Catholic Social Tips
Our church dedicates September to Our Lady of Sorrows, and the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on Sept. 15. This devotion began in the 12th century in monastic circles but was formally recognized by the whole church in the 18th century.
Reflecting on our Blessed Mother’s sorrows reminds us of her strength, compassion and unwavering “yes” to God’s call in our lives, even in the face of devastating losses.
In the 14th century, Our Lady of Sorrows appeared to St. Bridget of Sweden, revealing a new rosary devotion to her as she was a widow. She also appeared to Marie Claire Mukangango in the 1980s to reintroduce this rosary.
Sadly, Marie Claire was one of over a million people who died in the Rwandan genocide. In 2017, a survivor of the Rwanda genocide who hid and prayed this rosary every day until she gained liberation visited my parish; her name is Immaculee Ilibagiza.
It was the first time I’d heard of this rosary, so I bought one. As a widow celebrating her wedding anniversary in September, I pray this rosary on my anniversary. I wrote and recorded a novena for widows and widowers for Hallow (a meditation and prayer app), calling on a litany of saints who mourn the loss of a spouse. St. Bridget of Sweden is one of the saints to whom listeners pray for her intercession.
The secular world also designates September as the month for suicide prevention to remember those who mourn the loss of someone who took their lives and to promote awareness. There is so much pain for those who are left behind to navigate the carnage and stigma associated with the death of a loved one who, for many reasons, decides to end their life.
“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary situation.”
The church in recent years has changed its position on deaths that are deemed suicide. Reading the U.S. Catholic Catechism for Adults, passages 2282 and 2283, provides comfort and consolation in knowing those who have mental disabilities are given grace.
According to CC 2282, “If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law. Grave psychological disturbances, anguish or grave fear of hardship, suffering or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.”
CC 2283 says, “We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.”
Gathering family members to pray the seven sorrows rosary in September or on the death anniversary of a loved one lost to suicide is powerful.
As you reflect on these sorrowful mysteries that Mary bore through her life, asking for her intercession can provide comfort and consolation. For those who have lost a child, this can mirror your own experiences with the loss of your son or daughter.
The Hallow app has the seven sorrows rosary, and my novena for widows and widowers is also available to pray this month or another that connects with a spouse’s birthday, death anniversary or wedding anniversary.
As St. John Paul II said, “From Mary we learn to surrender to God’s will in all things. From Mary, we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary, we learn to love Christ, her son and the son of God.”
Pray for us, oh virgin most sorrowful, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Sherry Hayes-Peirce is a Catholic social media consultant based in Southern California.
