Hey there,
Bless your heart!
Heart and soul.
Broken heart. Bleeding heart. Heartburn.
We talk a lot about our hearts.
And why not …. the heart is a powerful organ. It pumps our lifeblood throughout our body, keeping us alive.
And we attribute the heart to our emotional lifeblood … our love.
Just as deadly as a heart attack, we hear about someone dying of a broken heart. Of course, no one literally dies from a broken heart, but it speaks to the importance of the heart … both physically and emotionally.
So it’s no surprise that the Catholic church values and even emphasizes the hearts of Jesus and Mary.
On Friday we will celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the next day, on Saturday, we will memorialize the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary … a day that doesn’t get as much attention.
We’re familiar with the Immaculate Conception … but the Immaculate Heart? What’s this all about?
Genuflect is here to answer that question. This week we explore what the Immaculate Heart of Mary is, how it came to be recognized in the Universal church, the symbolism behind the image, why Mary says this devotion will get us to heaven, and numerous ways to celebrate now and in the month of August.
From the bottom of my heart I pray you’ll find some inspiration here for devotion to Mary’s Immaculate heart.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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genuflect: resources
The Immaculate Heart of Mary
Just what is the Immaculate Heart of Mary all about? How did it get started and what does it really mean? You’ll find answers to these questions and more in this brief overview of this great memorial.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary | Catholic News Agency
The Full Background
Here’s a more in-depth look at the Immaculate Heart of Mary for those wishing to dig a little deeper into understanding its meaning and how its importance has evolved over time.
What You Should Know About The Immaculate Heart of Mary | The Catholic Company
Saint John Eudes
Saint John Eudes is largely to thank for the Immaculate Heart of Mary devotion. Here’s a little background on this fascinating Saint and how his dedication to the hearts of Jesus and Mary throughout his life is an inspiration for us even today.
Saint John Eudes And The Hearts of Jesus And Mary | Catholic Mom
Immaculate Heart Symbolism
You’ve probably seen images of Mary with her red heart, but have you ever looked closely at it? Here’s your chance to learn what the sword, the flames, and the flower mean.
The Symbolism Behind Mary’s Immaculate Heart | Aleteia
7 Facts
With the Immaculate Heart of Mary we grow closer to Jesus through the love of his mother. Here’s a look at 7 incredible facts about this devotion.
7 Incredible Facts About The Immaculate Heart You Need to Know | Epic Pew
Sister Lucia Explains
Sister Lucia, one of the Fatima seers, explains how the Blessed Virgin Mary told her on more than one occasion about the importance of a devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Read about it in Our Lady’s own words as reported by Sister Lucia.
Sister Lucia Explains Devotion to The Immaculate Heart of Mary Is a ‘Must’ | National Catholic Register
How to Celebrate
The Church memorializes the Immaculate Heart of Mary on June 20th and the whole month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Here are 10 ways you and your family can celebrate.
10 Ways to Celebrate The Immaculate Heart of Mary This August | Aleteia
Ask The Immaculate Heart
Devotion to the Immaculate heart of Mary is indeed powerful. Last month Pope Francis asked us to turn to the Immaculate Heart of Mary to end the global Coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what he said.
Pope: Ask the Immaculate Heart For an End to The Pandemic | Aleteia
genuflect: prayer
The Novena to John The Baptist
Next Wedneday, June 24th we will celebrate The Nativity of John the Baptist. There’s no better way to prepare than to begin praying the Novena to John the Baptist now. You’ll find the prayers here.
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Digital Inspiration
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