Pray the 7 Sorrows of Mary Irresistible Novena to our Lady of Sorrows each day by bookmarking this page and using the links below according to what day you are on. The daily prayer for this novena is the Prayer to the Mother of Sorrow. At the bottom of the page there is a link to a downloadable PDF that you can print and use if you prefer this novena in a non-digital format.
the 7 Sorrows of Mary Devotion
The 7 Sorrows of Mary devotion is a novena to Our Lady of Sorrows, an irresistible novena, that concludes with a special Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows each day.
Please read a reflection on Our Lady of Sorrows Irresistible Novena by Mary’s Secretary to learn how you can benefit from this prayer and a devotion to the 7 Sorrows of Mary and how to write your own written formal prayer at the start of your 9 day novena. She references an instructional video from Fr. Ripperger that can be found here.
Mary’s Secretary says, “Each day, along with the formally written prayer, the Litany of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows is prayed. But here is the small difference. Instead of responding “Ora Pro Nobis”, you say “reveal my greatest defect”. If you are shown your defect by day two, you can substitute it with “reveal the hidden mystery”. And if even that is shown you before the nine-days are completed, then it is safe to continue with “Ora Pro Nobis”. This Litany typically works like lightening. I also recommend, though it is not mandatory, to pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary each day during the novena. If you do not have one, you can use a normal rosary and change the prayers accordingly.”
This 7 Sorrows of Mary devotion is designed to help the penitent sinner struggling with habitual sin to gain an understanding of his or her greatest defect. This 7 Sorrows of Mary devotion requires discipline and consistency over a period of 9 days. The penitent sinner is asking Our Lady of Sorrows to assist them by interceding for them to the Throne of God. By the intercession of Mary Our Lady of Sorrows the penitent sinner will receive God’s merciful grace to know his deepest defect that inhibits his soul.
The Irresistible Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows is
part of a 7 Sorrows of Mary Novena Devotion
About the Irresistible Novena
to Our Lady of Sorrows
To pray the “Irresistible Novena of Fr. Ripperger, as part of a devotion to the 7 Sorrows of Mary, do the following:
Each day, along with your formally written personal prayer request, pray the Litany of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows. Instead of responding ‘pray for us’ in the Litany, say ‘reveal my greatest defect’. If you are shown your defect by day two, you can substitute it with ‘reveal the hidden mystery’.
7 Sorrows of Mary Day 1 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O sorrowful Mother, I turn to you in total trust. You suffered the sharpest pains in life, watching your Son die upon the Cross, and yet you remained by Him to the end. Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross her Son was dying. Mary stood beneath Him crying, Sharing in His saving cross. As He hangs, her soul is grieving, and a sword her heart is cleaving and she weeps the bitter loss. O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Seven Sorrows, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore
(pray your formal written intentions of your irresistible novena here)
Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Then pray the litany.
7 Sorrows of Mary Day 2 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O sorrowful Mother, I turn to you in total trust. You suffered the sharpest pains in life, watching your Son die upon the Cross, and yet you remained by Him to the end. Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross her Son was dying. Mary stood beneath Him crying, Sharing in His saving cross. As He hangs, her soul is grieving, and a sword her heart is cleaving and she weeps the bitter loss. O Mother of Sorrows, through thy First Sorrow, the Prophecy of Holy Simeon, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore
(pray your formal written intentions of your irresistible novena here)
Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Then pray the litany.
7 Sorrows of Mary Day 3 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O sorrowful Mother, I turn to you in total trust. You suffered the sharpest pains in life, watching your Son die upon the Cross, and yet you remained by Him to the end. Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross her Son was dying. Mary stood beneath Him crying, Sharing in His saving cross. As He hangs, her soul is grieving, and a sword her heart is cleaving and she weeps the bitter loss. O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Second Sorrow, the Flight into Egypt, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore
(pray your formal written intentions of your irresistible novena here)
Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Then pray the litany.
7 Sorrows of Mary Day 4 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O sorrowful Mother, I turn to you in total trust. You suffered the sharpest pains in life, watching your Son die upon the Cross, and yet you remained by Him to the end. Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross her Son was dying. Mary stood beneath Him crying, Sharing in His saving cross. As He hangs, her soul is grieving, and a sword her heart is cleaving and she weeps the bitter loss. O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Third Sorrow, the Loss of the child Jesus in the Temple, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore
(pray your formal written intentions of your irresistible novena here)
Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Then pray the litany.
7 Sorrows of Mary Day 5 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O sorrowful Mother, I turn to you in total trust. You suffered the sharpest pains in life, watching your Son die upon the Cross, and yet you remained by Him to the end. Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross her Son was dying. Mary stood beneath Him crying, Sharing in His saving cross. As He hangs, her soul is grieving, and a sword her heart is cleaving and she weeps the bitter loss. O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Fourth Sorrow, the Meeting of Mary and Jesus on the Way to Calvary, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore
(pray your formal written intentions of your irresistible novena here)
Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Then pray the litany.
7 Sorrows of Mary Day 6 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O sorrowful Mother, I turn to you in total trust. You suffered the sharpest pains in life, watching your Son die upon the Cross, and yet you remained by Him to the end. Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross her Son was dying. Mary stood beneath Him crying, Sharing in His saving cross. As He hangs, her soul is grieving, and a sword her heart is cleaving and she weeps the bitter loss. O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Fifth Sorrow, the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore
(pray your formal written intentions of your irresistible novena here)
Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Then pray the litany.
7 Sorrows of Mary Day 7 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O sorrowful Mother, I turn to you in total trust. You suffered the sharpest pains in life, watching your Son die upon the Cross, and yet you remained by Him to the end. Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross her Son was dying. Mary stood beneath Him crying, Sharing in His saving cross. As He hangs, her soul is grieving, and a sword her heart is cleaving and she weeps the bitter loss. O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Sixth Sorrow, the Piercing of the Side of Jesus and His Descent from the Cross, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore
(pray your formal written intentions of your irresistible novena here)
Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Then pray the litany.
7 Sorrows of Mary Day 8 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O sorrowful Mother, I turn to you in total trust. You suffered the sharpest pains in life, watching your Son die upon the Cross, and yet you remained by Him to the end. Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross her Son was dying. Mary stood beneath Him crying, Sharing in His saving cross. As He hangs, her soul is grieving, and a sword her heart is cleaving and she weeps the bitter loss. O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Seventh Sorrow, the Burial of Jesus, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore
(pray your formal written intentions of your irresistible novena here)
Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Then pray the litany.
7 Sorrows of Mary Day 9 – Our Lady of Sorrows Novena
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O sorrowful Mother, I turn to you in total trust. You suffered the sharpest pains in life, watching your Son die upon the Cross, and yet you remained by Him to the end. Look with favor upon me, a poor sinner, and obtain for me from your Son all the graces I need to endure the sufferings God allows me to face.
Daily Prayer
On the Cross her Son was dying. Mary stood beneath Him crying, Sharing in His saving cross. As He hangs, her soul is grieving, and a sword her heart is cleaving and she weeps the bitter loss. O Mother of Sorrows, through thy Seven Sorrows, intercede for me with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and grant me the favor I implore
(pray your formal written intentions of your irresistible novena here)
Pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Then pray the litany.
Prayer to the Mother of Sorrow
By the anguish and love with which thou didst stand at the Cross of Jesus, stand by me in my last agony. To thy maternal heart I commend the last three hours of my life. Offer these hours to the Eternal Father in union with the agony of our dearest Lord in atonement for my sins. Offer to the Eternal Father the most Precious Blood of Jesus, mingled with your tears on Calvary, that I may obtain the grace of receiving Holy Communion with the most perfect love and contrition before my death, and that I may breathe forth my soul in the adorable presence of Jesus. Dearest Mother, when the moment of my death has at length come, present me as your child to Jesus. Ask Him to forgive me for having offended Him for I know not what I did. Beg Him to receive me into His Kingdom of glory to be united with Him forever.
AMEN.
The Litany to Our Lady of Sorrows should be recited daily as part of the 7 Sorrows of Mary Novena Devotion.
The Litany of Our Lady of Sorrows (Irresistible)
℣. Lord, have mercy on us.
℟. Christ, have mercy on us.
℣. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
℟. Christ, graciously hear us.
℣. God, the Father of heaven,
℟. Have mercy on us.
℣. God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
℟. Have mercy on us.
℣. God the Holy Ghost,
℟. Have mercy on us.
℣. Holy Mary, Mother of God,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Holy Virgin of virgins,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Mother of the Crucified,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Sorrowful Mother,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Mournful Mother,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Sighing Mother,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Afflicted Mother,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Forsaken Mother,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Desolate Mother,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Mother most sad,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Mother set around with anguish,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Mother overwhelmed by grief,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Mother transfixed by a sword,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Mother crucified in thy heart,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Mother bereaved of thy Son,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Sighing Dove,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Mother of Dolors,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Fount of tears,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Sea of bitterness,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Field of tribulation,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Mass of suffering,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Mirror of patience,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Rock of constancy,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Remedy in perplexity,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Joy of the afflicted,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Ark of the desolate,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Refuge of the abandoned,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Shield of the oppressed,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Conqueror of the incredulous,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Solace of the wretched,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Medicine of the sick,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect
℣. Help of the faint,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Strength of the weak,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Protectress of those who fight,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Haven of the shipwrecked,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Calmer of tempests,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Companion of the sorrowful,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Retreat of those who groan,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Terror of the treacherous,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Standard-bearer of the Martyrs,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Treasure of the Faithful,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect
℣. Light of Confessors,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Pearl of Virgins,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Comfort of Widows,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Joy of all Saints,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Queen of thy Servants,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Holy Mary, who alone art unexampled,
℟. Reveal my greatest defect.
℣. Pray for us, most Sorrowful Virgin,
℟. That we may be made worthy
of the promises of Christ.
O God, in whose Passion, according to the prophecy of Simeon, a sword of grief pierced through the most sweet soul of Thy glorious Blessed Virgin Mother Mary: grant that we, who celebrate the memory of her Seven Sorrows, may obtain the happy effect of Thy Passion, Who lives and reigns world without end.
AMEN.
Download PDF 7 Sorrows of Mary Novena Our Lady of Sorrows printable for your Eucharistic adoration chapel, prayer group, or for private use. This is a free download.
Pray a 15 minute meditation on the Joyful Mysteries as part of the First Saturday devotion.
Pray the Most Holy Name of Mary Novena from September 3-12.
4 Responses
Thank you for this profound prayer to our dearest Mother of Sorrows, Patron Saint of The Slovak Republic, the Country of my birth.
A beautiful novena…thank you
Most powerful Novena. I love how she gently reveals your sin. Thank you Our lady of Sorrows through your son Jesus. Amen
I hope to hear my greatest defect. Thank you for this prayer🙏🏼.