Friday of Sorrows facts for kids
The Friday of Sorrows is a special day to remember the sadness of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It happens on the Friday before Palm Sunday, which is in the fifth week of Lent. Some people also call it Our Lady in Passiontide.
In many Catholic countries, like Mexico, Italy, Spain, and the Philippines, this day marks the start of Holy Week celebrations. It is called Viernes de Dolores, meaning "Friday of Sorrows." It takes place exactly one week before Good Friday. This day focuses on the deep sadness Mary felt as she watched Jesus Christ suffer.
Like all Fridays during Lent, this day is traditionally a time when people do not eat meat. This is a way of showing penance or sacrifice. A similar day to remember Mary's sadness, called Our Lady of Solitude, is held on Holy Saturday.
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History of the Friday of Sorrows
People started celebrating Mary's sadness in the 1400s. In 1668, a group called the Servites got permission to hold a special Mass for Mary's Seven Sorrows. Later, in 1692, Pope Innocent XII allowed a feast day for Our Lady in September.
In 1727, Pope Benedict XIII made the celebration of the sorrowful Mary a special day for the entire Latin Church. He set the date for the Friday in Passion Week, which is one week before Good Friday. This day was known as the Feast of Our Lady of Compassion.
Over time, the way this day was celebrated changed. In 1969, the celebration on this Friday was removed from the main Roman Catholic Church calendar. This was because there was already a similar feast day on September 15th. Both days honored "The Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary."
Today, the September 15th feast is known as the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Even though the Friday of Sorrows is not on the main calendar anymore, some countries, like Malta, still celebrate it. Also, some traditional Catholic groups continue to observe it using older calendars.
Customs and Celebrations
The Friday of Sorrows is celebrated in many countries, including Malta, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, and the Philippines. These celebrations often include:
- Processions: People carry statues of Mary through the streets.
- Public Penance: Some people show their devotion through acts of sacrifice.
- Mournful Singing: Special sad songs, like the Stabat Mater, are sung.
- Candle-light Vigils: People gather for prayers and reflection, often with candles.
Celebrations in Different Countries
- Italy: This day is called La Festa dell'Addolorata. Beautiful statues from the Baroque period, especially from the Naples area, are used.
- Malta: Holy Week activities begin on this Friday. A statue of Our Lady of Sorrows is carried in a procession through the streets of Valletta. Many other towns and villages also have their own processions.
- Mexico: Families often create small shrines to the Virgen de Dolores (Virgin of Sorrows) in their homes. They decorate these shrines with candles, wheat grass, and oranges.
- Philippines: Religious floats carrying statues of Our Lady of Sorrows are part of torchlit processions. This day also marks the start of the Pabasa, which is a long, continuous chanting of the Pasiong Mahal. This is an epic poem about the suffering of Christ. Some people also begin to walk the streets, whipping themselves or carrying crosses as a yearly sacrifice.
- Spain: The Nuestra Señora de los Dolores procession takes place on Viernes de los Dolores. A fair with local food is also part of the celebration.
- Portugal: One of the most famous celebrations is the procession of the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady in Mafra.
Related Titles
There are other names and titles for Mary that are connected to her sorrows, especially during the time leading up to Easter. One example is:
- Nuestra Señora de la Soledad
See also
