Seven Sorrows of Mary
The Seven Sorrows of Mary (or Dolors) are seven distinct painful events in the life of the Virgin Mary as a mother, often depicted in art as seven swords piercing her heart. These sorrows are a devotion in the Catholic Church, encouraging meditation on Mary’s suffering, which is believed to foster a stronger connection to Christ’s sacrifice and provide special graces. The sorrows are: Simeon’s Prophecy, the Flight into Egypt, the Loss of Jesus in the Temple, Mary meeting Jesus carrying the cross, the Crucifixion, Jesus being taken down from the cross, and the Burial of Jesus. The feast is celebrated liturgically in the Catholic Church on September 15. (Kremer, 2025) Photo from Boston, Massachusetts, 2023.
Photo from St. Louis, Missouri, 2026.