These beautifully carved stations depicting the
Seven Sorrows of Mary are found in the upper level gardens of The Grotto. The
carving was done by Professor Heider of Pietralba, Italy, in Kiefer Holzen wood (a soft
white pine found in northern Italy).
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Sorrow 1-Mary accepts in faith the prophecy of
Simeon-
Her heart filled with joy, Mary presents her Son Jesus in the temple.
Simeon accepts Him in his arms and utters the prophecy:"This Child is destined to be
the downfall and the rise of many in Israel, a sign that will be opposed- and you yourself
shall be pierced with a sword- so that the thoughts of many hearts may be laid bare."
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Sorrow 2- Mary flees into Egypt with Jesus and
Joseph-
Forced to endure the hardships of a long journey, and becoming a foreigner in a
strange land, Mary and her family flee to protect the child Jesus from those who would
destroy him.
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Sorrow 3- Mary seeks Jesus lost in Jerusalem-
Jesus disappeared for three days in Jerusalem at the age of twelve, causing his
parents, especially Mary, agonizing sorrow.
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Sorrow 4- Mary meets Jesus on the way to Calvary-
As Jesus makes his way to Calvary, condemmed to crucifixion, He meets His mother,
Mary. He is bruised, derided, cursed and defiled and her sorrow is absolute as Jesus
drags His own cross up the hill of His crucifixion.
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Sorrow 5- Mary stands near the cross of her Son-
Mary stands near her dying Son unable to minister to him as he cries "I
thirst". She hears him promise heaven to a thief and forgive his enemies.
His last words, "Behold your mother," charge us to look on Mary as our
mother.
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Sorrow 6- Mary received the body of Jesus taken
down from the cross-
The passion and death are over but for his mother, grief continues. She
holds His body in her arms.
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Sorrow 7- Mary places the body of Jesus in the
tomb, awaiting the resurrection-
The most tragic day in history ends, Mary alone in sorrow, as she lays the body of her
Son, in the tomb.
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