Does the sight of Mater dolorosa fill you with a sense of sorrow and compassion? This Mater dolorosa, or Mother of Sorrows, is a poignant reminder of Mary’s suffering. She is venerated in the Catholic Church. She is also revered in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Mater Dolorosa is a key subject for Marian art.
As you stand here before Mater dolorosa, consider the weight of her grief. The name Mater Dolorosa refers to Mary. It recalls her sorrows in life. She is also known as Our Lady of Dolours. She is also called the Sorrowful Mother. Other names are Our Lady of Piety. Also Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows. Or Our Lady of the Seven Dolours.
The Seven Sorrows of Mary are a popular religious theme. They are a Catholic devotion. The Virgin Mary is often shown sorrowful and in tears. One or seven swords pierce her heart. This imagery comes from Simeon’s prophecy. It is found in Luke 2:34–35.
Devotions to Mater Dolorosa are numerous. They include the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows. Also the Seven Principal Dolors of the Blessed Virgin. Additionally, the Novena in Honor of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Finally the Via Matris. The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated every September 15. Some Catholic countries observe the Friday of Sorrows.
Catholic devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows began around the end of the 11th century. This was especially true in Mediterranean areas. In 1233, seven youths in Tuscany founded the Servite Order. They are also known as the Servite Friars. Or the Order of the Servants of Mary. In 1239, they embraced Mary’s sorrows. Specifically her standing under the Cross. This became the principal devotion of their order.
According to Alphonsus Liguori, Mary appeared to the seven founders that year. She presented them with a black garment of mourning. She told them to meditate on her dolors often. The Servite Order greatly spread devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows. They developed the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows. Also the Black Scapular of the Seven Dolours of Mary. And the Novena to Our Sorrowful Mother. Pope Pius VII composed meditations for each dolor in 1818. The Black Scapular symbolizes the Confraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Over the centuries, other devotions arose. Even orders focused on Mary’s Sorrows. The Stabat Mater is related to this devotion. It is a hymn honoring Mary’s sufferings during the Crucifixion.
Alphonsus Liguori dedicated a chapter of his book to Mary’s seven dolors. He wrote reflections on each one. He also related four promises made by Jesus to Mary. These promises were for those devoted to her sorrows. Elizabeth of Hungary reportedly received these revelations. One promise is that those who invoke the divine mother by her sorrows. Before death they will obtain true repentance.
From the National Shrine of Saint Peregrine spread the Sorrowful Mother Novena. The Via Matris is at its core.
Orthodox Christians commemorate an icon of the Theotokos on February 2. It is known as “the Softening of Evil Hearts”. Or “Simeon’s Prophecy”. It depicts Mary at the moment Simeon says a sword shall pierce her soul. She stands with hands upraised in prayer. Seven swords pierce her heart.
The Five Lances of the Immaculate Heart of Mary refer to events. According to St Bridget, Mary revealed these as having pierced her heart. She was standing by the Cross.
The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows grew in popularity in the 12th century. A provincial synod of Cologne originated the feast in 1423. It was set for the Friday after the third Sunday after Easter. Its object was Mary’s sorrow during the Crucifixion and Death of Christ.
Pope Benedict XIII extended it to the entire Latin Church in 1727. He used the title “Septem dolorum B.M.V.”. Pope Pius X moved this feast to September 15 in 1913. It remains on that date.
Mater Dolorosa is depicted as “Mater Dolorosa”. This has been the subject of Catholic Marian art. In this iconography, she is represented in sadness. Or with seven swords in her heart.
Our Lady of Sorrows is the patron saint of people named Dolores, Dolorita, Lola and Pia. She is also the patron of Slovakia. And the Congregation of Holy Cross. Also the Order of the Servants of Mary. Finally the Sisters of Our Lady of Sorrows.
Standing before this depiction of Mater Dolorosa offers a moment for reflection. It is a time to connect with themes of sorrow and compassion. It is a time to remember Mary’s strength in the face of immense suffering.