Looking at the Sorrowful Mother

The statue of Our Lady of Sorrows at Naxxar parish

Today Friday, the entire country of Malta turns to Mary as the Sorrowful Mother, as a head-start to the celebrations of Holy Week. It has always been a special reverential devotion that Maltese turn to Mary on the Friday before Good Friday, as many go to confession, attend Mass and do penance and offer sacrifices in reparation for their sins. It is the culmination of Lent, and what one might call a sort of Lent, Ramadan and Yom Kippur blended into one. Statues of the Mater Dolorosa are carried throughout the streets of every town and village in Malta and Gozo. Many priests will celebrate extra Masses in places of work and in smaller groups. I have 4 Masses planned today, including two at workplaces, and it’s so consoling to see all the workers stop and pause, attend Mass, receive Communion and promise to lead a better lifestyle.