St. Bridget of Sweden was noted for her devotion to prayer, and to caring for the poor and sick. She was also a Secular Franciscan.
She is credited with "The Twelve Year Prayers on the Passion of Jesus" - a formidable prayer commitment!. She also gave us the "Seven Sorrows of Mary," a daily devotion involving meditating on the sorrows, and reciting a Hail Mary with each.
There are promises that go along with this devotion:
Seven Promises to those who meditate on Our Lady’s Seven Sorrows:
The Blessed Virgin Mary grants seven graces to the souls who honor her daily by meditating on her seven sorrows. The Hail Mary is prayed seven times, once after each meditation.
1. "I will grant peace to their families."
2. "They will be enlightened about the Divine Mysteries."
3. "I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.”
4. "I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my Divine Son or the sanctification of their souls."
5. "I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives."
6. "I will visibly help them at the moment of their death. They will see the face of their Mother.”
7. "I have obtained this grace from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors, will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy."
The Seven Sorrows (as described by the DuPage Marian Center) are:
First Sorrow: Simeon's prophecy that a sword will pierce Mary's heart. Hail Mary ...
Second Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt. Hail Mary ...
Third Sorrow: The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple of Jerusalem. Hail Mary ...
Fourth Sorrow: The meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross. Hail Mary ...
Fifth Sorrow: Mary witnesses the Crucifixion and the death of Jesus on the Cross. Hail Mary ...
Sixth Sorrow: The dead Body of Jesus is taken down and laid in the arms of His Holy Mother. Hail Mary ...
Seventh Sorrow: The Burial of Jesus, with Mary's tears and loneliness. Hail Mary ...
The promises are appealing. But the more important aspect is that this is an easy way to pray - a devotion that, once memorized, can be done at any time and in any place. I have begun to use this as part of my daily prayers.
We all need more prayer in our spiritual lives.
Pax et bonum
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