Conference #1- The History and Meaning of Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Conference #1- The History & Meaning of Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is Centuries Old When we hear the words Immaculate Heart of Mary in our present age, most will think of Our Lady of Fatima. It is understandable, but historically Devotion to the Immaculate Heart is older than Fatima. To understand this Devotion to the Immaculate Heart, one needs to travel back into the history of the Church. During this retreat there will be references to Fatima, but this conference begins with framing the Devotion to provide an additional context. What Do the Words Devotion to the Immaculate Heart Mean? Spirituality around the heart of Mary is an ancient tradition within the Church. We begin by clarify terminology. When we say Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Our Lady, let’s take a moment to understand what that really means. Each of these words are explored within the audio. Uniquely, well before Fatima, within this Devotion to Our Lady, was an importance placed on First Saturday devotions. This is an outgrowth of dedicating Saturday to Our Lady. Hear more. Where does all this come from? And, why is there a Devotion to Our Lady’s heart? Interesting questions; the audio goes into detail. Briefly, however, there is a devotion to her heart on three levels (each explained in the audio). • Her Physical Heart • Her Interior Heart • Her Inner-most Heart Devotion to the Heart of Mary is biblical. Forty days after Jesus is born He is taken to the Temple. The scripture is read that states Mary’s heart will be pierced like a sword. The mention of the heart of Our Lady is captured within the imagination within the early Church. The image of a sword thrust into Our Lady’s heart impacted the early faithful. Hear the impact of this statement . . . the reason why Mary’s heart is wounded. Saints Write About the Heart of Mary St. Augustine writes about the Heart of Mary. He writes much, but one of his reflections (covered in audio in more detail) is: When Gabriel visits Our Lady