Jared Staudt on the Biblical Symbolism of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

"The Church gives us moments to focus on elements of our faith and devotional practices so we can carry them with us throughout the rest of the year. As we wind down in October, it's a good moment to focus on its connection to the rosary, which helps us to treasure and ponder things in our hearts with the Immaculate Heart of Mary (as Luke describes Mary in his Gospel).

"October also marks the Miracle of the Sun on October 13, 1917, completing the monthly apparitions that began in May of that year. In the second secret, given in July, Mary pointed specifically to her heart, asking for Russia to be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart and promising that 'in the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.' She also told us how to come close to her heart, asking the children repeatedly to pray the rosary, stating at the final apparition, 'I am the Lady of the Rosary. Continue always to pray the Rosary every day.'

"The devotion to Mary's Immaculate Heart and to the rosary are intertwined, as Mary made clear during the apparition on July 13th in which she gave us a new prayer to add after the Glory Be: 'O my Jesus, forgive us, save us from the fire of hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who are most in need.' This prayer came in response to the vision she gave the children of Hell, clearly affirming its reality and offering her Heart as a preventative."

In a recent commentary, R. Jared Staudt, Ph.D., reflected on the depiction of Mary's Immaculate Heart and what the various symbols represent.

To access Dr. Staudt's complete post, please visit:

Building Catholic Culture: The Biblical Symbolism of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (25 OCT 19)