CHAPLET OF THE SEVEN SORROWS OF MARY
1) THE FIRST SORROW
THE PROPHECY OF SIMEON
When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicts that a "sword" (of sorrow) will pierce Mary's soul.
One Hail Mary...
2) THE SECOND SORROW
THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT
When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus.
One Hail Mary...
3) THE THIRD SORROW
THE LOSS OF THE CHILD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE
Mary and Joseph search for the child Jesus for three days, finding Him at last — after agonizing sorrow — in the temple.
One Hail Mary...
4) THE FOURTH SORROW
THE MEETING OF JESUS AND MARY ON THE WAY OF THE CROSS
As Jesus makes His way to Calvary, condemned to crucifixion, He meets His mother, Mary. He is bruised, derided, cursed and defiled and her sorrow is absolute as Jesus drags His own cross up the hill of His crucifixion.
One Hail Mary...
5) THE FIFTH SORROW
THE CRUCIFIXION
Mary stands near her dying Son unable to minister to him as He cries "I thirst." She hears Him promise heaven to a thief and forgive His enemies. His last words, "Behold your mother," charge us to look on Mary as our mother.
One Hail Mary...
6) THE SIXTH SORROW
THE TAKING DOWN OF THE BODY OF JESUS FROM THE CROSS
Jesus is taken down from the cross and His body is placed in Mary's arms. The passion and death are over, but for His mother, grief continues. She holds His body in her arms.
One Hail Mary...
7) THE SEVENTH SORROW
THE BURIAL OF JESUS
The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb. The most tragic day in history ends, Mary alone in sorrow, awaiting the Resurrection.
One Hail Mary...
In honor of the tears Mary shed because of the suffering of Her Divine Son.
Three Hail Marys...
Concluding prayers:
Pray for us, O Most Sorrowful Virgin, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Lord Jesus, we now implore, both for the present and for the hour of our death, the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Your Mother, whose Holy Soul was pierced during Your Passion by a sword of grief. Grant us this favor, O Savior of the world, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.