All mothers compassionate their children when they suffer, but how could any mother's grief be compared to the grief of Mary? Other mothers, when they see their children tortured, at least have the satisfaction of being able to help them in their need, by giving them refreshment and remedies. But you, my Mother, what comfort could you give to your Jesus, condemned to die on the Cross before your eyes? You could not give him a cup of wine to revive him, or some remedy for his pains, or even wipe away his blood; you could do nothing but look upon him, and weep. For this reason you are rightly called the Queen of Martyrs, because your martyrdom was greater than that of all other martyrs. Your heart was pierced with a sword of sorrow at the sight of the tortures endured by your Son.
