The Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a beloved aspect in Catholic devotion. We honor the spiritual heart of the Virgin Mary, who was free from sin and wholly devoted to God. The Catholic Church has promoted this devotion for centuries which has played an important role in the lives of countless Catholics around the world.

The Church honors the Immaculate Heart of Mary on June 17 with the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart. The Diocese of Jefferson City holds events to celebrate this feast day because she is the Diocesan Patroness. You can view upcoming events on their calendar here.

Here at The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, we celebrate the Immaculate Heart of Mary. You can review our upcoming events by clicking here.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is closely linked to the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, which holds that Mary was conceived without original sin. This belief is rooted in the biblical account of the Annunciation when the angel Gabriel addressed Mary as “full of grace” that she had been chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Mary’s response, “Let it be done to me according to your word,” demonstrated her complete obedience to God and her willingness to serve him.

In 1950, Pope Pius XII wrote the Apostolic Constitution, MUNIFICENTISSIMUS DEUS. In it, he wrote:

Hence the revered Mother of God, from all eternity joined in a hidden way with Jesus Christ in one and the same decree of predestination, immaculate in her conception, a most perfect virgin in her divine motherhood, the noble associate of the divine Redeemer who has won a complete triumph over sin and its consequences, finally obtained, as the supreme culmination of her privileges, that she should be preserved free from the corruption of the tomb and that, like her own Son, having overcome death, she might be taken up body and soul to the glory of heaven where, as Queen, she sits in splendor at the right hand of her Son, the immortal King of the Ages.

Pope Pius XII

Catholic devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary centers on the idea of Mary as a model of faith and a powerful intercessor with God. The devotion emphasizes the importance of prayer, especially the Rosary, to draw closer to Mary and seek her help in times of need.

Many Catholics also consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, entrusting themselves and their lives to her care. This consecration involves a preparation period, during which the individual seeks to deepen their relationship with Mary and grow in holiness. The consecration itself is a formal act of entrustment, in which the individual acknowledges Mary as their spiritual mother and commits themselves to follow her example of faith and devotion.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary has also been associated with various miraculous events throughout history. One of the most famous of these is the apparition of Mary at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. According to the accounts of three young shepherd children, Mary appeared to them and asked them to pray the Rosary and make sacrifices for the conversion of sinners. She also revealed three secrets to them, which included a vision of hell and predictions of future events.

In addition to the Fatima apparitions, there have been many other reported apparitions of Mary throughout history, each with its own unique messages and calls to prayer and penance. These apparitions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the role that Mary plays in the spiritual lives of Catholics around the world.

In conclusion, the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a central topic in Catholic devotion that emphasizes the importance of Mary as a model of faith and a powerful intercessor with God. The devotion is rooted in the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin and is therefore a perfect example of holiness and obedience to God. Catholics who practice devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary seek to deepen their relationship with Mary through prayer, consecration, and acts of faith and love. The many reported apparitions of Mary throughout history serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of this devotion and the central role that Mary plays in the spiritual lives of Catholics around the world.

Please remember to visit our events page here at The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, so that you can celebrate the Immaculate Heart of Mary with us. You can review our upcoming events by clicking here.