Today we may commemorate the Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This commemoration has its biblical origins in two passages of the Gospels, namely in Simeon's prophecy to Mary at the presentation of Jesus in the Temple: "A sword will pierce your own soul (Lk 2:35) and then in John's affirmation that his Mother Mary stood at the side of Jesus' Cross as he was dying (Jn 19:25-27). We may see the two passages linked as prophecy and fulfilment.

Further reflection on Mary as a sorrowful Mother accompanying her son in his death agony then enumerates seven distinct sorrows or experiences of suffering which marked Mary's life: Simeon's prophecy about Jesus and herself (Lk2:34-35); The flight into Egypt (Mt 2:13); losing Jesus in Jerusalem and searching until she and Joseph found him in the Temple (Lk 2:43); seeing Jesus carrying his cross on his way to Golgotha; standing beside the Cross of her crucified son [Jn 19:24-27]; The piercing of Jesus' side and his death and burial (Jn 19:32-42). Spiritually, we learn to stand with Mary beside Jesus' Cross and desire to become, like John, a beloved disciple.