Gathering of 10 September 2026

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The Seven Sorrows of Mary are not likely one of the more popular topics studied by Catholic men’s groups.  It is likely that the topic is a frequent topic for women’s groups such as the Legion of Mary and Catholic Daughters.  After all, our Lady provides the example to Catholic women on how best to overcome the difficulties and struggles they encounter while raising a family and leading the household.  

Still, it is appropriate for men to reflect on the struggles that our Lady experienced during the life of our Savior.  This reflection should shed light on her sorrows such that we can see through her eyes and feel through her heart during seven occurrences during her Son’s lifetime at which a mother experiences great pain.  This reflection should help us, as husbands, better empathize with our wives at their stressful and sorrowful moments.  Reflecting on the Seven Sorrows should also enable men to acknowledge Mary as our mother and remind us that she is always available to us through prayer to intercede with her Son – from whom He would refuse nothing – on our behalf.

September's session will be a combination of lectio divina and imaginative prayer.  For each of the seven scripture passages, reflect on the words, the event, the actions and Mary’s response as described in the passage.  Then imagine that you are a character or observer to the sorrowful event.  You see what is going on; you hear the dialog.  Imagine what Mary is behaving, reacting and thinking in each of the episodes. 

The artifacts linked below include the program that we will use for our prayers and reflections.  A second downloadable file includes "The Seven Sorrows of Mary," by Jeannette Martino Land, published in Saint Anthony Media by Franciscan Media (September 2017).  This paper is an excellent example of "imaginative prayer" by which the author envisions herself as a participant in the seven sorrowful events experienced by Mary during Jesus's life.  The final two files are "The Devotion of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary" by The Fatima Center and a trifold of The "Seven Sorrows Chaplet" prepared by the Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD.