The Lord has given us all many gifts. One of the greatest of those gifts is the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. She is there to help us. If you are in trouble, she is there to intercede for you. First, you must get things right with the Lord. Think how you have failed in your actions, in your words, in your thoughts, and in your inaction. You need to ask with a sincere heart for the Lord's forgiveness for all your sins. You must be sincerely sorry that you have offended the Lord. If you are Catholic, you must go to confession if you have any mortal sins. Have you not been going to church regularly? Keep the Sabbath holy, go to church every Sunday. Go and spend time in adoration. Turn your troubles over to the Lord. Trust in Jesus. Ask him for guidance. Ask him what to do next. Listen.
Our Lady of Sorrows understands sadness and pain. Ask her for help. She wants to help us. She wants us to grow closer to her son, her Lord and our Lord. Say the chaplet of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows everyday. Ask her to intercede for you. She is there to help. Pray all the time. Pray for your enemies, and pray they are no longer your enemies. Pray that they become closer to our Lord Jesus Christ.
If you have a rosary, you may use it to say the chaplet. It won't have the correct number of beads but might help. If you don't have a rosary, just say the prayers and think about each sorrow. When you get the opportunity, obtain a chaplet rosary made for the seven sorrows. Remember to have it blessed by a priest.
You may want to start with an act of contrition. It is a good way to begin. This is also a good time to ask Mary for help regarding what is troubling you. Also remember to pray for other people (especially any who have suffered because of something you may have done.) There are also some other optional prayers that some people say; however, the following is the basic chaplet.
1. Make the sign of the cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
2. The first sword of sorrow to pierce Mary's heart was the prophecy of holy Simeon when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple. Pray the Our Father. Reflect on the first sorrow while saying seven Hail Marys.
3. The second sword of sorrow to pierce Mary's heart was the flight into Egypt. An angel of the Lord told Joseph to take the Holy Family to Egypt to flee from Herod. Pray the Our Father. Reflect on the second sorrow while saying seven Hail Marys.
4. The third sword of sorrow to pierce Mary's heart was when the child Jesus decided to stay in the temple and Mary did not know where he was. Pray the Our Father. Reflect on the third sorrow while saying seven Hail Marys.
5. The fourth sword of sorrow to pierce Mary's heart was seeing her son on the road to Golgotha. Pray the Our Father. Reflect on the fourth sorrow while saying seven Hail Marys.
6. The fifth sword of sorrow to pierce Mary's heart was the crucifixion and death of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Pray the Our Father. Reflect on the fifth sorrow while saying seven Hail Marys.
7. The sixth sword of sorrow to pierce Mary's heart was when the body of Jesus was taken down from the cross. Mary could see all his wounds up close. Pray the Our Father. Reflect on the sixth sorrow while saying seven Hail Marys.
8. The seventh sword of sorrow to pierce Mary's heart was the burial of her Son, Jesus. Pray the Our Father. Reflect on the seventh sorrow while saying seven Hail Marys.
9. Pray three Hail Marys in honor the tears Mary shed, and ask her to help in achieving true contrition for your sins.
10. Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be, for the intentions of the Pope.
11. Say the following prayer, "Pray for us, O most Sorrowful Virgin.- That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen."
12. Say the closing prayer, "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 at the time of 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 for ever and ever. Amen."
13. End with the sign of the cross.
Remember the Lord loves you!
Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica & National Shrine—Historic Center of Marian Devotion and
home of the National Shrines of
OUR LADY OF SORROWS and
SAINT PEREGRINE, the patron of those
afflicted with cancer, AIDS, and other
life-threatening diseases. This is very beautiful church in what is now a poorer area in Chicago. It is truly a great treasure constructed in honor of Our Lady of Sorrow. Please support this church. If you are visiting Chicago or live in the Chicago area, please make sure to visit and help them if you can. Tours can be arranged. http://www.ols-chicago.org
Our Lady's Tears—This a blog by a lady with a devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows. Some interesting entries. http://ourladystears.blogspot.com/
Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry (OSMM)—Want to go on a retreat? Need healing? This group may be for you. No first-hand experience but this group looks solid. Good speakers. http://osmm.org/