The martyrdom of the Virgin Mary

The martyrdom of the Virgin Mary is recorded both in Simeon's prophecy and in the story of the Lord's Passion. "This child is here", says the holy old man of the Child Jesus, "as a sign of contradiction, and you yourself - he is now speaking to Mary - a sword will pierce your soul." 

Blessed Mother, it is true that a sword pierced your soul. And it was only by piercing your soul that it was able to penetrate the flesh of your Son. After your Jesus gave up his spirit, the cruel spear that cut open his side obviously couldn't reach his soul; but it did pierce yours. His soul was indeed gone, but yours could not tear itself away. 

Do not be surprised, brothers, to hear that Mary is a martyr in her soul. Those who are surprised may forget - as they have heard - that Paul counts lack of affection among the pagans' greatest crimes. This was far from being the case with Mary's heart.

A Sermon of Abbot Saint Bernard

(dom. As., 14-15)