The Immaculate Heart of Mary

Alongside the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary is deeply cherished by Catholics around the world. Consequently, June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and August to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This celebration is a devotion that highlights the life, virtues, and purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is depicted with her heart surrounded by roses and flames; sometimes, it is pierced by a sword, symbolizing her sorrows (cf. Luke 2:35).

It is crucial to note that the Immaculate Heart of Mary is venerated, not worshipped. We worship God alone. But what does it mean to venerate? According to the dictionary, to venerate means to show profound respect, honor, or reverence toward someone or something due to their dignity, great virtues, or what they represent. Therefore, we venerate the Virgin Mary, the saints, and the angels because of their exemplary lives and their closeness to God. Let us remember that worship is the absolute adoration of God—the acknowledgment of His Divinity and total surrender—which is offered only to God.

Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary gained special significance in the 20th century through the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. During these apparitions, the Virgin called for devotion to the First Saturdays, the praying of the Holy Rosary, and the consecration of Russia; she also indicated that her Immaculate Heart would be the refuge leading to God. Subsequently, several Popes have consecrated the world to her Immaculate Heart.

Pope Saint John Paul II stated, “From Mary, we learn to love Christ, her Son and the Son of God… From her, we learn to be ever faithful, to trust that God’s Word will be fulfilled in us, and that nothing is impossible for God” (translated from Spanish). Alongside the designation of August as the month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we observe other Marian celebrations that honor the Mother of the Lord during this month. On August 15, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, acknowledging that she was assumed body and soul into heaven.

On August 22, the Church also commemorates the feast of Saint Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth. Both of these celebrations are highlighted in the praying of the Glorious Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. Furthermore, the Catholic Church in Ireland celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Knock on August 21. Although August 8 marks the feast of Saint Dominic de Guzmán, founder of the Dominicans, we could say that we are still honoring Our Lady, for it was to Saint Dominic that the Blessed Virgin Mary entrusted the devotion of the Holy Rosary in 1208.

My brothers and sisters, let us venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary—not only in August but every day of the year—through our love, honor, and devotion to the Holy Rosary.

Remember, The parish that we dream is the parish that I help to build!

God bless you, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always!

Fr. Jorge Ramirez

Holy Trinity Church… 165 years evangelizing!