Retreat Emaphsizes Seeking Mary's Embrace During Times of Sorrow

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Marie Pleine de Grace #2713 focused on this Marian teaching during a day of prayer and reflection.

The theme of the Oct. 4 event, held at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Pierre Part, was titled, "Mary, Woman of Sorrows: A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love."

Dina Dow, director of the office of evangelization and catechesis of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, facilitated the gathering.

More than 65 people from the dioceses of Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Lafayette, and Houma/Thibodaux attended the day of reflection.

Attendees explored the historical and Scriptural foundations of the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows. They reflected on their relationship with Jesus and his mother Mary, as spiritual mother and intercessor.

Father Al Davidson, pastor of St. Joseph the Worker, described his relationship with the Blessed Mother.
Top right photo: Attendees at a day of reflection on Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, gather for a picture. 
Above photo: Pictured with Dina Dow, day of reflection facilitator, center, are Mary Cowart, left, and Cathy Breaux. Photos by Dina Dow | Director of the office of evangelization and catechesis for the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Those present also pondered questions about their personal sorrows and how to accompany, pray for, and be present to others in their sorrows. They shared their spiritual and corporal works of mercy.
Additionally, attendees contemplated on the seven Scripture passages included in the Chaplet of Our Lady of Sorrows: The Prophecy of Simeon, The Flight into Egypt, The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple, The Meeting of Jesus and Mary on the Way to Calvary, The Crucifixion, Mary’s Receiving the Body of Jesus in Her Arms, and The Burial of Jesus.

Dow then unveiled the grace and promises to those who pray the Seven Sorrows of Mary devotion. Attendees connected each sorrow with a saint and a sacrament.

The group concluded the day by praying the Our Lady of Sorrows chaplet.

"The Holy Spirit was powerful. There was lots of joy through the sorrows leading to peace," said Dow.

Mary Cowart, regent of Court #2713, thanked Cathy Breaux, the court's financial secretary, for playing a key role in organizing the event. Cowart noted the day of reflection was a powerful way to discover that Mary, "Queen of Heaven," is connected to her children on earth through the sorrows she suffered.

"Every one of us can relate to something that Mary went through as a mother. It just felt right,” said Cowart.