Let us pray with today’s Gospel Reading (John 19:25-27): Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrow

Lord Jesus Christ,

Today, as we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows, we turn our hearts to Mary, Your Mother who stood faithfully beneath Your Cross. In the Amid the unimaginable sorrow, she remained there, not running away, not losing faith, but standing with You until the end. From the Cross You looked upon Your Mother and the disciple whom You loved and said, “Woman, here is your son.” And to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”

Thank You, Jesus, for giving us Mary as our spiritual Mother. Through her, teach us the meaning of faithful love, the love that remains when suffering becomes unbearable, the love that stays when there are no words, and the love that trusts even when the path is dark. Blessed Mother Mary, you know the pain of watching someone you love suffer. Look with compassion upon every mother who is worried about her children. Comfort mothers whose children are sick, struggling, lost, addicted, imprisoned, far from home, or separated from the faith. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, accompany parents who have lost a child. Hold close those who mourn a loved one and those who carry grief silently in their hearts. Let them know that their tears are not forgotten by God.

Lord Jesus, we also bring before You our own crosses. You know the wounds we cannot explain, the fears we cannot share, and the burdens we carry quietly. When we feel overwhelmed, give us the courage of Mary to stand firm in faith. Help us not to run away from suffering or allow suffering to destroy our hope. Give us the grace to unite our sufferings with Your Cross, trusting that pain does not have the final word. Lord, teach us also to stand beside those who suffer. May we not be afraid of another person’s pain. Give us compassionate hearts that know how to listen, accompany, comfort, and love. Holy Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, take us beneath the Cross and teach us to remain close to Jesus.

When we rejoice, stay with us. When we suffer, stay with us. When we are afraid, strengthen us. When we mourn, comfort us. When we feel alone, remind us that we are never abandoned.

Mother of Sorrows, lead us always to your Son. May the Cross we carry become, through God’s grace, a path toward deeper faith, greater love, and eternal life.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us. Mother of the Crucified Christ, pray for us. Mother of hope, pray for us. Mother of the Church, pray for us. Amen