Catholic Chaplet

Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary

Beads: 7 groups of 7 beads (one group per sorrow); crucifix

When to pray: Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (September 15); during Lent; Fridays; any time of grief or trial.

Servite Order (Order of Servants of Mary), founded 1233; chaplet form developed in the 16th century

About this Devotion

The Seven Sorrows of Mary is one of the oldest Marian devotions, intrinsically connected to the Servite Order (Ordo Servorum Mariae), which was founded in Florence in 1233 by seven merchants who became known as the Seven Holy Founders. The Servites received formal approbation for the devotion from Pope Benedict XIII in 1725, and Pope Pius VII, in 1815, granted a plenary indulgence to those who meditate on the Seven Sorrows and pray the associated prayers. The chaplet form — seven groups of seven beads — developed in the sixteenth century as a tactile aid for meditating on each sorrow.

The Seven Sorrows are drawn directly from Scripture and from the writings of the Church Fathers: (1) the prophecy of Simeon (Lk 2:34-35); (2) the flight into Egypt (Mt 2:13-15); (3) the loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:41-50); (4) meeting Jesus on the Way of the Cross (Lk 23:27-31); (5) the Crucifixion and death of Jesus (Jn 19:17-30); (6) the taking down of Jesus from the Cross (Lk 23:53); and (7) the burial of Jesus (Jn 19:38-42). Each sorrow pierces Mary's soul in fulfilment of Simeon's prophecy of the sword.

How to Pray Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary

You will need: 7 groups of 7 beads (one group per sorrow); crucifix

Begin with the Act of Contrition as an opening prayer, offering the meditation for one's sins and for the grace to share in Mary's compassion for her Son.

For the First Sorrow — the Prophecy of Simeon (Lk 2:34-35) — meditate briefly on Simeon's words, then pray 1 Hail Mary and repeat: 'I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the affliction of your tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon. Dear Mother, by your heart so afflicted, obtain for me the virtue of humility and the gift of the holy fear of God.'

Continue the same pattern for the remaining six sorrows: the Flight into Egypt, the Loss of the Child Jesus, Meeting Jesus on the Way of the Cross, the Crucifixion, the Taking Down from the Cross, and the Burial. For each, pray the meditation verse and then 7 Hail Marys on the 7 small beads.

After completing all seven groups, pray 3 Hail Marys in honor of the tears that Mary shed during the Passion.

Close with the Concluding Prayer: 'O most holy Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, who did maintain your faith and remain firm and constant amid so many terrible torments: obtain for me also a living faith, patience in my trials, and the grace of final perseverance. Amen.'

Prayers Used in This Chaplet

The full texts of the prayers prayed on each bead:

Meditation verse (repeated per sorrow, example: First Sorrow)

I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the affliction of your tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon. Dear Mother, by your heart so afflicted, obtain for me the virtue of humility and the gift of the holy fear of God. Amen.

Source: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/chaplet-of-seven-sorrows-of-mary-381

Concluding Prayer

O most holy Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, who did maintain your faith and remain firm and constant amid so many terrible torments: obtain for me also a living faith, patience in my trials, and the grace of final perseverance. Amen.

Source: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/chaplet-of-seven-sorrows-of-mary-381

Promises & Indulgences

Pope Pius VII in 1815 granted a plenary indulgence — under the usual conditions of confession, Communion, and prayer for the Pope's intentions — to those who meditate on the Seven Sorrows of Mary and pray the related prayers with contrition. This grant is documented by EWTN in its presentation of the approved Servite devotion.

Prayers used in this chaplet: Hail Mary

Other Catholic Chaplets

Primary Sources