Our Lady of Sorrows: A Mother Who Never Leaves Our Side

September 15, 2025: The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is a reminder that suffering is part of every human life, but it does not have to destroy us. Mary, the Mother of Jesus, shows us how to walk through pain with courage, faith, and hope.

Mary’s Sorrows, Our Sorrows

The seven sorrows of Mary—Simeon’s prophecy, the flight into Egypt, losing Jesus in the temple, meeting Him on the way to Calvary, standing at the foot of the Cross, receiving His lifeless body, and watching Him buried—might feel far removed from us. But think again. Who among us has not worried about a child’s future, fled from a difficult situation, felt the anguish of losing someone we love, or stood powerless while injustice prevailed? Mary’s life mirrors ours. That’s why she is not a distant figure of devotion—she is a mother who understands us.

What Mary Teaches Us Today

Mary didn’t escape suffering. She embraced it without bitterness. This is her first lesson for us: pain can be endured without losing faith. In today’s world of quick solutions and instant escapes, we can easily turn to distractions instead of facing hardships. Mary shows us another way—standing firm, even when the cross feels unbearable.

Here are six practical ways to follow her example:

1.Stay present in trials: Instead of running from pain, sit with it before God in prayer. Like Mary at the foot of the Cross, sometimes the holiest thing we can do is simply remain faithful in the moment.

2.Turn sorrow into compassion: When you see someone else suffering, resist the temptation to “fix” their problem. Be present. A listening ear or a silent hug can be more healing than words.

3.Pray the Seven Sorrows: Meditating on each sorrow daily (even briefly) trains the heart to see God’s hand in every trial. This prayer has helped countless people find peace amid chaos.

4.Offer your struggles for others: Mary united her suffering to Christ’s mission. We can do the same—offering our daily crosses for a sick friend, a struggling family, or peace in the world.

5.Seek community in sorrow: Mary wasn’t alone—John and the holy women stood with her. Likewise, don’t isolate yourself in hardship. Share your burdens with trusted friends, family, or faith groups.

6.Look beyond the pain: Mary believed in God’s promise even at Calvary. Train your heart to ask: What hope is hidden in this struggle? This shift of perspective helps us endure with trust.

A Mother Who Walks With Us

Mary is not only a model—she is a companion. When you feel crushed by your own sorrows, whisper a simple prayer: “Mary, stand with me as you stood with Jesus.” She will not take away all pain, but she will give you courage to carry it.

Finding Hope Beyond the Cross

The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows reminds us that suffering is not the end of the story. For Mary, the Cross gave way to the Resurrection. For us, too, every trial carries hidden seeds of new life.

As we honour Our Lady of Sorrows, let us not only admire her faith. Let us imitate it. Let us stand, like her, unshaken in love—trusting that even in sorrow, God is at work.

By Catholic Connect Reporter