I had driven by this church numerous times and was always struck by the large, neatly

trimmed cemetery that is beside the church. When I went inside the first time, I was deeply

moved by the beautiful Pieta statue: Mary, the Sorrowful Mother, holding the tortured body of

Jesus. How many times has this image comforted a grieving family sitting right in front of it as

part of a funeral? Mary is holding the broken body of her only son. Mary is staying with Jesus

after so many had left in fear. Mary is our sorrowful Mother, showing us the way through grief.

Mary is being present to her Son and showing us that we must be present to others who are

grieving.

     Mary, the Sorrowful Mother, pray for us. Mary, help us to turn to you in our grief.

Mary, give us comfort as we each bear our own grief and as we hold others in our hearts who

are grieving their own loss.

     Sorrowful Mother, pray for us and help us to pray for others.