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The Rosary The Seven Sorrows Rosary

The Seven Sorrows Rosary, also known as the Servite Rosary or the Chaplet of Seven Sorrows, is a devotion that recalls seven sorrowful events, or "dolors," in the life of the the Blessed Virgin Mary. This devotion originated with the Servite Order (Order of the Servants of Mary) in the 13th century.

Here is how to pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary:

  • Make the sign of the Cross: Like most Catholic prayers, you start with the sign of the Cross, saying "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
  • Pray an introductory prayer: This is a prayer that sets the stage for the devotion. An example would be: "O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."
  • Announce the First Sorrow: The Seven Sorrows are:
    • The Prophecy of Simeon
    • The Flight into Egypt
    • The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple
    • Mary meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary
    • Jesus dies on the Cross
    • Mary receives the Body of Jesus from the Cross
    • esus is placed in the Tomb
  • Pray the "Our Father": This is the prayer taught by Jesus to his disciples, as found in the Gospels of Matthew (6:9-13) and Luke (11:2-4).
  • Pray Seven "Hail Marys": After announcing each Sorrow and reflecting upon it, pray seven "Hail Marys" while meditating on the Sorrow.
  • Pray "Holy Mother, pierce me through...": After each group of seven Hail Marys, pray the following prayer: "Holy Mother, pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew of my Savior crucified."
  • Repeat Steps 3 to 6 for the remaining Sorrows: Go through each Sorrow, reflecting upon it, then praying an Our Father, seven Hail Marys, and the prayer to the Holy Mother.
  • Conclude with Three "Hail Marys": After the last Sorrow, pray three Hail Marys in honor of the tears that Mary shed because of the suffering of her Divine Son. These are prayed for the intentions of the Pope.
  • Pray the closing prayer: "Pray for us, O Most Sorrowful Virgin, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen."

    • The Seven Sorrows Rosary is a powerful devotion, leading those who pray it into a deeper relationship with Mary and her Son, Jesus, by meditating on the sorrows they endured for love of us. The goal of this devotion, as with all Christian prayer, is a deeper love and following of Christ.