Lent is a time to remember and reflect on the Passion and Death of Jesus, but also on the sorrows that Our Lady endured as she witnessed her son's suffering.

The reflection on the Crown of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady recalls the main moments of sorrow experienced by Mary in her earthly life, culminating in the passion, death, and burial of her Son.

At the Sanctuary of Health and Peace, Church of Blessed Father Eustace, the Crown of Sorrows of Our Lady will be held every Friday during Lent. The event begins with a Mass at 6:00 AM, followed by the Rosary of the Crown on Mondays at 6:30 AM.

The Seven Sorrows of Our Lady

Below are the seven sorrows suffered by Our Lady during her earthly life:

1 – The acceptance of Simeon's prophecy

“"Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: 'Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.'" (Luke 2:34-35).

2 – Mary's flight to Egypt with Jesus and Joseph

“The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ”Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child to destroy him.’ So he got up, took the child and his mother, and went to Egypt.” (Matthew 2:13-14).

3 – Mary searching for Jesus lost in Jerusalem

“"When the days of the Passover festival were over, as they were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not realize it. Thinking he was in the caravan, they traveled a day’s journey and began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him." (Luke 2:43b-45).

4 – Mary's encounter with Jesus on Calvary

“As they led Jesus away, they seized a man from Cyrene, named Simon, who was coming in from the country, and they put the cross on him to carry it behind Jesus. A large crowd of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.” (Luke 23:26-27).

5 – Mary's presence by Jesus' side at the Cross

Standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” (John 19:15-27a).

6 – Mary receiving the body of Jesus in her arms

“"When evening came, since it was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath), Joseph of Arimathea came, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus” body. Pilate then gave it to Joseph, who took it down from the cross." (Mark 15:42).

7 – Mary carrying Jesus' body to the tomb

The disciples took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Near the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. It was there that they laid Jesus (John 19:40-42a).