The Heart of Mary

Painting of Mary in the parish church of Tarxien

Following the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, today we celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Similar to yesterday's feast, it was St John Eudes who promoted this devotion first in 1648 in the town of Autun, France, and later on in all the French dioceses. In 1799, Pope Pius VI granted the Bishop of Palermo the permission to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in his diocese. When the revelation of the 'Miraculous Medal" to St Catherine Laboure took place in 1830, the impetus for this devotion was even more obvious. 

"Mary" in St Augustine church Valletta

In the back of this famous medal, two hearts are seen under a cross with the letter M superimposed. The heart of Jesus is surrounded by a crown of thorns, and that of Mary pierced by a sword. The image of Mary in sacred art is one of the most popular, and in this post I include some photos of Marian paintings I discovered recently during my trip in Malta.

Madonna and child with a pomegranate

Mary's love for us all is just as powerful and consistent as that of her Son, Jesus. When we feel sad or depressed, let us go to Mary and enjoy her loving embrace given with compassion, devotion and respect.