For many people in these islands, from every walk of life, today’s main appointment is the annual devotional procession of Our Lady of Sorrows.

The mention of Mary as a mother of sorrows and suffering continues to strike a responsive chord in many Christian hearts, even those who are not practising. The reason is that all of us, in one way or another, experience sorrow and suffering in our lives. No amount of scientific, economic or social progress can eradicate our vulnerabilities. Physical, moral and emotional sufferings are part of every human life.

Mothers all over the world continue to bear the sorrow of the loss or disappearance of their children not only through illness, accidents and natural calamities but also because of man-made wars, conflicts, persecution and greed.

Not very far from us are the mothers of those falling in Syria and in the still troubled areas of Palestine. They are not alone. How many other mothers across the world are spending the rest of their lives in deep sorrow because, for instance, their children were killed or abducted by soldiers or rebels to make them fight for their cause or otherwise use them as slaves if not also human shields?

According to international law, the participation of children under 18 in armed conflict is generally prohibited and the recruitment and use of those below the age of 15 is a war crime. Yet, worldwide, thousands of children are recruited into government armed forces, paramilitaries, civil militia and a variety of other armed groups. Often, they are abducted at school, on the streets or at home, perhaps before their mothers’ eyes.

The mothers of such children know very well the destinies of their offspring: they are robbed of their childhood and exposed to terrible dangers and to psychological and physical suffering. They are placed in combat situations, used as spies, messengers, porters, servants or to lay or clear landmines. Girls, in particular, are at risk of rape and sexual abuse

There are also the mothers who see their children escape, perhaps on their own, to save themselves from similar risks or circumstances, never to be seen or heard of again. How many such people disappear during desperate desert or sea crossings?

A glance at the Mediterranean Sea that surrounds us reminds us of the multitude of people of various nationalities, ethnic groups, religions, political convictions and cultural backgrounds that perished as they tried to reach the European continent in the hope that there they could start a new life away from persecution, fighting, destitution or a bleak future. According to UNHCR estimates, more than 1,500 people drowned or went missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe last year.

The web of suffering mothers of every generation face, very often in silence, is a reality everywhere. The list of reasons is very long and circumstances vary. Sometimes, the cause may be something sons and daughters bring on themselves by their own doing or because of unwise actions. However, when a spiritual sword pierces a mother’s heart, whatever the reason, the pain can be very trying.

Christians believe that the flames of trial and sorrow can be purifying to the extent of generating in the afflicted the power to transform them from within by unleashing their love, teaching them compassion for others and, thus, drawing them closer to Christ.

Next to her crucified Son, Mary is the most perfect example of this.