The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is September 15th as such this novena is usually prayed between September 6th to 14th leading up to the feast, but it can be prayed at any time.
Prayer for Each Day of the Novena:
Most holy and sorrowful Virgin Mary, Queen of Martyrs, you stood beneath the cross, witnessing the agony of your dying Son. Look down upon us with a mother's tenderness and pity as we venerate your sorrows and place our requests with filial confidence in the sanctuary of your wounded heart. Present them, we beseech you, on our behalf to Jesus Christ, through the merits of His own most sacred passion and death, together with your sufferings at the foot of the cross. Through the united efficacy of both, obtain the granting of our petitions. To whom shall I have recourse in my wants and miseries if not to you, O Mother of Mercy? You have drunk so deeply of the chalice of your Son, you can sympathize with our sorrows. Holy Mother, your soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of your divine Son. Intercede and obtain from our Lord…
(mention your petition)
…if it be for His honor and glory, and for our greater good. Amen.
Day 1: Prophecy of Simeon.Today let us consider the affliction which Mary endured at the prophesy of holy Simeon, that Jesus was destined for the rising and falling of many, and would be rejected, causing her great suffering. Let us comfort Mary’s heart by eagerly accepting Christ into our hearts.
Hail Mary…
Day 2: Flight Into Egypt
Today let us consider the anguish which Mary endured as she fled with Jesus and Joseph to Egypt to find refuge. Let us comfort Mary’s heart by being always attentive to the needs of the poor and the oppressed.
Hail Mary…
Day 3: Loss of the Child Jesus
Today let us consider the anxiety which Mary endured at the loss of her dear child Jesus.
Let us comfort Mary’s heart by being steadfastly devoted to finding Jesus amidst the worries of everyday life and in the face of everyone we meet.
Hail Mary…
Day 4: Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross
Today let us consider the grief which Mary endured at the sight of her son, so wounded and bruised, on the way of the cross. Her heart broke because she could no longer protect him. Let us comfort Mary’s heart by picking up our crosses daily and following Christ.
Hail Mary…
Day 5: Crucifixion
Today let us consider the bitter agony which Mary endured standing at the foot of the cross gazing at her crucified son, until he breathed his last. Let us comfort Mary’s heart by abandoning the ways of sin, and living by faith in Jesus who loved us and gave himself for us.
Hail Mary…
Day 6: Jesus' Body Taken Down
Today let us consider the miserable desolation which Mary endured as she held the body of Christ, her innocent child, sacrificed for our sins, and laid upon the altar of her hands. Let us comfort Mary’s heart by trusting wholeheartedly in the ocean of Mercy which Christ opened up for us.
Hail Mary…
Day 7: Burial of Jesus
Consider the sorrowful solitude which Mary endured as she buried her only son. Let us comfort Mary’s heart by keeping her company as good and faithful brothers and sisters in Christ, loving God and each other every day.
Hail Mary…
Day 8: Mary’s Tears
Today let us consider the many tears Mary shed as an offering of love to the Father. Let us comfort Mary’s heart by mourning with those who mourn, in joyful hope for that great day when the Lord himself will wipe every tear from our eyes.
Hail Mary…
Day 9: The Cross
Today let us consider the cross, the great symbol of our salvation, a sign of the victory of Christ. May we who have been crucified with Christ, and raised to new life in him, always honor the cross, and rejoice in the Lord.
Hail Mary…