The Seven Sorrows of Mary and the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

"No parent should have to very their child, the human heart was not designed for such a heart break."

The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, also known as the Feast of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a liturgical observance in the Roman Catholic Church and some other Christian traditions. This feast day is dedicated to the sorrowful experiences of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she witnessed the suffering and crucifixion of her son.

The Seven Sorrows of Mary are traditionally:

1. The Prophecy of Simeon: This sorrow refers to the moment when Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the temple, and the prophet Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce Mary's heart.
2. The Flight into Egypt: Mary and Joseph had to flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus to escape King Herod's decree to kill all male infants.
3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple: Mary and Joseph temporarily lost track of Jesus when he stayed behind in the temple in Jerusalem, causing them great distress.
4. Meeting Jesus on the Way to Calvary: Mary encounters her son Jesus as he carries the cross on the way to his crucifixion, witnessing his suffering.
5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus: This sorrowful moment is the climax of Mary's grief as she stands at the foot of the cross and witnesses her son's crucifixion and death.
6. The Taking Down of Jesus' Body from the Cross: Mary receives the lifeless body of her son into her arms after he is taken down from the cross.
7. The Burial of Jesus: Mary and others lovingly place Jesus' body in the tomb, marking the end of his earthly life.

The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is typically observed on September 15th in the Roman Catholic Church. It serves as an opportunity for believers to reflect on Mary's role in the life and passion of Jesus and to empathize with her deep sorrow and suffering. Devotions, prayers, and liturgical services on this day focus on Mary's maternal love and her willingness to share in the suffering of her son for the sake of humanity's salvation.

Coincidentally, and a day before this feast is the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, also known as the Triumph of the Cross, is a Christian liturgical feast celebrated on September 14th each year. It commemorates the historical event of the discovery and exaltation (or raising high) of the True Cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

According to Christian tradition, in the 4th century, Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and, during her journey, she is said to have uncovered the relics of the Cross in Jerusalem. The True Cross was reportedly found buried at the site of the Crucifixion. This discovery is considered a momentous event in Christian history, and the feast was established to honor it.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is observed by various Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and some Protestant traditions. It is a day for Christians to reflect on the significance of the Cross as a symbol of salvation and redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Liturgical celebrations on this day often include the veneration of the Cross, processions, and the reading of passages from the Bible that highlight the importance of the Cross in the Christian faith. It is a solemn occasion that underscores the central role of the Cross in Christian theology and devotion.