**PRAYER SERVICE****The First Sorrow of Mary** NOVENA

**PRAYER SERVICE** **The First Sorrow of Mary** – The Prophecy of Simeon Opening Prayer In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Leader: Dear Sisters, today we gather in the presence of God to contemplate the First Sorrow of Our Blessed Mother Mary – the Prophecy of Simeon. When Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the Temple, the aged Simeon took the Child into his arms and, guided by the Holy Spirit, foretold the suffering that awaited Him. Turning to Mary, he said: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:35) These words became the first announcement of Mary's sorrow. Her heart, which had joyfully welcomed Jesus, was now prepared to share in His suffering. Mary did not turn away from God's plan. With deep faith, courage and loving surrender, she accepted the mystery of the Cross. Mary teaches us that true love is willing to suffer with the beloved. She invites us today to bring before God our own struggles, sacrifices, disappointments and the sufferings of those whom we love. **HYMN** For the First Day of the Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows, the theme “Mary kept everything in her heart” beautifully connects with the Prophecy of Simeon. Theme: “Mary Kept Everything in Her Heart” “But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” — Luke 2:19 Reflection Mary’s heart was a heart that listened, treasured, and pondered. At the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, Simeon spoke words that must have pierced her deeply: “And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Mary could not yet understand the fullness of those words, but she received them with faith. Mary did not question God, complain, or run away from the mystery. She kept everything in her heart. She carried the words of Simeon silently, trusting that God would reveal His plan in His own time. Mary teaches us an important lesson: not everything has to be understood immediately. Some things have to be carried in faith. There are moments in our lives when we too experience words that hurt us, situations that confuse us, unexpected suffering, or events whose meaning we cannot understand. Like Mary, we can place them quietly in God's hands and ponder them in prayer. Mary's silence was not weakness. It was the silence of a woman who trusted God deeply. Her heart became a sacred place where joy and sorrow could dwell together—joy because she was the Mother of Jesus, and sorrow because she knew that a sword would one day pierce her heart. Today, let us ask ourselves: Do I take time to listen to God and ponder His word? Can I remain peaceful when I do not understand what is happening in my life? Do I bring my pain to prayer instead of allowing it to become bitterness? Can I trust God's plan even when the path ahead is unclear? Sorrowful Mother Mary, teach us to keep God's word in our hearts as you did. When we do not understand, give us faith. When we are hurt, give us patience. When we are confused, give us wisdom. When our hearts are heavy, give us the courage to remain faithful. Help us to ponder our joys and sorrows in the presence of God and to believe that even our suffering can become a path to grace. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, teach us to keep everything in our hearts and to trust God in all circumstances. **HYMN** **INTERCESSORY PRAYER IN SILENCE** Concluding Prayer All: O Sorrowful Mother, you received the words of Simeon with a heart full of faith and surrender. Though the prophecy pierced your heart, you remained faithful to God's will. Teach us, dear Mother, to accept the crosses of our daily lives with patience and courage. When sorrow overwhelms us, help us not to lose hope. When we do not understand God's ways, teach us to trust Him as you did. Mary, Mother of Sorrows, stand beside us in our moments of pain. Console those who are suffering, strengthen those who are discouraged, and bring healing to those whose hearts are wounded. Help us to unite our sufferings with the Passion of your Son, Jesus, and to offer them lovingly for the salvation of souls. O Mary, our Sorrowful Mother, walk with us on our journey of faith. May your example of unwavering trust inspire us to say every day: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Leader: Mary, Mother of Sorrows, All: Pray for us. Mary, who stood faithfully beneath the Cross, All: Pray for us. Mary, our Mother and model of faith, All: Pray for us.