Even though the liturgical feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on September 15, there is a special devotion which culminates today in many European countries, in particular my native Malta. It is by far the most devotional feast in the entire year, where people go to confession, and participate in Masses celebrated throughout the day, even in factories and places of work. This is something which I did in a Car Assembly plant between 1977 and 1981, and presently at 2 places of work at AX offices, the company that runs Hilltop Gardens. But the highlight of the day is usually the procession with the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, held in practically every parish, through the streets of the respective town or village.
Normal life
stops for a few hours as people follow the statue of the Sorrowful Mother, pray
rosaries, sing hymns and some even walk barefoot in a sense of deeper penance.
Some women who had experienced a rough pregnancy make a vow to the Blessed
Mother that they would walk with their baby in their arms if they had a safe
delivery. They even go as far as kneel down when the procession pauses or stops
for a brief time. Some men walk in hooded masks to protect their anonymity as
they too make vows of their own, especially after a healing, a job promotion,
or something good that they prayed for. It is a blessing seeing churches filled with people
as I just did this morning. I told the people that as they showed up to honor
Mary today, remember that Her Son is here every day, along with his mother, and
you can also receive Him in your heart every single day. It is the official start of Holy Week celebrations, which
culminates on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Please stay tuned as more memories
from Malta will appear here over the next week.
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