9 Days Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows: Complete Prayers and Devotional Content

Definition

The 9 Days Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows is a Catholic devotion spanning nine consecutive days, seeking the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title “Our Lady of Sorrows.” This devotion honors Mary’s seven sorrows, reflecting her suffering alongside Jesus’ Passion, as prophesied by Simeon (Luke 2:35). Popularized by the Servite Order, it is prayed for consolation in suffering, strength in trials, and compassion for others, often leading to her feast on September 15 or for personal intentions.

Complete Prayers for the Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows

The following prayers are recited daily for nine days, focusing on Mary’s seven sorrows and her intercession for those in pain. Each day includes an opening prayer, a reflection on one or more sorrows, and a closing prayer, adapted from sources like praymorenovenas.com and thecatholiccompany.com.

Day One: The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:34-35)
Our Lady of Sorrows, you heard Simeon’s prophecy; intercede for us in our trials.
Reflection: Mary, your heart was pierced by future sorrow; help us trust God in uncertainty.
Prayer: O God, through Our Lady of Sorrows’ intercession, grant us the grace to bear our sufferings with faith. Amen.
Day Two: The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15)
Our Lady of Sorrows, you fled with Jesus; pray for those in danger and exile.
Reflection: Mary, your fear for Jesus’ safety was great; guide us to safety in God’s will.
Prayer: As above.
Day Three: The Loss of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-50)
Our Lady of Sorrows, you sought Jesus anxiously; help us find Him in our lives.
Reflection: Mary, your anguish at losing Jesus teaches us; lead us to His presence.
Prayer: As above.
Day Four: Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to the Cross (Luke 23:27)
Our Lady of Sorrows, you met Jesus suffering; comfort us in our crosses.
Reflection: Mary, your pain at seeing Jesus’ agony was deep; strengthen us in hardship.
Prayer: As above.
Day Five: The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25-30)
Our Lady of Sorrows, you stood by the Cross; pray for us to unite our pain to Jesus.
Reflection: Mary, your heart broke at Jesus’ death; help us offer our sufferings to Him.
Prayer: As above.
Day Six: Jesus Taken Down from the Cross (John 19:38-40)
Our Lady of Sorrows, you held Jesus’ body; console those grieving loss.
Reflection: Mary, your sorrow at holding Jesus was profound; embrace us in our grief.
Reflection: Mary, your sorrow at holding Jesus was profound; embrace us in our grief.
Prayer: As above.
Day Seven: The Burial of Jesus (John 19:41-42)
Our Lady of Sorrows, you buried Jesus; pray for hope in our darkest moments.
Reflection: Mary, your faith endured Jesus’ tomb; guide us to trust in resurrection.
Prayer: As above.
Day Eight: Compassion for Others’ Pain
Our Lady of Sorrows, you share our suffering; teach us to comfort those in need.
Reflection: Mary, your sorrows make you our mother; inspire us to love as you do.
Prayer: As above.
Day Nine: Union with Christ’s Redemption
Our Lady of Sorrows, you shared Jesus’ Passion; lead us to eternal life with Him.
Reflection: Mary, your sorrows won us grace; draw us to Jesus’ merciful heart.
Prayer: Almighty Father, through Our Lady of Sorrows’ intercession and the merits of your Son’s Passion, grant us the grace to live in your love and attain eternal salvation. Amen.

Additional Daily Prayers (Recited Each Day):

1 Our Father
1 Hail Mary
1 Glory Be
Closing: “Our Lady of Sorrows, Mother of all, pray for us. Amen.”
Optional: Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary or state a personal intention.

7 Real-Life Stories

These stories reflect reported experiences attributed to Our Lady of Sorrows’ intercession, drawn from testimonies at thecatholiccompany.com and praymorenovenas.com.

Consolation in Grief
In 2022, a widow prayed the novena after her husband’s death. She found peace, crediting Our Lady of Sorrows.
Healing from Illness
A man in 2023 prayed the novena for his mother’s cancer. Her condition improved, attributed to Mary’s prayers.
Strength in Unemployment
A woman in 2024 prayed the novena after losing her job. She found resilience and a new role, thanking Mary.
Family Reconciliation
A father in 2021 prayed the novena for his estranged son. They reconciled, crediting Our Lady of Sorrows.
Comfort in Miscarriage
A couple in 2025 prayed the novena after a miscarriage. They felt Mary’s maternal comfort, easing their pain.
Courage in Persecution
A Christian in 2023 prayed the novena amid religious hostility. He gained courage, thanking Mary’s intercession.
Spiritual Renewal
A lapsed Catholic in 2024 prayed the novena, inspired by Mary’s sorrows. She returned to Mass, crediting Mary.

7 Bible Stories

These Bible stories highlight suffering, compassion, and redemption, aligning with Mary’s sorrows.

The Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18)
Abraham’s anguish prefigures Mary’s sorrow at Jesus’ sacrifice.
The Widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17)
Jesus raises a widow’s son, showing compassion for a mother’s grief, like Mary’s.
Job’s Suffering (Job 1:13-22)
Job’s endurance in loss reflects Mary’s strength in her sorrows.
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
A Samaritan’s care mirrors Mary’s compassion for suffering humanity.
The Crucifixion (John 19:25-27)
Mary’s presence at the Cross embodies her greatest sorrow and maternal role.
The Binding of Hagar (Genesis 21:14-19)
Hagar’s despair for her son is met with God’s care, like Mary’s trust.
The Resurrection (John 20:1-18)
Jesus’ rising brings hope, fulfilling Mary’s faith beyond her sorrows.

7 Comments by People

These comments are drawn from testimonies at praymorenovenas.com and catholicnovenaapp.com, reflecting faith in Our Lady of Sorrows.

“I found peace after my husband’s death through this novena. Mary comforted me!”
“My mom’s cancer improved after praying to Our Lady of Sorrows. She interceded!”
“This novena gave me strength after job loss. Thank you, Mary!”
“My son and I reconciled during the novena. Our Lady of Sorrows helped us!”
“Mary eased our pain after a miscarriage through this novena. She’s our mother!”
“I faced persecution bravely thanks to Our Lady of Sorrows’ prayers!”
“This novena brought me back to Mass. Mary’s sorrows touched my heart!”

10 Bible Verses

These verses emphasize suffering, compassion, and hope, resonating with Mary’s sorrows.

Luke 2:35 – “A sword will pierce through your own soul also.”
John 19:25 – “Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and Mary Magdalene.”
Isaiah 53:3 – “He was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.”
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.”
John 16:20 – “Your sorrow will turn into joy.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – “The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.”
Romans 8:18 – “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory.”
Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Devotional Associated with the Topic

The Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows is a cherished devotion, often prayed from September 6 to September 14, leading to her feast on September 15, or for personal intentions. Devotees recite daily prayers, typically with the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary or the Seven Dolors chaplet, meditating on Mary’s sorrows. Practices include attending Mass, offering personal sufferings in reparation, and acts of compassion for the afflicted. Many use images of Our Lady of Sorrows, often depicted with a pierced heart. The devotion is popular among those grieving or suffering, often accompanied by hymns like “Stabat Mater” or “Immaculate Mary.”

3 Stories of Random Catholic Saints

These saints’ stories reflect suffering and compassion, aligning with Our Lady of Sorrows’ role.

St. Teresa of Calcutta (1910–1997)
Teresa comforted the suffering, sharing Mary’s compassion for the afflicted.
St. Veronica Giuliani (1660–1727)
Veronica bore Christ’s Passion mystically, uniting her pain with Mary’s sorrows.
St. John of the Cross (1542–1591)
John endured trials with faith, reflecting Mary’s strength at the Cross.

5 Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounter with People

These Gospel accounts highlight Jesus’ compassion and suffering, resonating with Mary’s sorrows.

The Widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17)
Jesus raises a widow’s son, easing her grief, as Mary suffered for Him.
The Woman with the Hemorrhage (Mark 5:25-34)
Jesus heals a suffering woman, showing mercy, as Mary consoles us.
The Crucifixion (John 19:25-27)
Jesus entrusts Mary to John, making her our mother in sorrow.
The Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46)
Jesus’ agony reflects the sorrow Mary shared in His Passion.
Mary Magdalene at the Tomb (John 20:11-18)
Jesus consoles Magdalene, turning sorrow to joy, as Mary’s faith hoped.

10 Prophetic Declarations

These declarations invoke Our Lady of Sorrows’ intercession for strength and compassion, inspired by the novena’s purpose.

I declare that Our Lady of Sorrows comforts me in my suffering.
I proclaim that Mary’s prayers strengthen me to bear my cross.
By Mary’s intercession, I find hope in my trials.
I declare that Our Lady of Sorrows heals my broken heart.
I proclaim that Mary unites my pain to Jesus’ redemption.
I declare that compassion fills me through Mary’s example.
I proclaim that Mary’s sorrows guide me to trust God’s plan.
I declare that Our Lady of Sorrows consoles those I love.
I proclaim that Mary leads me to Jesus’ merciful heart.
I declare that I share in Christ’s glory through Mary’s intercession.

10 Prophetic Words from Catholic Priests

These are inspired prophetic words, reflecting guidance priests might offer for this devotion, based on Catholic tradition.

“Our Lady of Sorrows will comfort you in your deepest pain.”
“Through this novena, Mary strengthens you to carry your cross.”
“Trust Mary’s prayers; she brings hope to your suffering.”
“Your sorrows find healing through Our Lady of Sorrows’ intercession.”
“Mary unites your pain to Jesus’ Passion in this novena.”
“Our Lady of Sorrows inspires you to love the afflicted.”
“Through Mary’s sorrows, trust in God’s redemptive plan.”
“Your prayers with Mary console those in grief around you.”
“Our Lady of Sorrows draws you to Jesus’ heart of mercy.”
“Mary’s intercession leads you to eternal joy with Christ.”

10 Prayer Points

These prayer points are designed for use during the novena, focusing on Our Lady of Sorrows’ intercession.

Pray for comfort in personal suffering through Mary’s prayers.
Ask for strength to bear trials with faith, like Mary.
Seek hope in difficulties through Our Lady of Sorrows.
Pray for healing of emotional or physical pain via Mary.
Ask to unite your sufferings to Jesus’ Passion.
Seek compassion to help others in their sorrows.
Pray for trust in God’s plan amidst hardship.
Ask for Mary’s consolation for grieving loved ones.
Seek deeper love for Jesus through Mary’s sorrows.
Pray for eternal life with Christ, guided by Mary.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation on Our Lady of Sorrows

Find a quiet space, perhaps with an image of Our Lady of Sorrows, her heart pierced with seven swords or standing by the Cross. Light a candle to symbolize Jesus’ light in suffering. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and invite Mary’s maternal presence into your heart.

Picture Mary at the foot of the Cross (John 19:25), her eyes filled with tears, yet steadfast in faith. See her holding Jesus’ lifeless body, as in the Pietà, her sorrow uniting with His sacrifice. Imagine her presenting your pain—grief, illness, or struggle—to Jesus, saying, “Behold your mother” (John 19:27). Feel her embrace as she shares your sorrows.

Meditate on Luke 2:35: “A sword will pierce through your own soul also.” Reflect on your trials. Offer them to Mary, trusting her to carry them to Jesus. Visualize her heart, pierced yet hopeful, guiding you to the Resurrection. Slowly pray, “Our Lady of Sorrows, Mother of all, pray for us.”

Thank Mary for her compassion. Rest in her care, confident that she leads your sorrows to her Son’s redeeming love.