The Catholic Church dedicates the month of September to Our Lady of Sorrows, reflecting on her Seven Sorrows. This annual devotion honors Mary’s virtues and perseverance through profound grief and suffering, all while following God’s will.
The Seven Sorrows (or Dolors) are important events in Mary’s life that led her to intense emotional and spiritual pain. These began with the prophecy of Simeon and culminated with witnessing the crucifixion and burial of her beloved son Jesus.
The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows dates back to the Middle Ages. In 1668, Pope Clement X officially designated September as the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows. Her feast day being September 15th.
Since September follows the liturgical season of Ordinary Time and has no major feasts of its own, it was deemed an appropriate period for honoring Mary’s sorrows.
As we enter the autumn season, May’s role as Mother of the Church reminds us of the need for renewal and rebirth even in times of darkness and death. We spiritually accompany Mary on the road to Calvary and take comfort in the knowledge that sorrow is temporary, but God’s love is everlasting.