This version of the Rosary  calls to mind the seven sorrows Mary endured with love and compassion. Although this prayer began in the middle ages it has more recently become well known because of it’s connections to the Marian Apparitions to Marie-Claire Mukangango in Kibeho Rwanda. In her Apparitions Mary promised that if we sincerely prayed this rosary  we would receive Christ’s forgiveness, and over time grant us an awareness of our sins and the strength to overcome them. Traditionally this prayer is said on Tuesdays (the first day Mary appeared to Marie-Claire) and Fridays. (The day of Christ’s death) In her Apparitions Mary also explained that this prayer in no way was intended to replace The Holy Rosary, but be said in addition to it.

Seven Graces

It was revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden that seven graces are given to those who meditate on her sorrows and pray the Hail Mary.

1. I will grant peace to their families.
2. They will be enlightened about the divine mysteries.
3. I will console them in their pains, and I will accompany them in their work.
4. I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.
5. I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy, and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.
6. I will visibly help them at the moment of their death; they will see the face of their mother.
7. I have obtained (this grace) from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors, will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy.

How to Pray The Rosary of Seven Sorrows

Introduction

My God, I offer You this rosary for Your glory, so I  may honor Your Holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin, so I can share and meditate upon her suffering. I humbly beg You to give me true repentance for all my sins. Give me wisdom and humility so that I may receive all the indulgences contained in this prayer.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend You, my God, You Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

Before each Sorrow

Most merciful mother, remind us always of the sorrows of your son, Jesus

After each Sorrow

Pray one “Our Father” Pray seven “Hail Marys”

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Pray one “Our Father”, one “Hail Mary”, and one “Glory Be”.

Conclusion

Queen of Martyrs, your heart suffered so much. I beg you, by the merits of the tears you shed in these terrible and sorrowful times, to obtain for me and all the sinners of the world the grace of complete sincerity and repentance. Amen.

Mary, who was conceived without sin and who suffered for us, pray for us. (x3)

The Seven Sorrows of Mary

The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Prophecy of Simeon

(Luke 2:22-35)

The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Flight into Egypt

(Matthew 2:13-15)

The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Loss of Jesus in the Temple

(Luke 2:41-52)

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary

(Luke 23:27-31)

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: Mary Stands at the Foot of the Cross

(John 19:25-27)

The Sixth Sorrowful Mystery: Mary Receives the Dead Body of Jesus in Her Arms

(John 19:38-40)

The Seventh Sorrowful Mystery: Jesus Is Placed in the Tomb

(John 19:41-42)