Today’s Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary uses a “devotional name” which refers to the interior life of the Blessed Virgin Mary: her joys and sorrows, her virtues and hidden perfections, and above all, her love for God the Father, her maternal love for her son Jesus, and her compassionate love for all persons.
Veneration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary generally coincides with the worship of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (which we celebrated yesterday on the Church’s calendar). However, there is a difference that explains the Roman Catholic devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is especially directed to the “Divine Heart,” as overflowing with love for humanity. In the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, on the other hand, the attraction is the love of her Immaculate Heart for the Father, Jesus, and for us.
For reflection: St. Augustine tells us that Mary was more blessed in having born Christ in her heart, than in having conceived Him in the flesh. Blessed and Immaculate Virgin Mary, pray for us.
