On September 15, the day after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Church honors Our Lady of Sorrows—Mary, who remained faithful to God even in the midst of great suffering. This feast invites us to meditate on the Seven Sorrows of Mary, from Simeon’s prophecy in the Temple to the burial of Jesus.

Our Lady of Sorrows shows us that even in grief, love and hope remain. By remembering her sorrows, we unite ourselves to her steadfast faith and draw closer to Jesus, who gives meaning to all suffering.

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Breakfast: Blackberry Yogurt Parfaits

Blackberries, with their deep purple-black color, symbolize both sorrow and fruitfulness. Layer Greek yogurt, blackberries, and a drizzle of honey in glass cups for a simple yet meaningful breakfast.

Recipe Inspiration: We love this Blackberry Yogurt Parfait recipe from Flourishing Kitchen.

Shopping List:

• blackberries, fresh
• plain vegan yogurt, thick works best
• chia jam
• raw buckwheat groats, for soaking

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Song for the Day: “Stabat Mater Dolorosa”

This ancient hymn beautifully reflects Mary’s grief at the foot of the cross. Play a choral version during prayer time or while preparing meals—it sets a reflective, reverent tone for the day.

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Craft for Kids: Seven Sorrows Beads

Help children learn the Seven Sorrows of Mary by making a simple chaplet.

Materials:

• Black or dark blue beads (7 larger ones, plus smaller spacers)
• String or cord
• Small crucifix or Marian medal (optional)

Instructions:
String the beads together with spacers in between. Each large bead represents one of the Seven Sorrows. Use the chaplet during prayer time to meditate as a family on each sorrow.

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Lunch: Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

A simple, comforting meal is perfect for this reflective feast. The tomato soup’s red color can symbolize Christ’s sacrifice, while the warmth of the meal reminds us of Mary’s motherly comfort even in sorrow.

Recipe Inspiration: Try this Classic Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese from Simply Recipes.

Shopping List:

• butter
• large onion, yellow or white
• 4 cloves garlic
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• all-purpose flour
• 1 28-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups (32 ounces) low sodium chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon sugar

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Dinner: Black Bean Chili with Cornbread

Dark beans symbolize Mary’s sorrow, while the chili’s warmth represents hope and resilience. Serve with golden cornbread—a reminder that joy shines even amid grief.

Recipe Inspiration: Black Bean Chili from Wandering Chick Pea.

For dessert, serve a simple dark chocolate torte or brownies. The rich, bittersweet taste mirrors the mix of sorrow and love that Mary carried in her heart.

Shopping List:

• yellow onion
• 1 green bell pepper
• 3 garlic cloves
• olive oil
• chili powder
• cumin
• dried oregano
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
• Adobo sauce
• 2 (15 oz) cans black beans
• 1 (15 oz) can fire roasted tomatoes
• Chicken stock or vegetable broth
• Corn flour
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Cilantro
• Milk
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• All purpose flour
• Yellow cornmeal
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Butter
• Honey

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Closing Prayer

Gather as a family around a crucifix or Marian statue, and pray together:

Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows

O Mother of Sorrows,
you stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross.
Teach us to remain with Jesus in our trials
and to carry our own crosses with courage.

Intercede for us,
that we may find hope in His Resurrection,
and one day share eternal joy with you in heaven.
Amen.

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By honoring Our Lady of Sorrows, we learn that suffering is not the end. With Mary as our companion, sorrow is transformed into a pathway to deeper love and trust in Christ.