.png)
The month of August is traditionally devoted to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Keep reading to learn
more about the devotion!
The Bible Said It First
And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. (Luke 2:19)
The devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is scriptural! In the Gospel of Luke, the disciple often refers to Mary’s ability to ponder things in her heart.
Luke also tells us about Simeon’s prophesy, in which Mary was told that her heart would be pierced by a sword. The image of Mary’s heart, pierced through with a sword is a popular depiction of Mary’s Immaculate Heart. As the saints and theologians reflected on what it meant for Our Lady to have pondered and treasured the sacred events in the life of Jesus in her heart, Mary’s heart began to become recognized as something that should be valued and imitated.
2. The Saints Made It Cool
Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him. – St. Teresa of Calcutta
Countless saints have practiced the devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Heart! St. John Eudes, who was born in the 1600s in France is credited with popularizing the devotion. He continually emphasized the importance of devotion to the hearts of Mary and Jesus.
Notable saints who practiced a devotion to the Immaculate Heart also include St. Francis de Sales, St. Anselm, and St. Bernard.
3. Mary’s Heart Points Us to Christ
The love of the Immaculate Heart is a reflection of God’s love and the most perfect example of love for God. The devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Heart is essentially concerned with the love that Mary has for Christ. Her heart is meant to be a model for the way we should love our Lord. Each one of us is called to love and accept Christ into our lives in the profound way that Mary did. Her unfathomable “yes” to God and complete openness and love for Jesus is meant to show us how we too, can allow the love of Christ to transform our hearts.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!