Is Our Lady of Sorrows in the Bible?

Today is the Fast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Unlike many titles of Our Lady, taken from approved apparitions, this one is firmly based in Scripture.

From Aleteia

By Philip Kosloski

Mary's title, Our Lady of Sorrows, is clearly derived from the Bible and the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion.

While many of the Virgin Mary’s titles originate from specific apparitions, Our Lady of Sorrows is one of her titles that is derived from a biblical passage.

The most direct reference to this title is in the Gospel of Luke, where the prophet Simeon proclaims what will happen to Mary and her son, Jesus.

[A]nd so the thoughts of many hearts shall be made manifest; as for thy own soul, it shall have a sword to pierce it.

Luke 2:35

This one verse highlights the pain that Mary will experience, a pain that will benefit the world.

Furthermore, Mary’s sorrows are brought to light when she is standing at the foot of the cross, witnessing the death of her son.

[A]nd meanwhile his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen, had taken their stand beside the cross of Jesus. And Jesus, seeing his mother there, and the disciple, too, whom he loved, standing by, said to his mother, Woman, this is thy son. Then he said to the disciple, This is thy mother. And from that hour the disciple took her into his own keeping.
John 19:25-27

With these biblical passages in mind, it is fitting that Mary would be called, “Our Lady of Sorrows” or “Our Sorrowful Mother.”