Contemplating the Seven Sorrows of Mary

In this soul-stirring work, Dr. Joseph Hollcraft and Ruth Berghorst invite readers to delve into the sorrowful journey of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The book begins by tracing the history of the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, shedding light on why we should pray this powerful devotion. As a foundation to better meditate on Mary's Seven Sorrows, Joseph and Ruth then offer a vision of mental prayer with St. Alphonsus Liguori — brilliant and practical. The meditations on the Seven Sorrows are rich, and their suggested list of whom and what to pray for is inspired and timely. If readers of this book take its direction seriously, I believe it will save souls!

Dan Burke

Timely, deep, and powerful, this work is a balm at a time when the Body of Christ most needs healing. Basing themselves on St. Alphonsus, who contemplated the Seven Sorrows of Mary to grieve and find healing for spiritual wounds, Joseph and Ruth prove to be reliable guides through the wounds and sorrows of the Church today. Where the sword of truth pierces our hearts with Mary, we find all those difficult places where Christ is longing to meet us.

Anthony Lilles

Everyone who has accompanied a loved one in their suffering knows a little of Mary’s sorrowful heart. In this beautiful devotional, you will be led more deeply into Mary’s wholehearted love for her Son and for all of us in our suffering. There are so many riches in this book — including how to engage our mind and heart in contemplating these mysteries of faith, along with ways to apply the Seven Sorrows to our own suffering and the suffering in the world. I highly recommend it.

Bob Schuchts

So much more than an excellent introduction to the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows (which it is), this treasure of a book provides a sound catechesis on prayer, redemptive suffering, and Mariology generally. Anyone and everyone will be encouraged and edified in their prayer life by reading it and putting into practice its guidance.

John Bergsma

Any book that seeks to make the love of the Mother of God more understood and accessible, as does this current volume, is highly welcome. We are indebted to both Joseph and Ruth for this fruitful way to meditate on the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, revealed first to St Bridget of Sweden in the fourteenth century.

William Watson

Dr. Joseph Hollcraft and Ruth Berghorst's book is a multifaceted treatment of the rich historical tradition of Our Lady of Sorrows. A deeply moving and inspiring read, it is a feast for the heart and the mind. This book is a vital gift to the Church and destined to be a spiritual classic. Highly recommended!

Kathleen Beckman

The brilliance and originality of this book stem from its dual approach, thoughtfully combining each of Mary’s Seven Sorrows with a modern societal issue and a corresponding patron saint. Skillfully woven throughout the book are the teachings, promises, and reflections related to the sufferings of Mary, as presented by St. Alphonsus Liguori. In the ongoing battle for souls, this book, along with the meditative chaplet of Our Lady of Sorrows, is crucial in the fight against Satan.

Patrick O’Hearn

Consider the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Stations of the Cross: Jesus meets His afflicted Mother, then Simon takes the Cross from Jesus’ shoulders, and then Veronica wipes His face. In such proximity, Our Lady must have witnessed the actions of Simon and Veronica. Not only did they bring relief to Our Divine Lord, but they also consoled the Immaculate Heart of the Sorrowful Mother. When the cross weighs heavily upon our shoulders, or the shoulders of those we love, we eagerly seek and welcome the consolations that come from the kindness of others. Rarely do we consider consoling the Heart of Christ or of His Mother. Praying the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary brings comfort to those two Hearts, which seek and welcome such consolation. Dr. Joseph Hollcraft and Ruth Berghorst guide us through this powerful devotion, which promises us an abundance of grace in our present struggles and, more importantly, consoles the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Gerardo Colacicco