# The seventh sorrow of Mary and the witness of St. Thomas More
*2016-06-10*

> Bill Young reflects on a Red Mass honoring St. Thomas More before leading the final day of the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

## Reflections on St. Thomas More

I recently attended a Red Mass in honor of St. Thomas More. For those who may not be familiar with him, he was the Chancellor of England during the reign of Henry VIII. When King Henry sought a divorce and claimed headship over the Church, Thomas More—despite being a great scholar and attorney—could not agree to this in good conscience. Because of his steadfast faith, he was martyred and beheaded on Tower Hill.

It was the 27th annual Red Mass celebration in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida, presided over by our archbishop. It was a striking sight to see the judges of Broward County in their black robes, followed by attorneys in suits and ties. I felt a bit like the 'least of them' because I had come straight from work in a BB&T T-shirt, but that was fine. It was a pouring rainy day, and having forgotten my umbrella, I reminded myself that if St. Thomas More could lose his head for his faith, I could certainly sacrifice a bit of comfort and get wet walking to St. Anthony's Church.

## Prayers for Justice and Guidance

During the Mass, the archbishop distributed a copy of Pope Francis's September 24, 2015, address to the joint meeting of Congress. I was fortunate enough to have been outside the Capitol building when that address was given, watching it on the jumbo screen, so it was wonderful to finally have the written text to read word by word.

I also want to ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance for all of us so that we do not flounder in the wrong direction. In particular, let us pray for the judges and attorneys of Broward County. We pray that those with the authority to imprison or free men may exercise just judgments, like Solomon, and that prosecutors and defense attorneys may ensure fair trials for all defendants.

## The Seventh Sorrow: Mary at the Tomb of Jesus

Today we conclude our journey with the seventh and final sorrow of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Mary at the tomb of Jesus. As recorded in John 19:41-42, Jesus was laid in a new tomb in a garden nearby, as it was the day of preparation before the Sabbath.

Following the traditional structure of the Chaplet, we begin with the Sign of the Cross, the Glory Be, and the Apostles' Creed. After meditating on the sorrow of Mary at the tomb, we offer the Our Father and seven Hail Marys, asking for the intercession of the Mother of God.

## A Final Prayer to the Mother of Mercy

We conclude this devotion by asking the Mother of Mercy to remind our hearts of the sorrows of Jesus during His Passion. We pray: 'O Mary, faithful witness to the resurrection, you went to the tomb in tears, bringing an eternal seed of fertility. At the first sign of dawn after the Sabbath, you came to know the joyful announcement of the resurrection. Grant that we may always walk by your side, bearing the joy of the fruits of a good life. Amen.'

*By meditating on the sorrows of Mary and the courage of martyrs like St. Thomas More, we are guided by the Holy Spirit toward a life of faith and justice.*