# The First Sorrow of the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows
*2017-05-29*

> Bill Young introduces the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows, recounts the 1982 Marian apparition in Kibeho, Rwanda, and leads listeners through the prayer for the first sorrow.

## Introducing the Chaplet

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young, and welcome to Prayer & Lunch. Today we begin praying the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I’ll share a brief background on the Marian apparition that inspired this devotion and then guide you through the prayer for the first sorrow.

## The 1982 Apparition in Kibeho, Rwanda

In 1982 three young visionaries in Kibeho, Rwanda—Alphonsine, Marie‑Claire, and Pascasie—reported apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On May 31, 1982 Mary appeared to Marie‑Claire and said, “I ask of you repentance. If you meditate while reciting this chaplet, you will have the courage to repent.”

Later, on August 9, 1982, the visionaries witnessed a terrifying vision of future wars, rivers of blood, and abandoned bodies. Mary wept, and the children wept with her, urging the faithful to console her sorrows and to pray for the grace of repentance for themselves and for the world.

## The Chaplet Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

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)
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.

(Repeat the Hail Mary seven times for each sorrow.)

## The First Sorrow – The Prophecy of Simeon

The first sorrow recalls the prophecy of Simeon at the Presentation of the Child Jesus (Luke 2:34‑35):

“Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, ‘Behold, this child is set apart for the fall and rise of many in Israel; and a sword will pierce your own soul too, that the thoughts of many may be revealed.’”

We pause now for personal reflection, offering our own sorrow for sin:

My God, I am truly sorry for my sins. By your infinite goodness, grant me the grace to never offend you again. Amen.

## Closing Prayer

Mother of Mercy, remind our hearts of the suffering of Jesus on the Cross. May we, like the Blessed Virgin, receive the sword of sorrow so that we may share in Christ’s sacrifice and grow in love for Him. Through your intercession, grant us the grace to repent and to bring others to repentance. Amen.

God bless you all, and have a great day.

*Through the Chaplet we enter Mary’s sorrows, allowing the sword of repentance to pierce our hearts and draw us closer to Christ.*