary and the Child Jesus because of what might happen to Jesus. Consider the sorrow of Mother Mary when she and Joseph had to suddenly flee by night to protect child Jesus in that land of exile.
The Missing of Jesus in the Temple
How dread was the grief of Mary when she realized the Child Jesus was not with them. With sorrow in their hearts, Mary and Joseph returned to Jerusalem to look for the Child Jesus.
Mary Meets Jesus Carrying the Cross
Mary meets Jesus, with the crown of thorns adorned His head! Blood ran down His face! A heavy cross on His back! Wounded, His whole body covered with bleeding wounds! Consider, the tremendous grief of Mother Mary as their eyes met.
Jesus Dies On the Cross
The Sorrow of the Mother seeing her beloved Son cruelly nailed to the cross. She stood at the foot of the cross. Behold Thy Mother! Let us resolve always to look upon Mary as our Mother and remember that she never fails her children.
Jesus Is Taken from the Cross
Ponder the bitter sorrow of Mary when the body of her dear Son was lowered from the cross and placed in her arms. Her Heart was pierced with a sword and His Heart was pierced with a lance. O mournful Mother, our hearts are softened with sorrow upon seeing such affliction.
Jesus Is Laid In the Tomb
What grief for the Mother to accompany her Son's Body to the grave,as she gazed a last time on the lifeless body of her Son, and the great stone was rolled to seal the entrance to the tomb.
According to the visions of St. Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373)
our Blessed Mother promises to grant seven graces
to those who honor her and draw near to her and her Son every day
by meditating on her dolors (sorrows) and entering into her grief.
-
"I will grant peace to their families."
-
"They will be enlightened about the divine Mysteries."
-
"I will console them in their pains and will 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 I will 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, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors 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."