The Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is celebrated on the Saturday following the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This feast honors the interior life of Mary—her joys and sorrows, her love for God and for us, her perfect union with Christ.

The Heart in Scripture

Luke's Gospel twice refers to Mary's heart:

"But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart." — Luke 2:19

"And he went down with them and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart." — Luke 2:51

Mary's heart was not passive; it was actively contemplating, wondering, believing. Her heart was the first tabernacle of the Word made flesh.

Simeon's Prophecy

At the Presentation, Simeon foretold that Mary's heart would share in her Son's sufferings:

"Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.'" — Luke 2:35

This prophecy found fulfillment at the Cross, where Mary stood and watched her Son die. Her heart was pierced by the same lance that opened his side.

Historical Development

Devotion to Mary's heart developed alongside devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Saint John Eudes (1601-1680) was instrumental in promoting both devotions and composing liturgical texts for them.

Fatima and the Immaculate Heart

The apparitions at Fatima (1917) gave new impetus to this devotion. Mary requested:

• Consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart
• Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays
• The daily Rosary

She promised: "In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph."

The First Saturdays

Mary asked that on five consecutive first Saturdays, the faithful:

1. Go to Confession (within 8 days)
2. Receive Holy Communion
3. Pray five decades of the Rosary
4. Meditate for 15 minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary

All this is done in reparation for sins committed against her Immaculate Heart.

Theological Meaning

The Immaculate Heart represents:

• Mary's interior life of prayer and contemplation
• Her love for God and for us
• Her participation in Christ's redemptive work
• The refuge of sinners
• The path to Jesus ("To Jesus through Mary")

United Hearts

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is inseparable from the Sacred Heart of Jesus. What Jesus suffered, Mary suffered with him. Their hearts beat as one in love for humanity and desire for our salvation.