Mater Dolorosa.

Spare a thought for all those mothers who are going through a rough patch.

Mother of Sorrows

My Son, could I have climbed this hill for You,

How willingly had I endured each stone:

Yet, I too struggled up steep Calvary;

You have not climbed alone!

Could I have borne the monstrous cross for You,

I would have carried it unto my death.

Though I could not, still I have felt its weight,

My Son, with every breath!

Oh, could I pluck these nails from Your loved flesh,

And driving them through mine, make them a part

Of my own body’s pain,  I would! But Son,

I wear them in my heart!

Virginia Moan Evansem

St. Anthony Messenger

March 1958