Promises of 7 Sorrows Devotion – Feb 17 – Homily – Fr Matthias
Views 43
Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Feb 17, 2025, on the feast day of the 7 Founders of Servite Order where he provides us with a meditation on the spiritual value of companionship in suffering, particularly through devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, as exemplified by the Seven Holy Founders and the promise of eternal life through compassionate presence.
Father explains how human presence during suffering provides consolation, connecting this to Mary's presence at the crucifixion [John 19: 25-27]. He describes how Mary stood at the foot of the cross with John, the only apostle present, symbolizing all believers. Drawing from Pope Pius XI's teachings on reparation, Father explains that Christ, during His passion, foresaw all future fruits of redemption [CCC 618]. Mary, as Co-Redemptrix [CCC 964], shared in this vision.
The Seven Holy Founders received visions from Mary on the Feast of the Assumption in 1233 and again on Good Friday 1240 [CCC 971]. Through their order, the Servites, they promoted devotion to Our Lady's Seven Sorrows. Father emphasizes that this devotion promises eternal life because Mary reciprocates our compassion by being present in our sufferings [CCC 975]. He connects this to the redemptive nature of suffering [Colossians 1: 24], explaining how Mary unites our suffering with Christ's cross for our sanctification.
For Further Reading:
John 19: 25-27 - NAB - Mary at the Cross - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/19?25
Colossians 1: 24 - NAB - Redemptive Suffering - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/1?24
Catechism References:
CCC 618 - Christ's Redemptive Death - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/618.htm
CCC 964 - Mary's Role in the Church - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/964.htm
CCC 971 - Devotion to Mary - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/971.htm
Additional Resources:
OSM.org - History of the Servite Order - https://www.servite.org/about/history
Vatican.va - Pius XI on Reparation - http://www.vatican.va/content/pius-xi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xi_enc_19280508_miserentissimus-redemptor.html#:~:text=O%20sweetest%20Jesus%2C%20whose%20overflowing
00:00 – Introduction
00:18 – The Consolation of Presence in Suffering
00:51 – Our Lady at the Foot of the Cross
01:30 – St. John as a Symbol of Us
02:57 – Devotion to the Seven Sorrows
03:09 – The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order
03:45 – Purpose of the Servite Order
05:13 – Uniting Suffering to Christ
Ave Maria!
Mass: 7 Founders of Servite Order - Opt Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1257
Readings: Monday 6th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/021725.cfm
1st: gen 4:1-15, 25
Resp: psa 50:1, 8, 16-17, 20-21
Gsp: mar 8:11-13
More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1037&r=1389
Also on Facebook: https://fb.watch/xPhQM5kI_B/
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z08S-QfHEJI
