NovenasNovena to Our Lady of Sorrows
Mother of Sorrows
Meditate on the Seven Sorrows of Mary and find comfort in her maternal compassion. United to her suffering, we grow closer to Christ.
Complete prayer texts. No account needed.
1/ 9
The Prophecy of Simeon
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins. Amen.
Reflection
When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple, the holy man Simeon prophesied to Mary: 'A sword of sorrow shall pierce your heart.' Mary accepted this prophecy, knowing that great suffering awaited her because of her love for her Son.
Prayer
O Mary, your heart was pierced with the sword of sorrow when Simeon prophesied the Passion of your divine Son. By this first sorrow, obtain for me the grace to accept the sufferings God permits in my life with faith and patience.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O Mary, Queen of Martyrs, accept this novena which I make to you. Present my petitions to your Divine Son. Do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to Paradise, there to enjoy the sight of God with you for all eternity. Amen.
2/ 9
The Flight into Egypt
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins. Amen.
Reflection
Mary and Joseph were forced to flee to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from Herod's murderous rage. They left everything behind, facing an uncertain future in a foreign land. Mary's trust in God never wavered.
Prayer
O Mary, in the flight into Egypt you endured exile and uncertainty for love of Jesus. By this second sorrow, grant me the grace to trust in God's providence even when my path is unclear, and to protect the innocent from harm.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O Mary, Queen of Martyrs, accept this novena which I make to you. Present my petitions to your Divine Son. Do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to Paradise, there to enjoy the sight of God with you for all eternity. Amen.
3/ 9
The Loss of Jesus in the Temple
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins. Amen.
Reflection
For three days, Mary and Joseph searched for the twelve-year-old Jesus in Jerusalem. Mary's motherly heart was filled with anguish until they found Him in the Temple. This sorrow prefigured the three days Jesus would be lost in death.
Prayer
O Mary, you suffered greatly when you lost Jesus in Jerusalem. By this third sorrow, help me when I feel far from God. May I always seek Jesus with your same urgency and never give up until I find Him.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O Mary, Queen of Martyrs, accept this novena which I make to you. Present my petitions to your Divine Son. Do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to Paradise, there to enjoy the sight of God with you for all eternity. Amen.
4/ 9
Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins. Amen.
Reflection
As Jesus carried His cross through the streets of Jerusalem, Mary met Him on the way. Their eyes met in a moment of shared agony. Mary could not take away His suffering, but she accompanied Him with her loving presence.
Prayer
O Mary, you met your beloved Son as He carried His cross. By this fourth sorrow, give me the grace to accompany those who suffer, even when I cannot relieve their pain. Help me to be a compassionate presence to others.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O Mary, Queen of Martyrs, accept this novena which I make to you. Present my petitions to your Divine Son. Do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to Paradise, there to enjoy the sight of God with you for all eternity. Amen.
5/ 9
Mary Stands at the Foot of the Cross
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins. Amen.
Reflection
Mary stood beneath the cross as her Son died in agony. She witnessed every moment of His torture, every drop of His precious Blood. Though her heart was breaking, she remained faithful, united with Him in His sacrifice.
Prayer
O Mary, you stood faithfully at the foot of the cross as Jesus died. By this fifth sorrow, grant me the grace to remain faithful to God even in my darkest hours. Help me to unite my sufferings with those of Christ.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O Mary, Queen of Martyrs, accept this novena which I make to you. Present my petitions to your Divine Son. Do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to Paradise, there to enjoy the sight of God with you for all eternity. Amen.
6/ 9
Mary Receives the Body of Jesus
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins. Amen.
Reflection
When Jesus was taken down from the cross, His lifeless body was placed in Mary's arms. She who had held Him as an infant now held Him in death. Her maternal heart was overwhelmed with grief, yet she surrendered Him to the Father's will.
Prayer
O Mary, you received the dead body of your beloved Son in your arms. By this sixth sorrow, help me to let go of those I love when God calls them home. Give me the grace to accept loss with faith in the resurrection.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O Mary, Queen of Martyrs, accept this novena which I make to you. Present my petitions to your Divine Son. Do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to Paradise, there to enjoy the sight of God with you for all eternity. Amen.
7/ 9
The Burial of Jesus
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins. Amen.
Reflection
Mary watched as Jesus' body was placed in the tomb and a stone sealed the entrance. All seemed lost. Yet even in this deepest sorrow, Mary's faith remained. She trusted that God's promises would be fulfilled.
Prayer
O Mary, you endured the sorrow of seeing your Son buried in the tomb. By this seventh sorrow, strengthen my faith when all seems hopeless. Help me to trust that even from death, God brings new life.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O Mary, Queen of Martyrs, accept this novena which I make to you. Present my petitions to your Divine Son. Do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to Paradise, there to enjoy the sight of God with you for all eternity. Amen.
8/ 9
For those who suffer
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins. Amen.
Reflection
Because Mary suffered so deeply, she understands our pain. She is the Mother of Sorrows who comforts all who mourn. No suffering is too small for her maternal heart. She intercedes for all who turn to her in their affliction.
Prayer
O Mother of Sorrows, you understand all human suffering. Comfort those who are in pain today - the sick, the dying, the grieving, the abandoned. May they find in you a compassionate mother who truly understands. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O Mary, Queen of Martyrs, accept this novena which I make to you. Present my petitions to your Divine Son. Do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to Paradise, there to enjoy the sight of God with you for all eternity. Amen.
9/ 9
For hope in sorrow
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the overwhelming grief you experienced when you witnessed the martyrdom, the crucifixion, and death of your divine Son, look upon me with eyes of compassion, and awaken in my heart a tender commiseration for those sufferings, as well as a sincere detestation of my sins. Amen.
Reflection
Mary's sorrows did not end in despair but in glory. Her suffering was followed by the Resurrection, the Ascension, and her own Assumption into heaven. Her example teaches us that suffering, when united with Christ, leads to eternal joy.
Prayer
O Mary, Mother of Sorrows and Queen of Heaven, you teach us that suffering leads to glory when united with Christ. Help me to embrace my crosses with faith, knowing that you walk with me. May my sorrows lead me closer to your Son and to eternal life. Amen.
Closing Prayer
O Mary, Queen of Martyrs, accept this novena which I make to you. Present my petitions to your Divine Son. Do not let me lose my soul, but obtain for me the grace of winning my way to Paradise, there to enjoy the sight of God with you for all eternity. Amen.
About this novena
Meditate on the Seven Sorrows of Mary and find comfort in her maternal compassion. United to her suffering, we grow closer to Christ.
Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15) or Holy Week
Traditional start: September 6
You can begin a novena at any time. Traditional dates are a guide, not a requirement.
