Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows

We know that we don’t have to experience exactly what others experience to offer them comfort in times of distress. However, a special kinship exists among persons who are alcoholic or who have breast cancer, for example; shared experience allows them to go deeper into each other’s sorrow.

Today, the memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, offers us the opportunity to pray for all parents who have lost children to violence or illness. Most of us cannot fathom the depth of their grief, but Mary can. When we feel helpless in the face of their loss, we can place them in her hands and trust that she will console them and help them learn how to live with their grief.

Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows

Holy Mother, you who endured the pain of childbirth

   and the pain of your son’s death,

   be with all parents who are mourning

   the death of their own beloved children today.

May you hold these women and men close to your heart

   and comfort them with the knowledge

   that their children are held forever

   in the embrace of God’s love.

Just as a part of your own life died with Jesus on the cross,

   the hope and joy of these parents have been extinguished.

   Bring them healing and lead them to trust in your

   son’s promise that he will be with them always.

Our Lady of Sorrows, wrap all those who grieve

     in your gentle love and grace.

With trust in your tenderness and care, we pray.

                                                          AMEN +