Mater Dolorosa, Casertavecchia, Italy
History:
This devotion to Our Sorrowful Mother originated in the Thirteenth century by the Order of Friar Servants of Mary. It recalls the Sorrows the Virgin Mother of God endured in compassion for the suffering and death of her Divine Son. It consists of seven groups of seven beads each with an additional three beads on the drop (fifty-two in total), seven medals (or larger beads) each representing one of the Sorrows and a Mater Dolorosa medal.
Promises of Our Lady of Sorrows:
Mary offers the following promises to whoever devoutly wears the black scapular and honors Her daily by saying seven Hail Marys and meditating on Her Seven Tears and Sorrows. This devotion was passed on to us by Saint Bridget, who received them directly from Our Lady.
* I will grant peace to their families.
* I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.
* I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the Adorable Will of my Divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.
* I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives
* I will visibly help them at the moment of their death; they will see the face of their mother.
Seven Sorrows Servite Rosary Beads
Available at www.UnbreakableRosaries.com
Chaplet Instructions
On the Medal: Say an Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.
The First Sorrow:
The Prophecy of Simeon
Reading: Luke 2:25-35.
When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicts that a "sword" (of sorrow) will pierce Mary's soul.
The Second Sorrow
The flight into Egypt
Reading: Matthew 2:13-15.
When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus.
The Third Sorrow
The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple
Reading: Luke 2: 41-50.
Mary and Joseph search for the child Jesus for three days, finding Him at last — after agonizing sorrow — in the temple.
The Fourth Sorrow
Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross
Reading: Luke 23: 27-29.
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.
The Fifth Sorrow
Mary at the foot of the cross
Reading: John 19: 25-30.
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.
The Sixth Sorrow
Mary receives the body of Jesus
Reading: Psalm 130.
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.
The Seventh Sorrow
Mary witnesses the burial of Jesus
Reading: Luke 23: 50-56.
The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb. The most tragic day in history ends, Mary alone in sorrow, awaiting the Resurrection.
Last Three Beads:
Three Hail Marys are said at the end in honor of the Tears of Our Sorrowful Mother.
One Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father for the intention of the Pope.
Say "Virgin most Sorrowful, pray for us" three times.
Closing Prayer:
Lord God, our Father, from the passion and death of Jesus, shared by the compassion of his Mother, you brought healing to fallen man. Grant that we, your people, may experience this healing and rise from the power of sin to a wholeness of life promised by Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, Amen
Information taken from the Marians of The Immaculate Conception website.