The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Since the 16th century, the month of August is traditionally devoted to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Mary’s Immaculate Heart is where you will find pure and immense virginal love for God the Father, perfect and maternal love for Jesus her Son, and unfathomable motherly love for humanity. As Catholics, we take special care to focus our attention on the beautiful and Immaculate Heart of Mary this month by paying Mary special homage. We may wear our Miraculous Medal every day, commit to daily Marian prayers such as the Magnificat and the Angelus, and place flowers or a candle in front of an image or statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in our home.

A practice that has gained much attention, is The 5 First Saturdays devotional act of reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 1925, Our Lady promised Sister Lucia, eldest of the Children of Fatima, that those who practice this devotion will receive Mary’s assistance at the hour of death with graces necessary for salvation.

O Immaculate Heart of Mary, full of goodness, show your love towards us. Let the flame of your heart, O Mary, descend on all people. (excerpt from O Immaculate Heart of Mary)

Saint Martha

July 29th is the Feast of Saint Martha, who was the sister of Mary of Bethany, and is the patron saint of homemakers, cooks and domestic workers. Martha and Mary followed Jesus during His ministry and even hosted Him in their home. Jesus loved Martha and her sister, and their brother Lazarus very much (John 11:5). Martha demonstrated her devotion to Jesus through hospitality and would occupy herself with serving Him, while Mary expressed her faith in Jesus by sitting at His feet and listening to Him.