The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, also known as the Feast of the Sorrowful Mother, is celebrated on Monday, Sept. 15. The feast highlights the seven sorrows that Mary bore as the mother of the Messiah. These are: 1) The prophecy of Simeon, 2) The Flight into Egypt, 3) The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, 4) Mary Meets Jesus Along the Way of the Cross, 5) The Crucifixion of Jesus, 6) Jesus’ Descent from the Cross, 7) The Burial of Jesus.
    
This feast was very popular during World War II, when many mothers were desperately praying for the safe return of their sons, and many were grieving the death of a child in war. Since then, it has become popular for those grieving the loss of a child by drugs, or any other tragedy.  Sorrowing mothers find in Mary someone who understands their loss and their sadness. 
    
There are so many sorrowful mothers in our own time.  May they find comfort and companionship in the love of Mary.          

St. Hildegard was a German Benedictine known as an abbess, mystic, composer and writer of many works of mystical theology. She lived in the 11th century and is one of the most significant religious figures of the Middle Ages. She composed more chants than any other figure in history and wrote both the music and lyrics, which was unusual.
    
The feast of St. Hildegard is this Wednesday, Sept. 17.