# The Seventh Sorrow: Mary at the Tomb
*2015-06-04*

> Bill Young leads the chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, focusing on the seventh sorrow—Mary at the tomb of Jesus—while offering prayers, meditations, and reflections on Mary’s role in the Resurrection.

## Opening and Context

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today, June 5th, the first Friday of the month, we complete the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is also the feast day of St. Boniface, a missionary who rebuilt churches in 8th‑century Germany and was martyred in what is now the Netherlands.

## The Apostles’ Creed and Act of Contrition

We begin with the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth; I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; descended into hell; on the third day rose again; ascended into heaven, seated at the right hand of the Father; He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Act of Contrition:

O God, I am truly sorry for my sins because they offend You, who are infinitely good. By the help of Your grace I resolve never to sin again.

## Meditation on the Seventh Sorrow

The seventh sorrow is Mary at the tomb of Jesus. John 19:41‑42 (RSV‑CE) tells us:

“Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, the tomb was nearby, and they laid Jesus there.”

We pray the Our Father, remembering that Mary stood at the empty tomb, weeping yet hopeful, awaiting the glorious announcement of the Resurrection.

## Hail Mary Repetitions

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 Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

(Repeated ten times as the chaplet calls for.)

## Closing Prayer

Mother full of mercy, remind our hearts of the suffering of Jesus during His Passion. May we, like Mary, walk beside Him, bearing the joy of the Resurrection. Grant that we may always follow her example, bearing the fruits of a holy life. Amen.

*May Mary’s steadfast hope at the empty tomb inspire us to trust in the promise of Christ’s Resurrection.*