Our Lady of Sorrows

Abstract

SUMMARY;

Our Lady of Sorrows

Maria Amparo Clausell, Gabriela Eugenia López Torres, Rosa María Franco Velasco

The tradition of Our Lady of Sorrows in Mexico

With the participation of exhibitions from three museums (El Carmen and the Casa Museo del Risco in San Ángel), as well as in Zacatecas (Exconvento de Guadalupe), this Testimony describes the devotion to the Virgin of Sorrows, which arose in the 13th century and was spread by the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

This is a very ancient Catholic holiday that commemorates the compassion and profound sorrow of the Virgin Mary at the crucifixion of her son Jesus Christ, as well as other moments in Mary's life.

The religious expressions of viceregal Mexico are part of our history and cultural heritage. Within this universe of manifestations, the Altar of Sorrows stands out.

They were a vehicle for the faithful to empathize with the sufferings Christ endured during his Passion. Along with other practices such as the Way of the Cross, processions, and other manifestations, they encouraged meditation within the rituals of the viceroyalty.

The altars were prepared several weeks in advance. Presided over by the image of Mary in her invocation of Dolorosa, they were decorated with various symbolic objects alluding to the Passion and death of Jesus Christ.

In particular, teacher María Amparo Clausell explains the origin of the tradition and history of the Virgin of Sorrows in the Carmen Museum, and why it is important to keep it alive during Holy Week. Similarly, at the Museo del Risco, Gabriela López explains how this ritual and its altars have become part of the living intangible cultural heritage. Finally, Rosa María Franco Velasco explains the meaning of each of the elements that make up the altar at the Museo de Guadalupe in Zacatecas.