The Passion of Mary

The Passion of Mary

The depicted figure is Our Lady of Sorrows, a statue originating from Naples, Italy, and is approximately eight years old.

It was commissioned specifically for the Shrine. Before contemporary renditions, this statue image portrayed the appearance of Our Lady of Sorrows five centuries ago. This statue establishes the mood for the upcoming audio.

Scripture narrates the story of St. Simeon and the Holy Family in the temple. St. Simeon witnesses the Lord (Infant Jesus), perceiving not just His physical presence but also understanding the Child’s profound significance for the world. Though he grasps the future events, Simeon remains silent until facing Mary. Directing his gaze at Mary holding her Son, he emphatically declares her involvement in the unfolding events.

St Simeon Foretells Future Events

“You will be pierced, as if by a sword,” he foretells, specifying the suffering Mary will endure. This prophecy underlies the depiction of Our Lady with swords piercing her heart in the statue, symbolizing the pain a Mother feels witnessing cruelty toward her Son. Yet, her suffering holds meaning and purpose: “So that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Mary’s piercing is to open our hearts.

The Power of the Passion resonates in many hearts. Traditionally, preceding Holy Week, homage is paid to Our Lady. The Friday before Holy Week, the Church honors Mary’s Passion at the foot of the Cross. By turning to her, weeping with her, we gain appreciation for the gift her Son bestowed upon us. Mary’s tears soften our hearts with her Passion.

These tears, like rainfall from Heaven, open hearts like a book, enabling us to read our own hearts in the loving gaze of the Lord. The homily, though not the primary focus, unveils the sorrows of the Blessed Mother and the significance of Mary’s Passion.

Following the homily, a special prayer, The Triple Crown of Sorrows of Our Lady, is introduced. Modeled after St. Louis de Montfort’s Triple Crown prayer, it positions the congregation’s and listeners’ hearts for what follows. The prayer, first described and then recited, invites everyone to listen and pray together, creating a connection to the impending events.

The Passion of Mary reading is a several centuries-old text, at least 325 years in age, and likely older. Originally translated from Spanish by The Company of Mary, it has been read at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Island for the past decade and at select parishes on Long Island.

Listen as Mary vividly describes her observations and emotions during Our Lord’s Passion. Tune in to:

“The Passion of Mary.”

Note 1: After the reading of the Passion, the sound you hear in between concluding prayers is the sound of spikes being driven into The Cross. Imagine yourself at the foot of The Cross with Mary when the soldiers drive the spikes into The Cross and into Our Lord.

Note 2:  Near the end of the audio, the audience is invited to approach the Our Lady of Sorrows icon and write a special intention(s) for the softening of our hearts during Holy Week, and always.  Contemplate Our Lady. Contemplate Our Lord and their special gifts to us during this special season. Contemplate your own special intentions for someone you know, your family, or your own heart.  As the audience is invited to do so, listen and contemplate your own intention(s).