September is for Our Lady of Sorrows

Written by Shannon Olinski

As you may or may not know, September is dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows.

Sometimes, I have to consciously [and forcibly] remember the fact God uses all the names given to the Blessed Virgin Mary to make her more relatable to each of us throughout different seasons of our lives.

This one, in particular, resonates with me a little deeper than those titles that seem extraordinarily beautiful and set her apart with a crown or a powerful demeanor—maybe that’s because “sorrows” gives me solace in this very challenging phase of motherhood.

I’m not looking for pity nor a pat on the back, but I truly believe I’m in a stretch of parenting that I’ll remember forever—with an almost-walking toddler all the way up to an almost-driving teen.

This period of time has forced me to be more alert and almost on-edge more than I’d prefer. In all honesty, I’ve been brought to my knees [and to tears] more times than I can count.

And, while we don’t have many recorded examples of Mary crying over her fiat or the loss of her precious son, we can surely open our hearts to feel some of what she endured before, during and after Jesus’ life on Earth… Perhaps this is God’s way of pulling me closer to Him and his mother through my own daily challenges.

In anticipation of two very important feast days later this month, the Exaltation of the Cross on Sept. 14 and Our Lady of Sorrows on Sept. 15, I ask you to join me in relinquishing your pain, exhaustion, fears and self-doubt.

When I feel unworthy or unfit for the task of motherhood, I promise to pray for you.

Mary is a perfect example of the Christian life lived in virtue.

In every trial large or small, you can bet I’ll grasp my Miraculous Medal and clench the Sacred Heart that hangs from the chain around my neck and offer my sufferings for you.

When it feels like there’s nothing left to do but shut myself in a quiet closet, I will recall that Our Lady persevered through the unthinkable.

We can too, if we turn to her intercession and consolation.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.