Our Lady of Sorrows: The Mother Who Stood Faithfully at the Foot of the Cross

September 15, 2026: Why does the Catholic Church honour Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows? Discover the moving story of the Mother of Jesus who remained faithful through suffering, from the prophecy of Simeon to the death and burial of her Son. Her sorrow became a powerful witness of faith, love and hope.

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Feast Day: 15 September

Also Known As: Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows, Our Lady of Dolours, Mater Dolorosa

Devotion: Seven Sorrows of Mary

Biblical Foundation: Luke 2:34–35; John 19:25–27

Known For: Mary's compassion with the suffering and Passion of Christ

Symbol: A heart pierced by seven swords

The Mother Who Shared Her Son's Suffering

The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated each year on September 15, immediately after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Church invites Catholics to contemplate Mary standing beside Jesus at Calvary and to reflect on her faithful participation in the mystery of Christ's Passion.

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Mary's sorrow was not simply the grief of a mother watching her child suffer. Her entire life was a journey of faith, in which she remained united with Jesus even when she could not fully understand God's plan.

The Seven Sorrows of Mary

Catholic tradition identifies seven particular sorrows in Mary's life:

1. The prophecy of Simeon
2. The flight of the Holy Family into Egypt
3. The loss of Jesus in Jerusalem
4. Mary's meeting with Jesus on the way to Calvary
5. The Crucifixion and death of Jesus
6. The taking down of Jesus' body from the Cross
7. The burial of Jesus

These sorrows are rooted in Scripture and have inspired centuries of Christian prayer and meditation.

Mary at the Foot of the Cross

The image most closely associated with Our Lady of Sorrows is Mary standing beneath the Cross.

The Gospel of John describes Mary near the Cross together with the beloved disciple.

Jesus entrusted His mother to the disciple, saying, “Behold, your mother.” Pope Francis has reflected on this moment as part of Mary's continuing spiritual motherhood.

Mary did not flee from suffering. She remained beside her Son.

A Mother of Faith and Hope

The Church sees Mary's suffering as an example of steadfast faith. She remained united with Christ through His Passion, trusting in God even when everything appeared lost.

Pope John Paul II described Mary's journey of faith as reaching its culmination at the Cross, where she persevered in union with her Son.

What Catholics Can Learn from Our Lady of Sorrows

Mary teaches believers how to face suffering without losing hope.

She reminds Christians to remain close to Jesus during times of illness, grief, uncertainty and hardship. Her example shows that love sometimes means simply remaining present, praying and trusting God when answers are difficult to find.

Why Our Lady of Sorrows Still Matters

The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows continues to speak powerfully to people who carry their own burdens.

Mary understands the pain of losing someone, watching a loved one suffer and walking through moments of darkness. Yet her sorrow ultimately points towards the Resurrection and the hope of new life.

As Catholics honour Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15, they are invited to stand with Mary at the foot of the Cross and learn from her courage, compassion and unwavering faith.

To know about more saints and Catholic feast days, please visit the spiritual section.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

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