# Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Sixth Sorrow
*2016-06-08*

> Bill Young reflects on the sixth sorrow of Mary—receiving the lifeless body of her Son—while praying the chaplet and sharing a brief local announcement.

## Opening Thoughts

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today we continue with the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, focusing on the sixth sorrow. While retrieving my mail I noticed a flower arrangement forming a perfect triangle—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and thought it was a beautiful sign to share.

## Feast of St. William of York

It’s also the feast day of St. William of York (d. 1154). William shares my first name, and his life reminds us that even saints face struggles; he was not consecrated bishop until three months before his death. How we respond to our own trials shapes our path to holiness.

## The Sixth Sorrow and the Chaplet

The sixth sorrow recalls Mary receiving the lifeless body of her Son. In the Gospel, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, asked Pilate for permission to take the body. He, together with Nicodemus, wrapped Jesus in linen and placed the spices of myrrh and aloes, following Jewish burial customs (John 19:38‑40).

We now pause for a brief moment of personal reflection.

Our Father, who art in heaven…

[The Apostles’ Creed is recited]

We continue with the seven Hail Marys, each invoking Mary’s intercession:

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.

(The prayer is repeated for each of the seven Hail Marys.)

## Closing Prayer

Mother of mercy, redeem our hearts through the suffering of Jesus. O Mary, woman of unwavering hope, who believed the glorious announcement of your Son, guide us in the hour of our death toward the path that leads to the joy of everlasting life. Amen.

## Local Announcement

A quick note about events in South Florida: a Red Mass will be celebrated by the Archbishop of Miami tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Fort Lauderdale for St. Thomas More. His relics will be displayed in Miami‑Coral Gables on June 19 at 10:30 a.m., with the Archbishop presiding.

*In sharing Mary’s sorrows, we unite our own sufferings with hers, trusting that Christ’s love transforms every trial into a step toward holiness.*