Our Lady of Sorrows - Living Divine Mercy (EWTN) Ep. 157 with Fr. Chris Alar, MIC

Summary

This episode of Living Divine Mercy reflects on the significance of Our Lady of Sorrows, especially in September, a month dedicated to her. The show explores the Seven Sorrows of Mary, the powerful role of suffering in the Christian faith, and how devotion to Mary’s suffering can aid in personal conversion. The episode also features personal testimonies, including a moving story of Daniel Hadalo's battle with ALS and his spiritual awakening. Viewers are encouraged to engage in the Seven Sorrows Rosary as a tool for healing, conversion, and sanctification, aligning with the teachings of Divine Mercy.

Takeaways

• 🙏 September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, focusing on Mary's deep suffering during the Passion of Jesus and symbolized by seven swords piercing her heart.
• 📅 The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on September 15th, a day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, highlighting Mary's sorrow at the Crucifixion.
• 💔 The Seven Sorrows of Mary include: the prophecy of Simeon, the flight into Egypt, the loss of the Child Jesus, meeting Jesus on the way to Calvary, the Crucifixion, receiving Jesus' body, and His burial.
• 🕊️ Mary's suffering was not one of despair but of love — she united her pain with Jesus’ suffering for the salvation of humanity.
• 🌹 The devotion to the Seven Sorrows was established by the Servite Order in 1668 and later approved by Pope Pius VII, emphasizing meditation on Mary’s sorrows.
• 📿 The Seven Sorrows Rosary (or Chaplet) consists of seven sets of one Our Father and seven Hail Marys, helping the faithful meditate on Mary’s compassion and find repentance and conversion.
• 💖 The devotion teaches that sin is the source of all sorrow, and through meditating on Mary’s sorrows, believers can better understand the seriousness of sin and seek God's mercy.
• 🌍 The Marian Fathers have a special connection to Our Lady of Sorrows through their missionary work in Kibeho, Rwanda, where Mary appeared in the 1980s urging prayer of the Seven Sorrows Rosary.
• 🕊️ Daniel Nialgo’s testimony shared his journey of faith, suffering from ALS as a ‘tailor-made cross’ that led him closer to God, demonstrating redemptive suffering and unwavering Catholic faith.
• 🙌 Seminarian Brother Alex and Brother Ruben shared their experiences of vocation, obedience, and Eucharistic faith, encouraging others to trust God’s plan, embrace Divine Mercy, and live sacramentally.
• 🍞 The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life — Christ’s true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity — offering spiritual nourishment and unity with God.
• 📘 The program concludes by inviting viewers to pray the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows regularly, deepen their devotion to Mary, and grow in repentance, conversion, and holiness.

Q & A

Why is September 11th significant in the context of Our Lady of Sorrows?

September 11th is a day of sorrow as it marks the anniversary of the tragic events in 2001. It is also the month of Our Lady of Sorrows, which highlights the intense suffering Mary experienced during the Passion of her son, Jesus. The day is a reminder of the sorrow in both these historical events.

What is the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, and how did it originate?

The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows began with the Cistercian Order in 1233, gaining formal recognition in 1233 and becoming widespread after Pope Pius VII formally established the feast in 1814. It is dedicated to Mary’s suffering during the Passion of Christ, symbolized by the Seven Sorrows, and is observed on September 15th.

What are the Seven Sorrows of Mary, and why are they important?

The Seven Sorrows are: 1) The Prophecy of Simeon, 2) The Flight into Egypt, 3) The Loss of the Child Jesus for three days, 4) Mary meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary, 5) The Crucifixion of Jesus, 6) Mary receives the Body of Jesus into her arms, 7) The Burial of Jesus. These sorrows reflect Mary's deep emotional and spiritual suffering, showing her participation in Christ's redemptive mission.

How is the Seven Sorrows devotion different from the Five Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary?

The Seven Sorrows devotion focuses specifically on the intense suffering of Mary during the Passion, while the Five Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary also center on the Passion of Christ, but from the perspective of Jesus' suffering. The Seven Sorrows are a specific devotional focus, often prayed on First Saturdays, while the Sorrowful Mysteries are part of the traditional daily Rosary.

What is the significance of Mary’s suffering despite being in heaven?

Mary’s suffering is not one of despair, but of love. As the Co-Redemptrix, she shared in Christ's suffering, and through her love and cooperation in God’s plan, she participates in the redemption of humanity. Her suffering shows us how to endure our own trials with love and perseverance.

What role does the Seven Sorrows Rosary play in Catholic devotion?

The Seven Sorrows Rosary, or Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, is a powerful tool for meditation on Mary’s sorrows and for seeking strength in repentance and conversion. It is particularly useful during penance seasons like Lent and Advent. The rosary promises grace for repentance and conversion through meditative prayer.

Why is sin so central to the Seven Sorrows devotion?

Sin is central to the Seven Sorrows because Mary’s suffering was caused by humanity’s sin. Jesus’ death was a result of sin, and it is through these sorrows that we understand the gravity of sin and the need for atonement. Mary’s pain was not in vain; it reminds us of the damage sin does to both humanity and our relationship with God.

What is the connection between Our Lady of Sorrows and Divine Mercy?

Our Lady of Sorrows and Divine Mercy are connected in that both emphasize God’s immense love and mercy. The Seven Sorrows lead to repentance and transformation, while Divine Mercy calls us to accept God’s grace and forgiveness. Both devotions help Catholics grow in faith, repentance, and sanctification.

How does the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows help Catholics in times of suffering?

The devotion provides Catholics with a model for enduring suffering. Mary’s example shows how to offer up suffering in love and cooperation with God’s will. In facing personal trials, Catholics can meditate on the Seven Sorrows, finding solace in the fact that Mary endured great suffering with faith and trust in God.

How does Daniel Nalgo’s story relate to the message of Our Lady of Sorrows?

Daniel Nalgo's story connects deeply with the message of Our Lady of Sorrows through his personal struggle with ALS. He views his illness as a 'tailor-made cross' from God, which is a way of finding redemption and purpose in suffering. Like Mary, Daniel embraced his suffering, finding strength in his faith and his relationship with God, reflecting the redemptive power of suffering.