Why September is Dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows—and How You Can Honor Her

Fall is swiftly approaching as we now find ourselves in September: the month of Our Lady of Sorrows. Mary knew the pain of loss, grief, and suffering more than anyone, and her sorrows mirror our own struggles today.

Whether you've never heard of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, want to start dedicating time to Our Lady, or are looking for ways to deepen your fervor, I invite you to take a few minutes to learn about this sacred, solemn devotion.

The Origins of the Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows

Though Christians have meditated on Mary’s sufferings since the earliest centuries, the formal devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows dates from the 12th century, when it began to spread under the influence of St. Anselm and St. Bernard.

The Cistercian and Servite Orders helped bring it to the wider Church until, in 1423, a council of Mainz established the Feast of the Sorrows of Mary.

By 1727, Benedict XIII added the feast to the Roman Calendar, ensuring that Catholics everywhere would honor Mary's deep union with her Son's Passion.

Why the Church Dedicates September to Mary’s Sorrows

As with every devotion, there's a reason that September specifically is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows.

The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows falls on September 15th. Numerous other Marian feasts fall in September: her Nativity, the Most Holy Name of Mary, Our Lady of Ransom, etc.

The Spiritual Power of Honoring Mary’s Seven Sorrows

The devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows is essential and sacred. Saints have contemplated Mary's sufferings since early Church times.

The Seven Sorrows are:

1. St. Simeon’s Prophesy
2. The Flight into Egypt
3. The Loss of Jesus in the Temple
4. The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion
6. Mary Receives the Body of Jesus taken down from the Cross
7. The Burial of Jesus

Meditating on Mary's sorrows helps us grow closer to her and awaken deeper contrition. In doing so, we atone for our sins and please both her and her Son.

Furthermore, Mary promised special graces to those who honor her sorrows. They teach us important lessons about suffering and resilience.

Practical Ways to Practice the Devotion This September

This September, I encourage you to pick at least one way to practice devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows.

• Meditate on each Sorrow-set aside time each day to reflect on one of the Sorrows, placing yourself beside Mary in her suffering.
• Learn about the promised graces-Mary offers special favors to those who practice devotion to her sorrows.
• Read a spiritual book-many saints and mystics have written about the Seven Sorrows. Choose a book and use it to guide your prayer this month.
• Offer up your sufferings-unite your daily struggles with Mary's sorrows, offering them to Jesus for the salvation of souls.
• Recite prayers to Our Lady of Sorrows-such as the Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows or the Seven Sorrows Rosary.

A Final Encouragement: Walking with Mary in Her Sorrows

This month, Mary invites us to meditate on her sorrows--not to dwell on sadness, but to find hope, strength, and grace in uniting our sufferings to hers.

If you're looking for a way to deepen your relationship with Mother Mary, now is the time: honor her sorrows, and she will lead you closer to her Son.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.