You almost never see one without the other. In most Catholic homes, if there is a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (burning with fire and thorns), right next to it is the Immaculate Heart of Mary (burning with fire and roses, pierced by a sword). They are the "Two Hearts." They beat as one.
The Church celebrates the Feast of the Sacred Heart on a Friday (8 days after Corpus Christi). The very next day—Saturday—is the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This isn't an accident. It is a theological statement: To get to the Heart of the Son, you go through the Heart of the Mother.
Here is the deep meaning of this devotion and why it is crucial for our times (especially since Fatima).
1. The Biblical Roots
Devotion to Mary's heart isn't a medieval invention. It starts in the Gospel of Luke. Mary is the only person in the Bible who "pondered all these things in her heart" (Luke 2:19, 2:51). Her heart was the first "tabernacle" to hold Jesus. But it was also a heart of sorrow. When Jesus was a baby, a prophet named Simeon told her:
"And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:35).
This is why her heart is often depicted with seven swords (representing the Seven Sorrows). She felt every pain that Jesus felt on the Cross.
2. The Symbols Explained
When you look at an image of the Immaculate Heart, you see specific details:
- The Fire: Just like Jesus, her heart burns. But while His love is divine charity, hers is the perfection of human love for God.
- The Roses: Jesus has thorns (sins). Mary has roses (virtues). Her heart is pure, sweet, and without the "thorns" of Original Sin (Immaculate Conception).
- The Sword: The sorrow she endured at the foot of the Cross.
- The Ray of Light: She reflects the light of Christ like the moon reflects the sun.
3. The Theology of the "Two Hearts"
Why do we need both? Isn't Jesus enough? Jesus is the Source of grace. Mary is the Channel (Mediatrix). St. John Eudes (the great apostle of the Two Hearts) explained that Mary's heart and Jesus' heart were so united in will and love that they effectively functioned as one.
"Whoever sees the Father sees the Son. Whoever sees the Heart of Jesus sees the Heart of Mary."
The Strategy: The devil hates Mary because she is a human creature who never fell for his lies. By consecrating ourselves to her Immaculate Heart, we are placing ourselves in a "safe house" where the devil cannot enter. We go into her heart to learn how to love Jesus. She teaches us the interior life.
4. The Request at Fatima
This devotion exploded in the 20th century because of Fatima. In 1917, Mary told the children:
"God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart."
She promised that:
"In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph."
This is the key to world peace. The "Triumph of the Immaculate Heart" refers to a time when enough souls effectively consecrate themselves to her that evil loses its power over the world.
5. The First Saturday Devotion
Just as Jesus asked for the "Nine First Fridays," Mary asked for the "Five First Saturdays." Why 5? To make reparation for the 5 kinds of offenses against her Immaculate Heart:
- attacks against her Immaculate Conception.
- Attacks against her Perpetual Virginity.
- Attacks against her Divine Maternity (refusing to accept her as Mother of God).
- Those who teach children to hate or despise her.
- Those who desecrate her images.
The Requirements: On the First Saturday of 5 consecutive months, you must:
- Go to Confession (within 8 days).
- Receive Holy Communion.
- Pray 5 Decades of the Rosary.
- Keep Mary company for 15 minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary.
The Promise:
"I promise to assist them at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for the salvation of their souls."*
6. Meaning of Consecration
To "consecrate" yourself to the Immaculate Heart means to give her full permission to use you as her instrument. You say: "Mary, I am yours. My body, my soul, my goods, my merits. Do with me what you will to save souls." It is the "Total Consecration" taught by St. Louis de Montfort. It is the fastest way to become a saint.
Conclusion: The Safe Refuge
At Fatima, Mary told young Lucia:
"My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God."
We live in a chaotic world. The "Two Hearts" are our shelter. Run to the Sacred Heart for mercy. Run to the Immaculate Heart for comfort. And stay there.
Start your First Saturdays this month. Track them on the MyPrayerTower app.