• On June 28th the Church celebrates the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

      Editor’s note: This profound image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary surrounded by depictions of the seven sorrows of Mary (with seven swords piercing her heart instead of the traditional one) is by Jill Rund of Jill Elizabeth Art. Her Catholic art and ministry are available at: https://jillelizabethart.com

      The radiant flames from her maternal heart burn with love for Jesus and for all of us created in His image.
      Mary’s Immaculate Heart is often illustrated pierced by a sword representing Mary’s sorrow at Jesus’ suffering, while roses symbolize her Immaculate Conception, sinlessness, and purity.
      According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the heart is “the depths of one’s being, where the person decides for or against God” (CCC 368).
      The Church teaches us that the Immaculate Heart of Mary signifies, first of all, the great manifested in her “Yes” to the Father at the Incarnation; her love for the Son of God in His redemptive mission; and her obedience to the Holy Spirit, enabling her to remain free of the stain of personal sin throughout her life.
      Mary’s Immaculate Heart, therefore, points us to her profound interior life, where she experienced both joys and sorrows, yet remained faithful, as we, too, are called to do.

      O Immaculate Heart of Mary,
      full of goodness,
      show your love towards us.
      Let the flame of your heart,
      descend on all people.
      We love you immensely.
      Impress true love
      in our hearts
      so that we have
      a continuous desire
      for you.
      O Mary, gentle
      and humble of heart,
      remember us
      when we are in sin.
      You know that all sin.
      Give us, by means
      of your Immaculate Heart,
      spiritual health.
      Let us always see
      the goodness of your
      motherly heart
      and may we be converted
      by means of the flame
      of your heart.
      Amen.
      Editor’s note: This profound image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary surrounded by depictions of the seven sorrows of Mary (with seven swords piercing her heart instead of the traditional one) is by Jill Rund of Jill Elizabeth Art. Her Catholic art and ministry are available at: https://jillelizabethart.com