What Are the 7 Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary?
The 7 Sorrows of Our Lady
- The Prophecy of Simeon
- The Flight into Egypt
- The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
- The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross
- The Crucifixion and Jesus's Death on the Cross
- The Taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross
- Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
The Seven Dolors, or Seven Sorrows, are a set of key moments in the life of Mary that highlight her deep suffering in union with Jesus.
The seven sorrows begin with the prophecy of Simeon, who foretells that Mary will suffer greatly because of her son. They continue with the flight into Egypt, where Mary and Joseph flee to protect the child Jesus from danger. The third sorrow is the loss of Jesus in the temple, causing Mary great anxiety as she searches for him. The fourth sorrow recalls Mary meeting Jesus on the way to his crucifixion, witnessing his pain. The fifth is the crucifixion itself, where Mary stands at the foot of the cross. The sixth sorrow is when Jesus is taken down from the cross and placed in her arms. The final sorrow is his burial in the tomb.
According to St. Alphonsus de Liguori (The Glories of Mary) it was revealed to Saint Elizabeth that at the request of Our Lady, Our Lord promised four principal graces to those devoted to Her Sorrows:
1) That those who before death invoke the divine Mother in the name of Her Sorrows will obtain true repentance of all their sins;
2) That He will protect all who have this devotion in their tribulations, and will protect them especially at the hour of death;
3) That He will impress on their minds the remembrance of His Passion;
4) That He will place such devout servants in Mother Mary’s hands to do with them as She wishes and to obtain for them all the graces She desires.
In addition to these four graces there are also seven promises attached to the practice of daily praying seven Hail Marys while meditating on Our Lady’s Tears and Sorrows. These seven promises were revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden:
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 will be their eternal consolation and joy.”
1. The Prophecy of Simeon
How great was the shock to Mary's Heart at hearing the sorrowful words, in which holy Simeon told the bitter Passion and death of her sweet Jesus, since in that same moment she realized in her mind all the insults, blows, and torments which the impious men were to offer to the Redeemer of the world. But a still sharper sword pierced her soul. It was the thought of men's ingratitude to her beloved Son. Now consider that because of your sins you are unhappily among the ungrateful.
2. The Flight into Egypt
Consider the sharp sorrow which Mary felt when, St. Joseph being warned by an angel, she had to flee by night in order to preserve her beloved Child from the slaughter decreed by Herod. What anguish was hers, in leaving Judea, lest she should be overtaken by the soldiers of the cruel king! How great her privations in that long journey! What sufferings she bore in that land of exile, what sorrow amid that people given to idolatry! But consider how often you have renewed that bitter grief of Mary, when your sins have caused her Son to flee from your heart.
3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
How dreadful was the grief of Mary, when she saw that she had lost her beloved Son! And as if to increase her sorrow, when she sought Him diligently among her kinsfolk and acquaintance, she could hear no tidings of Him. She forthwith returned to Jerusalem, and for three long days sought Him sorrowing. Great be your confusion, O my soul, who has so often lost your Jesus by your sins, and has given no heed to seek Him at once, a sign that you make very little or no account of the precious treasure of divine love.
4. The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross
Mother, so tender and loving, meets her beloved Son, meets Him amid an impious rabble, who drag Him to a cruel death, wounded, torn by stripes, crowned with thorns, streaming with blood, bearing His heavy cross. Ah, consider, my soul, the grief of the blessed Virgin thus beholding her Son! Who would not weep at seeing this Mother's grief? But who has been the cause of such woe? I, it is I, who with my sins have so cruelly wounded the heart of my sorrowing Mother!
5. The Crucifixion and Jesus's Death on the Cross
Look to Calvary, whereon are raised two altars of sacrifice, one on the body of Jesus, the other on the heart of Mary. Sad is the sight of that dear Mother drowned in a sea of woe, seeing her beloved Son, part of her very self, cruelly nailed to the shameful tree of the cross. Ah me! how every blow of the hammer, how every stripe which fell on the Saviour's form, fell also on the disconsolate spirit of the Virgin.
6. The Taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross
Consider the most bitter sorrow which rent the soul of Mary, when she saw the dead body of her dear Jesus on her knees, covered with blood, all torn with deep wounds. Who would not pity thee? Whose heart would not be softened, seeing affliction which would move a stone? Behold John not to be comforted, Magdalen and the other Mary in deep affliction, and Nicodemus, who can scarcely bear his sorrow.
7. Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
Consider the sighs which burst from Mary's sad heart when she saw her beloved Jesus laid within the tomb. What grief was hers when she saw the stone lifted to cover that sacred tomb! She gazed a last time on the lifeless body of her Son, and could scarce detach her eyes from those gaping wounds. And when the great stone was rolled to the door of the sepulcher, oh, then indeed her heart seemed torn from her body!
Start your day reflecting on the 7 Dolors of Our Lady. Our Ave Maria Catholic coffee mug is the perfect companion to your morning coffee routine and serves as a wonderful reminder of Our Lady and her sorrows. Check out our collection of Catholic Coffee Mugs today.
History of the 7 Dolors of Our Lady Devotion
The devotion to the Seven Dolors, also known as the Seven Sorrows of Mary, is a rich spiritual tradition that developed gradually within Christianity over many centuries. Rather than originating from a single event or apparition, it grew out of deep reflection on Scripture and the lived faith of the early Church. At its heart is the figure of the Virgin Mary, especially her role in sharing in the suffering of her son, Jesus Christ. One of the earliest biblical foundations for this devotion comes from the Gospel of Luke, where Simeon prophesies that a sword will pierce Mary’s soul, hinting at the profound sorrow she would endure.
Start your day with a morning coffee and the World's Best Mom. One of our popular coffee mugs it's a great way to turn your mind to Our Lady, and to reflect on her seven sorrows. And if you're a lover of coffee, you should check out our top 10 Catholic gift ideas for coffee lovers!
In the early centuries of Christianity, Christians already honored Mary’s unique participation in the life and mission of Jesus, but it was during the Middle Ages that devotion to her sorrows began to take more defined shape. Theological reflection and devotional practices became more affective and personal, inviting the faithful to enter emotionally into the lives of Christ and Mary. Influential figures such as Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and Saint Anselm encouraged meditation on Mary’s compassion, particularly her presence at the foot of the Cross. This period saw a growing emphasis on identifying with the suffering of both Christ and His mother.
A major development in the history of the Seven Dolors devotion came in the 13th century with the founding of the Servite Order. This religious community played a central role in promoting and organizing devotion to Mary’s sorrows. The Servites emphasized contemplation of Mary’s grief as a path to deeper union with Christ, and they helped structure the devotion into the seven specific events now commonly known as the Seven Sorrows. Their influence led to the spread of this devotion throughout Europe, particularly through preaching, liturgy, and popular prayer.
Take your gift giving to the next level with our Catholic wrapping paper. We have a beautiful selection of Catholic gift wrapping paper. Available in our store, get yours here today!
Finding the perfect gift can be challenging, especially if you're looking for something meaningful and lasting. Recently we took a look at the best Catholic gift ideas for women. Whether it's a baptism gift, birthday present, or a gift for a loved one, our gift ideas will provide inspiration and guidance in your gift giving search.
By the 14th and 15th centuries, the Seven Dolors had become widely recognized in Christian spirituality. During this time, the list of the seven sorrows was standardized, and specific prayers—such as the Chaplet or Rosary of the Seven Sorrows—began to take form. Mystics like Saint Bridget of Sweden contributed to the spread of the devotion through their writings and visions, which emphasized both the depth of Mary’s suffering and the spiritual benefits of meditating on it. These developments helped root the devotion not only in theology but also in popular religious practice.
Seen something you love in our online store? Click the button, sign up and get 15% off your order.
The Church gradually gave formal recognition to the devotion as it continued to grow. Liturgical celebrations in honor of Mary’s sorrows were introduced in various regions, eventually leading to the universal observance of the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. In 1814, Pope Pius VII extended this feast to the entire Church, solidifying its place in the liturgical calendar. This recognition affirmed the importance of reflecting on Mary’s suffering as part of the broader Christian understanding of redemption and compassion.
Today, the devotion to the Seven Dolors remains a meaningful spiritual practice for Christians around the world.
