Tell everybody that God gives graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Tell them to ask graces from her and that the Heart of Jesus wishes to be venerated together with the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Ask them to plead for peace from the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for the Lord has confided the peace of the world to her.
St. Jacinta of Fatima
Growing up with the Immaculate Heart of Mary
I grew up around images of Jesus’s most Sacred Heart, and most of them were right next to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Because of this, I grew in love and devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Heart along with the Sacred Heart. In Catholic school and at home, it seemed like the Immaculate Heart of Mary was everywhere. From a young age, I loved the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I loved how it was surrounded by roses, and how it was on fire with love. As I got older and learned more about Mary and her heart, I loved them both more and more.
Immaculate Imagery
Like the image of Jesus’ most Sacred Heart, the Immaculate Heart of Mary helps us to visualize and understand her love for us. The sword is a nod to the Prophecy of Simeon. In Luke 2:35, Simeon tells Mary that a sword will pierce her heart, foreshadowing the sorrows that she would endure, especially during Jesus’ Passion. Some images of Mary’s Heart have seven swords pierced in it, symbolizing her seven sorrows. The roses that surround Mary’s Immaculate Heart express her love, beauty, and purity. I’ve heard that the roses that circle Mary’s Immaculate Heart are the ones plucked from the branches that formed Jesus’ Crown of Thorns. Finally, the fire above the Immaculate Heart of Mary burns with love for all of her children.
The Children of Fatima
The devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Heart was one of the secrets that she gave to the children of Fatima. When Mary appeared to Sts Jacinta and Francisco and Bl. Lucia, she told them about her Immaculate Heart. She said that our Heavenly Father desires her heart to be adored next to Jesus’ Sacred Heart and she wants the faithful to devote themselves to her Immaculate Heart. Jacinta’s final words to Lucia (quoted at the beginning of this post) were about Mary’s Immaculate Heart. She reminded her of the power of her Heart and the beautiful graces that it offers. She encouraged Lucia to spread the devotion to Mary’s Immaculate heart so that the world could have peace and share in her grace.
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St. Teresa of Calcutta’s Prayer
While I was preparing for my Marian Consecration, I read about St. Teresa of Calcutta and how she loved Mary and her Immaculate Heart. She would ask Mary to “Lend me your heart and keep me in your most Immaculate Heart.” This prayer is what helped her stay loving, patient, and service-oriented as she served the poor in Calcutta. When I incorporate this prayer into my day, I feel Mary outpouring her graces for me. She gives me peace and when she “lends me her heart,” she helps me to love everyone as my brothers and sisters in Christ. When she “keeps me in her most Immaculate Heart,” I’m able to run to her like a child and rest in her motherly love. She surrounds me in her mantle, directs me towards Jesus, and guides me as I do his will for my life.
Because August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I’ve been beholding and contemplating her Heart a little more lately. I invite you to join me in praying St. Teresa’s prayer to the Immaculate Heart. Our Blessed Mother has an unlimited amount of grace. She can’t wait to give it to you, and all you have to do is ask.
Mary, lend me your Heart and keep me in your most Immaculate Heart.
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