Bishop Tobin on Mary, Mother of Sorrows

"Anytime we stand at the foot of the Cross of Christ we find that we're not alone. Among others standing there are the Virgin Mary and the Beloved Disciple John. And if we listen attentively we hear Jesus say to Mary, 'Behold your son,' and to John, 'Behold your mother.' With those few words, Jesus gave Mary to us as a spiritual mother, a relationship that has been so fruitful for her children from the very beginning.

"Seeing Mary at the foot of the Cross we understand why one of her cherished titles is 'Mother of Sorrows.' It was on Calvary especially that the prophecy of Simeon was fulfilled, that because of her son, Mary too would be pierced by a sword. . . ."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on Mary standing at the foot of the cross and on the depth of her sorrow."

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit:

The Imitation of Christ: Standing with Mary at the Cross (18 APR 19)