Letters From Home The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows - Dr. John Bergsma
Sep 15, 2026
Dr. John Bergsma, a biblical theologian and Franciscan University professor, reflects on the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows. He explores Mary standing faithfully at the Cross, the “sword” of Simeon’s prophecy, and John welcoming her into his home. The conversation also considers Marian devotion and Mary’s comforting presence amid grief, family tragedy, shaken faith, and loss.
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Mary Reflects Christ’s Suffering
- The Church places Our Lady of Sorrows after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross to show Mary reflecting Christ’s saving suffering.
- Bergsma compares Christ to the sun and Mary to the moon, which reflects the sun’s light.
Jesus Gives Mary To Every Disciple
- At Calvary, Jesus gives Mary as mother to the beloved disciple and tells the disciple to receive her.
- The Stabat Mater draws its meditation on Mary’s sorrow directly from this scene at the cross.
How Mary Helped Bergsma Become Catholic
- While discerning Catholicism around 2000, John Bergsma struggled especially with Marian doctrines and the papacy.
- John’s acceptance of Mary as his mother helped Bergsma recognize what Catholic discipleship required.