Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows
The Marian apparition of Our Lady of Sorrows occurred in the small Italian town of Castelpetroso, located in the region of Molise. The story begins on March 22, 1888, when two peasant women, Serafina Valentino and Fabiana Cicchino, were searching for a lost sheep on the hill of Cesa tra Santi.
As they searched, Serafina saw a dazzling light emanating from a nearby cave. She approached and witnessed a vision of the Virgin Mary, standing in a sorrowful pose with her arms extended and her heart pierced by seven swords. This representation is known as Our Lady of Sorrows, reflecting Mary's profound grief and suffering, especially in relation to the Passion of Christ.
Serafina, overwhelmed by the vision, fainted. When she recovered, she shared the experience with Fabiana and others in the village. Fabiana, skeptical at first, returned to the site on April 1, 1888, and saw the same vision of the Virgin Mary. News of the apparitions spread quickly, and many pilgrims began to visit the site, seeking spiritual solace and healing.
The local bishop, Francesco Palmieri, initiated an investigation into the apparitions. After careful consideration and interviews with the visionaries and witnesses, the Church officially recognized the apparitions as genuine. This recognition spurred the construction of a sanctuary to honor Our Lady of Sorrows, now known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows in Castelpetroso.
The apparition of Our Lady of Sorrows carries a message of repentance, compassion, and the redemptive power of suffering. The seven swords piercing Mary's heart symbolize her seven sorrows, which are events in her life that caused her deep suffering.
The first blade represents the "Prophecy of Simeon." When she and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the Temple as was required, they encountered the elderly Simeon. He proclaimed the child as the promised Messiah, but warned Mary of suffering to come, "a sword will pierce your own soul too."
The second dagger signifies the "Flight into Egypt." Shortly after the birth of Jesus, Herod threatened to kill all infant boys to eliminate the prophesied Messiah. Mary fled with Joseph and the babe into Egypt as refugees seeking asylum from persecution and death squads. She clutched him tightly with a heavy heart.
The third points to the "Loss of the Child Jesus in Jerusalem." At the age of 12, Jesus lingered in the Temple without his parents’ knowledge. For three days Mary desperately searched for her lost son. Her worry was tremendous and mirrored every parent’s fear and pain of losing a child even briefly.
The fourth blade is for "The Meeting of Mary and Jesus on the Way to Calvary," when she saw her now grown son beaten and bloodied. Every step toward his execution broke her heart anew. Only a wordless gaze passed between mother and child.
The fifth reminds of "The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus." What grief could be sharper than a mother watching her innocent son die in agony on a cross intended for criminals? She stayed with him until the end, her soul utterly pierced.
The sixth stabs at the "Taking Down of Jesus’ Body from the Cross." No longer breathing with a spear-pierced side, the corpse of her boy was removed. She received his limp body into her arms. Overwhelmed with limitless sorrow.
And the seventh knife represents "The Burial of Jesus." His bruised and battered body wrapped carefully in burial shrouds and sealed in the cold dark tomb. Her child who had been promised to redeem all Israel now appeared starkly defeated. Grief once more broke like a wave.
Our Lady of Seven Sorrows represents the universal experience of maternal love and suffering. The Blessed Virgin Mary provides comfort for all who weep and grieve.