Very typical, and sometimes surprising to many, the representation of the Virgin of the Seven Sorrows is an expression of the martyrdom endured by the Virgin as co-redemptrix of the human race, especially at Easter, at the foot of the cross, at the moment of the consummation of the mystery of Redemption. Having focused on the heartbreak of Mary's soul during her Son's Passion, when her suffering reached its peak, the piety of the faithful has extended to other pains the Mother experienced on various occasions in her life.
To illustrate the sufferings of the Virgin Mother, she is depicted dressed in black, crowned with stars and her heart pierced with seven swords (or a radiant heart), symbolizing the seven principal sufferings of the Mother of God, which crowned her Queen of Martyrs.
These seven sorrows are :
- The prophecy of the holy old man Simeon.
- The flight into Egypt.
- The disappearance of the Infant Jesus from the Temple for three days.
- The encounter with Jesus carrying his cross and ascending to Calvary.
- Mary standing at the foot of the cross.
- Jesus' descent from the cross and delivery to his mother.
- Jesus' burial in the tomb.
A powerful symbol of Marian piety, linked to the Passion rite, the Madonna of the Seven Sorrows was taken out in processions during Easter celebrations. In the church, she is installed on the altar dedicated to the Passion of Christ. She was especially richly dressed, thanks to donations in kind or in money from the women, who thus demonstrated their devotion to the Virgin of the Seven Sorrows.
S. Candau
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