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Mary, a woman revered for standing by her son

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MARY OF SORROWS

Feast Day Sept. 15

Patron Saint of

Mothers and Motherhood

By Sean Wells
Contributing artist

There are many images of Mary as a mother, a virgin, a queen. In this depiction she is shown with an exposed heart and a single or seven swords piercing the heart. She is often shown weeping. The swords represent the seven wounds Mary endures as the mother of Christ.

As any mother knows, watching your child suffer is the greatest pain a parent can carry in life, and yet the flame above the heart shows her ever-enduring faith and hope despite her greatest sacrifice. A prayer to the Sorrows of Mary is a request for patience, wisdom, and peace among conflict and heartbreak.

Some people pray a Rosary prayer with unique prayers for each sword in Mary’s name. The seven sorrows are as follows:

The Prophecy of Simeon

The Flight into Egypt

The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem

Mary’s meeting Jesus on the Via Dolorosa

The Crucifixion of Jesus on Mount Calvary

Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross

The Burial of Jesus

This is the opening prayer of the Sorrows of Mary.

Most Beloved Mother, whose beauty surpasses that of all mothers, Mother of Mercy, Mother of Jesus, and Mother to us all, we are your children and we place all our trust in you. Teach us to see God in all things and all situations, even our sufferings. Help us to understand the importance of suffering, and also to know the purpose of our suffering as God had intended it.

You, yourself were conceived and born without sin, were preserved from sin, yet you suffered more than anybody else. You accepted suffering and pain with love and with unsurpassed courage. You stood by your Son from the time He was arrested until He died. You suffered along with Him, felt His every pain and torment.

You accomplished the Will of God the Father; and according to His will, you have become our Mother.

We beg you, dear Mother, to teach us to do as Jesus did. Teach us to accept our cross courageously. We trust you, most Merciful Mother, so teach us to sacrifice for all the sinners in the world. Help us to follow in your Son’s footsteps, and even to be willing to lay down our lives for others.

Please enjoy coloring the image of Mary of Sorrows.

The Gallup Sun’s contributing artist Sean Wells will be at the Sacred Heart Spanish Market at the Sacred Heart Family Center at 415 Green St. in Gallup September 17-19. For more information please contact Jerry Montoya at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it of call (505)720-6716.