The Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows consists of 7 groups of 7 beads, with 3 additional beads and a crucifix.  The 7 groups of 7 Hail Mary's are recited in remembrance of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, namely:

        1.  The Prophecy of Simeon
        2.  The flight into Egypt
        3.  The loss of the Child Jesus
        4.  Mary meets Jesus carrying His cross
        5.  The crucifixion
        6.  Mary receives the body of Jesus from the cross
        7.  The body of Jesus is placed in the tomb

 Three Hail Mary's are added in remembrance of the tears of Mary shed because of the suffering of her Divine Son.  These are said to obtain true sorrow for our sins.

V.  Pray for us, O most sorrowful Virgin

R.  That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ

 Lord Jesus, we now implore, both for the present and for the hour of our death, the intercession of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, whose holy soul was pierced at the time of Thy Passion by a sword of grief.  Grant us this favor, O Savior of the world, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.  Amen.

Benedict XIII., September 26th, 1724, granted an indulgence of two hundred days for every Our Father and every Hail Mary to those who, with sincere contrition, and having confessed, or firmly purposing to confess their sins, shall recite this Chaplet on any Friday, or on any day of Lent, on the Festival of the Seven Dolors, or within the Octave; and one hundred days on any other day of the year.

Clement XII., December 12, 1734, confirmed these indulgences, and moreover granted:--

 1. A Plenary indulgence to those who shall have recited this Chaplet for a month every day -- Confession, Communion and Prayers for the Church, required as usual.

 2. An indulgence of one hundred years to all who should recite it on any day, having confessed their sins, with sincere sorrow, or at least firmly purposing to do so.

 3. One hundred and fifty years to those who should recite it on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and Holy days of obligation, with Confession and Communion.

 4. A Plenary indulgence once a year, on any day, to those who are accustomed to recite it four times a week, on condition of Confession, Communion, and the Recital of the Chaplet on the day of Communion.

 5. Two hundred years' indulgence to all who recite it devoutly after Confession; and to all who carry it about them, and frequently recite it, ten years' indulgence every time they shall hear Mass, hear a sermon, or reciting Our Father, and seven Hail Mary's, shall perform any spiritual or corporal work of mercy, in honor of our Blessed
Savior, the Blessed Virgin Mary, or any Saint, their advocate.

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