Homily for the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Immaculate Heart of Mary, which we celebrate today, refers to the interior life of our Blessed Mother; her joys and sorrows, virtues and hidden perfections, and, her virginal love for God the Father, her maternal love for her son Jesus, and her compassionate love for all people.

Our understanding of this devotion is based on scripture, especially the Gospel of Luke, who twice mentions that Mary kept all things in her heart, pondering on them and praying about them.

The veneration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is similar to the worship of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. However, devotion to the heart of Jesus is directed to the "divine heart" as overflowing with love for humanity, while the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary focuses on Mary’s love for Jesus and the Father.

Let us remind ourselves today that Mary is the perfect example of devotion to God and His will in our lives. Let us as turn to her to intercede for us that our love of Her Son and God our Father may always grow stronger in our hearts.+