The Immaculate Heart of Mary

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The month of August gives us a beautiful opportunity to turn our hearts toward the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the midst of this month, on August 15, the Church celebrates the great Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This celebration also helps us reflect upon the Immaculate Heart of Mary—a heart completely open to God, filled with faith and charity, and united perfectly to the Heart of her Divine Son.

When we speak of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we are not simply speaking about Mary’s physical heart. In Sacred Scripture, the heart represents the deepest center of the human person: the place of faith, love, memory, decision, and communion with God. Mary’s heart reveals the interior life of the woman who gave herself completely to the Lord.

The Catechism calls Mary’s Assumption “a singular participation in her Son’s Resurrection and an anticipation of the resurrection of other Christians” (CCC 966).

In this Feast, let us entrust ourselves to the Blessed Mother, let us ask that through her maternal hands she may offer our human will to God, and that through the same hands we may obtain the Gift of the Divine Will for us. 

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
Mary, assumed into heaven, pray for us.
Mary, Mother of the Church, lead us always to your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

With Blessings,

Fr. Gabriel Barrera