Seven Sorrows Rosary
During the middle ages, Our Blessed Mother introduced The Seven Sorrows Rosary to
St. Bridget of Sweden and the Seven Servite fathers in Florence, Italy, asking them to spread this devotion to her sorrows. Unfortunately, the Protestant Reformation caused both the traditional (Dominican rosary) and the Seven Sorrows Rosary to fall into disuse.
In November 1981, Our Lady appeared to Marie Claire Mukamgango in Rwanda, Africa. To promote peace, love, and forgiveness between the tribes in an effort to prevent the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, Marie Claire was asked by Our Lady to spread the Seven Sorrows Rosary to her country and the world. Marie Claire was killed in the genocide.
"Our Lady of Kibeho", by Immaculee Ilibigaza, is about three teenage girls who had apparitions of Our Blessed Mother, the messages they received and their stories. After reading this book, our apostolate for the Seven Sorrows Rosary was inspired and felt a strong call by Our Blessed Mother to continue the work of Marie Claire. This was our beginning, in January 2010.
After we received approval from our pastor to begin an apostolate for this devotion, we learned how to make rosaries and order supplies. We wrote a meditation booklet to go along with the rosary and scheduled presentations with our parish ministries and in other parishes. Our Blessed Mother, who has a definite plan, has guided us all the way and has sent giving hearts to donate for supplies.
Since we began nine years ago, we have given away over 47,000 rosaries all over the United States and around the world. This devotion continues to spread through others giving to others.
The Seven Sorrows Rosary, like the traditional rosary, is a meditative beaded prayer. Both rosaries are a powerful spiritual weapon against the snares of the evil one. It brings a great peace for the mind, body and soul. When we experience pain, suffering or sorrow we meditate on Mary’s sorrows. She unites her sorrow with ours and brings them to her Son, who in return gives us peace.
Mary and Jesus’ hearts beat as one. Her Immaculate heart brings us more perfectly to His Sacred Heart.