# Mary at the Foot of the Cross – Fifth Sorrow
*2015-06-01*

> Bill Young reflects on the fifth sorrow of the Seven Sorrows, meditating on Mary standing at the foot of the cross and offering prayers of contrition, the Our Father, and a series of Hail Marys.

## Opening and Introduction

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today we continue the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the fifth sorrow: Mary at the foot of the cross. I begin with the Sign of the Cross and the Apostles’ Creed, asking God to help us enter into this meditation with sincere hearts.

## Scripture and Reflection

We read John 19:25‑27 (RSVCE):

“Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold your mother.’ From that hour the disciple took her into his own home.’

In this brief passage we see Mary’s profound participation in the Passion. She stands beside her Son, sharing in his suffering, and is given a new role as mother to all the disciples. This invites us to contemplate how we, too, can be present to Christ’s suffering in our own lives.

## Act of Contrition and the Our Father

I offer an act of contrition: “O my God, I am truly sorry for my sins because they offend you, who are infinitely good. With your grace I resolve never to sin again.”

Then we pray the Our Father: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”

## Seven Hail Marys

We pray seven Hail Marys, recalling Mary’s role as Mother of God and intercessor:

“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

(Repeated seven times.)

## Closing Prayer and Hymn

We conclude with a prayer to Mary, asking her to teach us generosity toward those who suffer and to welcome the sorrows of life as she did at the foot of the cross.

“O sorrowful Mother of Jesus, who gave us a great example of love and courage at the foot of the cross, teach us to share that love with our suffering brothers and sisters. May we open our homes to them, learning from you how to accept the inevitable sorrows of life. Amen.”

Finally, we sing a short hymn invoking Mary as “Queen of Heaven, Star of the Sea,” asking her protection and intercession for all who are in need.

*Mary’s presence at the foot of the cross invites us to stand with Christ in suffering and to become mothers to all who are in need.*