Mary was martyred in her soul

The martyrdom of the Virgin is hinted at both in the prophecy of Simeon and in the narrative of the Lord’s Passion. "This child is here," said the saintly old man of the child Jesus, "as a sign of contradiction; and you"—he is now speaking to Mary—"a sword will pierce your own soul."

Blessed Mother, it is very true that a sword pierced your soul. Besides, it was only by piercing it that he was able to penetrate the flesh of your Son. After your Jesus had given up the spirit, the cruel spear that opened his side obviously could not reach his soul; but it did pierce yours. His soul was no longer there, but yours could not pull away from his.

Do not be surprised, brothers, if we say that Mary was martyred in her soul. He who is surprised by this forgets—since he has already heard it—that Paul counts lack of affection among the greatest crimes of the Gentiles. It was far from being so for Mary’s heart. May it be far from being so for her little servants.

Sermon of Saint Bernard