Our Lady of Sorrows
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Our Lady of Sorrows , Madonna , Mary , Virgin , Sorrowful Virgin , Sorrowful
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Abstract
On the high altar of Santa Maria in Via in Rome stands an eighteenth-century polychrome statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. The Servites of Santa Maria in Via were devoted to the cult of Our Lady of Sorrows and played a key role in promoting the devotion to the Seven Sorrows, meditating the seven pivotal moments of suffering in the Virgin Mary’s life. This devotion emphasizes Mary's profound sorrow and compassion, inviting the faithful to reflect on her role in the Passion of Christ.
Traditionally, Our Lady of Sorrows is depicted in tears, her expression marked by grief, with one or seven swords piercing her heart—iconography derived from Simeon’s prophecy in Luke 2:34–35: “Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ‘This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too’” (NIV). In this statue, six swords pierce Mary's chest.
Photograph(s) licenced under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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Santa Maria in Via, Rome