How do you react when someone dear to you is suffering? Are you quick to provide a consoling word, or is your immediate response to be a loving presence?

I have to admit, I’m usually quick to provide an encouraging word and to try and “fix” the situation in order to get that person out of their pain. However, I’m learning more and more the power of just being there for the other.

In his new book, “Contemplating the Seven Sorrows of Mary: A Chaplet with St. Alphonsus Liguori,” Dr. Joseph Hollcraft and co-author Ruth Berghorst, share about the power of loving accompaniment, through the eyes of Mary.

I recently started praying the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary and have experienced peace in stressful circumstances through it. I found this book to be a useful guide in learning more about the chaplet and having meditations to assist me in my prayer.

By contemplating Mary’s seven sorrows, we accompany her through her suffering and invite her to accompany us through ours.

I highly recommend this episode if you have ever been curious about:

The history of the devotion
The promises Mary gives to those who pray the chaplet
Why pray the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary
The power of intercessory prayer- (Dr. Hollcraft breaks down the Greek word for “intercession”)

Dr. Hollcraft is a Professor and Director of the High Calling Program at the Avila Institute and was a pleasure to speak to for this episode.

You can watch this episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Be sure to share with a friend.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

“Contemplating the Seven Sorrows of Mary: A Chaplet with St. Alphonsus Liguori,” by Dr. Joseph Hollcraft (https://sophiainstitute.com/product/c...)

“Unleashing the Power of Intercessory Prayer,” by Dr. Joseph Hollcraft (https://a.co/d/bcyZeGu)

“Our Lady of Kibeho: Mary Speaks to the World from the Heart of Africa,” by Immaculee Ilibagiza (https://a.co/d/gOa50tu)


The Seven Sorrows of Mary:
The Prophecy of Simeon. (Luke 2:25-35)
The Flight into Egypt. (Matthew 2:13-21)
The Loss of Jesus for Three Days. (Luke 2:41-50)
Mary Meets Jesus on His Way to Calvary. (Luke 23:27-31; John 19:17)
The Crucifixion of Jesus. (John 19:18-30)
Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross. (John 19:39-40)
Jesus is Laid in the Tomb. (John 19:39-42)

To learn more about Dr. Hollcraft, visit https://joehollcraft.org/.

To connect with Valentina, visit https://fiatcareercoaching.com/.