The Immaculate Heart of Mary

Why do we honor Mary’s heart? It is not just about sentiment. It is about her interior life. Her heart represents her will, her soul, and her complete, undivided "Yes" to God.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Mary’s heart was the first "dwelling place" of God on earth.

Because she was preserved from sin (Immaculate), her heart has no barriers to God. She loves God perfectly, and because she loves Him, she loves us—her children—perfectly too.

"Mary is the perfect Orans (pray-er), a figure of the Church. When we pray to her, we are adhering with her to the plan of the Father... We can pray with and to her. The prayer of the Church is sustained by the prayer of Mary." (CCC 2679)

In the Gospels, Mary is not a woman of many words. She is a woman of deep thought and reflection. When the shepherds told her amazing things about her Son, or when she found Jesus in the Temple, she didn't rush to post it or gossip about it.

This verse from Luke teaches us the secret to peace in a chaotic world. Mary took the joyful moments and the confusing moments, and instead of reacting instantly, she held them in her heart and lifted them to God. She teaches us how to be contemplative even when life is busy.

"His mother treasured all these things in her heart." (Luke 2:51)

1. A "Back-to-School" Consecration

Before the first day of school, gather your children (or grandchildren) and consecrate their school year to the Immaculate Heart. Simply pray: "Mother Mary, keep my children in your heart this year. Protect them from bad influences, help them learn, and guide them back home safely every day."

2. The First Saturday Devotion

Our Lady of Fatima asked for us to attend Mass on the first Saturday of the month to make reparation to her Immaculate Heart. If you can, join us at St. Anthony or OLP for Mass. It is a beautiful way to start the month grounded in grace.

3. Practice "Pondering"

We live in a noisy world. This month, try to imitate Mary’s silence. When something good happens, thank God quietly in your heart before telling anyone else. When something bad happens, ask Mary to hold it with you before you react in anger.

O Most Blessed Mother, Heart of love, Heart of mercy, ever listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus your Son.

Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you today, especially for our families as we face a new season.

We are comforted in knowing your heart is ever open to those who ask for your prayer. We trust to your gentle care and intercession, those whom we love and who are sick or lonely or hurting. Help all of us, Holy Mother, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever.

Amen.

A prayer for purity of heart and family peace.

Scriptural Roots:

The Gospel of Luke (2:19, 2:51) twice mentions that Mary "kept all these things, pondering them in her heart," establishing her heart as the first "tabernacle" of the Word.

Symbolism:

The heart signifies her love, purity, and inner life, often shown pierced by a sword ( Simeon's prophecy in Luke 2:35) and wreathed in flames (symbolizing divine love).

St. John Eudes (17th Century):

Often called the "Apostle of the Two Hearts," St. John Eudes was the first to organize a liturgical feast for the Heart of Mary and promoted its veneration alongside the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Medieval Growth:

The concept of Mary's heart as a model of virtue grew in the Middle Ages.

Pope Pius IX instituted the Feast of the Precious Blood that year while in exile, asking for heavenly aid for peace in Italy; it was first celebrated on the first Sunday of July.

Fatima:

The modern impetus for the August dedication came from the apparitions at Fatima, Portugal. In July 1917, the Virgin Mary told the children, "God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart." She requested the consecration of Russia and the practice of the Five First Saturdays.

Universal Establishment (1944):

During World War II, Pope Pius XII consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart and, in 1944, extended the feast to the entire Church to obtain peace through Mary's intercession.  The dedication of August became officially established, with the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary set for August 22nd, though it's now linked to the Sacred Heart.

Daily Prayers:

Catholics pray specific prayers, like the "O my Jesus" offering, asking Mary to inflame hearts with love and accept daily sacrifices.

Consecration:

Many perform acts of consecration to the Immaculate Heart, dedicating themselves and their families to her.

Acts of Reparation:

Making amends for sins against Mary's heart is central, often through the Five First Saturdays.

Rosary:

Praying the Rosary is encouraged, asking Mary to help make hearts her shrine.

Reflection:

Meditating on Mary's virtues (purity, obedience, love) and her role as Mother of God, seeking her intercession.

First Saturday Devotion:

Catholics continue the "Five First Saturdays" practice, which involves going to Confession, receiving Communion, reciting the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries for 15 minutes in reparation to her heart. 

The Feast of the Immaculate Heart (Variable):

The specific feast day usually falls on the Saturday following the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart (which was in June). However, August remains the designated month for the devotion.

The Assumption (August 15, 2025):

The major liturgical event of the month is the Solemnity of the Assumption, which celebrates Mary being taken body and soul into heaven. This is a Holy Day of Obligation and is seen as the ultimate glorification of her Immaculate Heart.

Queenship of Mary (August 22, 2025):

Exactly seven days after the Assumption, the Church celebrates the Queenship of Mary, emphasizing her reign of love over the world.