Our Lady of Seven Sorrows
Our Lady of Seven Sorrows (Sedembolestná Panna Mária) is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary honoured as the principal patroness of Slovakia. The late-15th or early-16th-century Gothic wooden pietà, distinguished by its sorrowful expression and the seven swords piercing Mary’s heart, has been venerated since 1564 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Šaštín-Stráže, Slovakia.
| Our Lady of Seven Sorrows | |
| Feast Day | September 15 |
|---|---|
| Country | Slovakia |
| Patronage | Slovakia |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, Šaštín-Stráže Šaštín-Stráže, Trnava Region |
| Shrine Coordinates | 48.6389, 17.1417 |
| Origin / Discovery | late 15th / early 16th century |
| Proclaimed Patron | November 22, 1927 |
| Canonical Coronation | May 26, 1928 |
| Image Type | Gothic wooden pietà |
| Height | approx. 95 cm |
| Attributes | Mary seated holding the dead Christ; seven swords in heart; sorrowful expression |
| Associated Countries | |
History
Origin of the image
According to longstanding tradition preserved in Paulist chronicles, the statue was carved between 1460 and 1520 (most scholars favour the early 16th century) by an unknown master in the late-Gothic style. In 1564, Angelika Bakičová, wife of Count Imrich Czobor, commissioned the statue as a votive offering after being miraculously freed from despair and unjust accusations by her husband. The event is documented in the 1564 contract preserved in the Šaštín parish archive.
Arrival or foundational miracle
The decisive miracle occurred in 1564: after Angelika’s tearful prayer before the newly carved statue, her husband experienced a sudden change of heart, withdrew his accusations, and reconciled with her. This conversion, witnessed and recorded by the household, fixed the devotion in Šaštín.
Early veneration and first shrine
A small chapel was built in 1564–1565 to house the statue. Devotion spread rapidly among the nobility and common people; the Paulist order took custody in 1656 and began constructing the present church in 1736, completed in 1764.
Role in national history
Pope Pius XI proclaimed Our Lady of Seven Sorrows principal patroness of Slovakia on November 22, 1927. The statue was canonically crowned on May 26, 1928. During the communist suppression (1948–1989), the Šaštín pilgrimage remained one of the few permitted public expressions of faith. Pope John Paul II visited the shrine on September 15, 1995.
Description of the image
Physical characteristics
Late-Gothic limewood pietà, approximately 95 cm tall, polychromed and gilded. The original polychrome has been sensitively restored.
Iconography and style
The statue depicts the Sorrowful Mother seated, holding the dead body of Christ across her lap, with seven silver swords piercing her heart (symbolising the Seven Sorrows). The style is characteristic of Central European late-Gothic sculpture (c. 1500–1520).
Canonical coronation and crown(s)
Canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Pius XI; the solemn coronation took place on May 26, 1928.
Distinctive or symbolic features
The seven swords piercing Mary’s heart and her profoundly sorrowful expression are instantly recognisable. The seated posture and intimate grief make it one of the most emotionally powerful pietàs in Europe.
Current dressing and presentation
The statue is permanently dressed in rich embroidered vestments that cover the carved body, leaving only the faces and hands visible. The bare pietà is exposed once a year on Good Friday.
Shrines and pilgrimage
Principal shrine
The original statue is enshrined in the Basilica of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, Šaštín-Stráže, elevated to minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1964 and Slovakia’s national Marian sanctuary.
Other notable shrines
- Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Trnava – houses a replica
- Shrines in Slovak diaspora communities (especially USA and Canada)
Pilgrimage tradition
The national pilgrimage occurs on September 15, attracting over 100,000 faithful (diocesan figures 2024). Many walk from across Slovakia; the day features all-night vigils and a candlelight procession.
Patronage and proclamations
National patronage
Our Lady of Seven Sorrows was solemnly proclaimed principal patroness of Slovakia by Pope Pius XI on November 22, 1927. The Slovak bishops renewed the consecration in 2008 and 2021.
Canonical coronation
The original statue was canonically crowned by papal decree of Pope Pius XI; the ceremony took place on May 26, 1928.
Miracles and reported graces
Foundational miracle
The 1564 reconciliation of Angelika Bakičová with her husband after prayer before the statue (documented in the 1564 contract and family chronicles).
Historically attested favours
- 17th–18th centuries – numerous healings and protections recorded in Paulist chronicles
- 1710 – cessation of plague after public vows
Notable modern graces
- Annual healings and conversions reported during the September pilgrimage
- Role as a focus of hope during communist persecution
Feast day
Principal feast
The feast of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows is celebrated on September 15 and is a national holiday in Slovakia.
National celebrations
September 15 is marked by massive pilgrimages to Šaštín, outdoor Masses, and processions. The entire nation participates through live television and radio broadcasts.
Devotion and cultural impact
Symbols in national life
Known as “Sedembolestná” – the Seven-Sorrowful Mother – she is the most beloved Marian title in Slovakia and a profound symbol of shared suffering and hope.
Role in crises and reconciliation
During centuries of foreign rule and communist oppression, devotion sustained national identity and faith.
Prayer
O Sorrowful Mother of Seven Sorrows,
Patroness of Slovakia,
you who accepted the seven swords
and comforted Angelika in her anguish,
intercede for your children.
Teach us to unite our sufferings
with the Passion of your Son.
Amen.
— Official prayer of the Slovak Bishops’ Conference