The Circumcision of Our Lord (Prophecy of Simeon)

The Circumcision of Our Lord – January 1st
(Prophecy of Simeon-First of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary)

"Behold, this child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contridicted. And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." - Luke 2:34-35


On the eight day after His birth, Jesus was brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph to be circumcised. Circumcision was a painful religious ceremony performed on Jewish boys eight days after they were born. On that day they also received their name, and they became members of God’s Chosen People. St. Luke tells us: “And after eight days were accomplished, that the Child should be circumcised, His name was called Jesus, which was called by the Angel, before He was conceived in the womb.” The holy name of Jesus means “Savior,” and it is the sweetest and most powerful name.


Mary was not bound to bring Jesus to the temple, but out of her great love and respect for the Law of Moses, she did.


Jesus shed the first drops of His blood for our salvation in His circumcision. In His great love for us, He came on this earth to save us from our sins and show us the way to Heaven and happiness.


When we are told to do something hard today, let us think of how Jesus and Mary obeyed. Then we will do it well for love of Jesus, and it will bring us a great reward in Heaven.

The Seven Sorrows of the Mother of God

The Seven Sorrows
of the
Mother of God

V. Incline unto my aid, O God!
R. O Lord, make haste to help me!

One Glory Be.

1. The Prophecy of Simeon

I compassionate thee, O Sorrowful Mother Mary, on account of that grief suffered by thy tender heart at the prophecy of the aged Holy Simeon. O dearest Mother, through this thy afflicted heart, implore for me the virtue of humility and the Gift of the Fear of God. One Hail Mary.

2. The Flight into Egypt

I compassionate thee, O sorrowful Mother Mary, on account of those distressing fears which thy affectionate heart endured on the flight to Egypt and during thy sojourn there. O dearest Mother, through this thy anxious heart implore for me the virtue of generosity, particularly for the poor, and the Gift of Piety. One Hail Mary.

3. The loss of the Child Jesus in the temple

I compassionate thee, O sorrowful Mother Mary, on account of that anxiety which thy worried heart endured in the loss of thy beloved Child Jesus. O dearest Mother, through this thy exceedingly troubled heart, implore for me the virtue of chastity and the Gift of Knowledge. One Hail Mary.

4. The meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way of the Cross

I compassionate the, O sorrowful Mother Mary, on account of that horror with thy mother's heart was stricken when meeting Jesus bearing the Cross. O dearest Mother, through this thy exceedingly oppressed heart, implore for me the virtue of patience and the Gift of Fortitude. One Hail Mary.

5. The Crucifixion

I compassionate thee, O sorrowful Mother Mary, on account of that martyrdom which tortured thy magnanimous heart at the death-agony of Jesus. O dearest Mother, through this thy martyred heart, implore for me the virtue of temperance and the Gift of Counsel. One Hail Mary.

6. The taking down of the Body of Jesus from the Cross

I compassionate thee, O sorrowful Mother Mary, on account of the anguish inflicted upon thy tender heart by the thrust of the lance that opened the side of Jesus and pierced His Most Adorable Heart. O dearest Mother, through this vicarious transfixion of thy own heart, implore for me the virtue of brotherly love and the Gift of Understanding. One Hail Mary.

7. The burial of Jesus

I compassionate thee, O sorrowful Mother Mary, on account of that agony of soul, which racked thy most loving heart at the burial of Jesus. O dearest Mother, through this extreme torment that filled thy burdened heart, implore for me the virtue of zeal and the Gift of Wisdom. One Hail Mary.

V. Pray for us, O Virgin Most Sorrowful!
R. That we may be worthy of the promises of Christ.



Let us Pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, we beseech thee that the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, whose soul was pierced by the Sword of Sorrow in the hour of Thy Passion, may be our advocate at the throne of Thy Mercy, now, and at the hour of our death. Through Thee, Jesus Christ, Redeemer of the World, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.



Promises



The following are the seven graces promised by the Blessed Virgin Mary to souls who honor her daily by saying seven Hail Mary's and meditating on her tears and sorrows. This devotion was passed on to us by Saint Bridget.



1. I will grant peace to their families.



2. They will be enlightened about the divine mysteries.



3. I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.



4. I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the Adorable Will of my Divine son or the sanctification of their souls.



5. I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.



6. I will visibly help them at the moment of their death; they will see the face of their mother.



7. I have obtained (this Grace) from my Divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and sorrows, will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son will be their eternal consolation and joy.