The Seven Sorrows
of Our Lady

New to the Seven Sorrows?

You don't need to know this devotion already. Here's what you're about to pray, and why it matters.

What is the Seven Sorrows devotion?

The Seven Sorrows of Mary is a traditional Roman Catholic devotion in which we prayerfully remember seven moments of suffering in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Reflecting on her sorrows helps us contemplate the suffering of Jesus and Mary's steadfast faith in Him.

What are the seven sorrows?

1. The Prophecy of Simeon — Mary hears that a sword will pierce her soul (Luke 2:22–35).
2. The Flight into Egypt — Mary and Joseph take Jesus to safety (Matthew 2:13–15).
3. The Loss of the Child Jesus — Mary and Joseph search for Jesus and find Him in the Temple (Luke 2:41–52).
4. Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary — a traditional meditation on Mary's sorrow during Jesus' journey to the Cross.
5. The Crucifixion — Mary stands near the Cross of her Son (John 19:25–27).
6. Jesus Is Taken Down from the Cross — Mary mourns her Son after His death, as depicted in the traditional Pietà.
7. The Burial of Jesus — Jesus is laid in the tomb (John 19:38–42).

A brief history

Devotion to Mary's sorrows has been part of Catholic life for centuries. The Servite Order, founded in Florence in 1233, helped spread meditation on Our Lady's sorrows. The Church celebrates the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15. In the 1980s, the Marian apparitions at Kibeho, Rwanda—later approved by the local bishop—renewed interest in the Seven Sorrows chaplet, especially as a call to repentance and conversion.

Why do people pray the Seven Sorrows?

People turn to this devotion to grow closer to Jesus through Mary's faithful witness, to contemplate Christ's Passion, to seek consolation in grief and suffering, and to ask for repentance, freedom from habitual sin, strength against temptation, and greater self-knowledge. Some pray for family peace or for the conversion of loved ones. The purpose is not simply to obtain favours, but to open our hearts to God's grace and will.

The seven graces traditionally attributed to Our Lady

A widespread devotional tradition associates seven promises with revelations attributed to St. Bridget of Sweden, for those who honour Mary's sorrows through daily prayer and meditation. They speak of:

1. Peace in families.
2. Deeper understanding of divine mysteries.
3. Consolation in suffering and help in daily responsibilities.
4. Help in petitions that accord with Christ's will and the good of the soul.
5. Protection and assistance in spiritual struggles.
6. Mary's maternal assistance at the hour of death.
7. A promise of eternal happiness associated in the tradition with spreading devotion to her sorrows.

These are traditional claims associated with private revelation, not guarantees or requirements of Catholic faith. In particular, forgiveness of sins and salvation must never be understood as automatic rewards for reciting a devotion: conversion, repentance, God's grace, and the sacramental life remain essential.

What is the “Irresistible Novena”?

Some Catholics use the title “Irresistible Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows” for a particular nine-day prayer practice. In one circulated version, a person brings a written intention before God and prays the Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows each day, asking Mary to help reveal their greatest defect—a hidden weakness or pattern of sin—so they can repent and work to correct it with God's grace. Some versions substitute “reveal my greatest defect” for the usual litany response, “pray for us.”

This is not another name for the Seven Sorrows chaplet itself, and it is not required to pray the devotion in this app. Nor does “irresistible” mean that God must grant a request. The novena is a particular devotional practice, not a universally prescribed rite or a guaranteed method of receiving a revelation. If seeking to recognize and overcome a persistent fault, prayer, an honest examination of conscience, Confession, and wise spiritual guidance belong together.

For background: Companions of the Cross on the Seven Sorrows · Marian Fathers on the chaplet and Kibeho. Descriptions of the “Irresistible Novena” are circulated privately and should not be confused with official Church promises.

How do I pray it?

This app guides you from beginning to end. You'll pray the opening prayers, meditate on each sorrow, and then pray one Our Father and seven Hail Marys for each of the seven sorrows. The chaplet image shows your place by illuminating the current bead. You'll then pray three concluding Hail Marys and the closing prayers; the Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows is optional.

Read each prayer at your own pace. You can pause, go back, or return later. The aim is prayerful attention, not speed or perfect technique.

Why pray with Mary?

Catholics worship God alone. We honour Mary as the Mother of Jesus and ask for her intercession, just as we ask other Christians to pray for us. Mary always points us toward her Son. This devotion invites us to unite our sufferings with Christ's and learn from Mary's trust in God.

Do I need to be an experienced Catholic?

Not at all. Whether you're new to Catholicism, rediscovering your faith, or familiar with the devotion, you are welcome to begin. Prayer is a gift of God's grace—not a formula that guarantees a particular result. You can pray even while seeking forgiveness, healing, or a deeper relationship with God.