Two Holy Hearts: The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Today is the Feast Day of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

It was the Heart of Mary which expressed her "yes" to God. This was her response to the message sent through the angel at the Annunciation. By her loving consent, Mary first conceived Christ in her heart and then in her womb. "Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." Luke 2:19  

"Jesus wishes to use you in order to make me known and loved. He wishes to establish devotion to my Immaculate Heart in the world. I promise salvation to those who embrace it; and these souls will be beloved of God like flowers arranged by me to adorn His throne." Our Lady of Fatima

Yesterday was the Feast Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Heart of Jesus is pure love. The revelation of the Heart of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque showed the mark of the piercing and the purifying flame of love with the cross within it, which crowns the Divine Heart. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is surrounded by the crown of thorns to signify the entire Passion by which He poured out His life for us. "One of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a lance, and at once there flowed out blood and water." John 19:34  

Prayer of Consecration to “Two Holy Hearts”

Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I consecrate my entire self to the Most Holy Love of Your Two Hearts. I wish to make reparation for all the sins of the world including my own. I offer these things for the love of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

I will keep my mind on beauty and turn my thoughts from evil things. I will hold my temper and bear the mistakes of others with love and a forgiving heart. I will admit when I am wrong and ask others to forgive me. I will not show off but remain humble. I will offer up all my sufferings, sickness and hurts. I will seek God’s will not my own. I will show appreciation for all the kindness, the blessings that I receive, and thank God for all things. I will do everything in my life for love of God. And I will love others as God has loved me.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, receive the offering and consecration I now make of my self to You. Keep me faithful unto death. Bring me one day to the happy home in heaven. I desire to live forever with God the Father and the Most Holy Spirit and You my Jesus together with your Most Immaculate Mother Amen.

Let us consecrate the names we receive through this prayer ministry to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, entrusting them into their loving care and protection.

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus + World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests + Annual Global Rosary Rally for Priests

Today is the Feast Day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and it is the World Day of Prayer for Priests and the Annual Global Rosary Relay for Priests. Saint Pope John Paul II established the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On this day, the entire world is encircled in praying the rosary for our beloved priests. Pray the rosary today for all these intentions asking Mary, Mother of Priests, to be a refuge for her beloved sons, keeping them in her Immaculate Heart.

First Friday devotions in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: 
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Act of Reparation, The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, The Sacrament of Reconciliation 

Promises of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus given by Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque: 
1. "I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life."
2. "I will establish peace in their homes."
3. "I will comfort them in their afflictions."
4. "I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death."
5. "I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings."
6. "Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy."
7. "Tepid souls shall grow fervent."
8. "Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection."
9. "I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honored."
10. "I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts."
11. "Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out."
12. "I promise thee in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving the Sacraments; My Divine heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."

Saint Thérèse, the Little Flower, Prayer for Priests
‘O Holy Father, may the torrents of love flowing from the sacred wounds of Thy Divine Son bring forth priests like unto the beloved disciple John who stood at the foot of the Cross; priests: who as a pledge of Thine own most tender love will lovingly give Thy Divine Son to the souls of men.

May Thy priests be faithful guardians of Thy Church, as John was of Mary, whom he received into his house. Taught by this loving Mother who suffered so much on Calvary, may they display a mother’s care and thoughtfulness towards Thy children. May they teach souls to enter into close union with Thee through Mary who, as the Gate of Heaven, is specially the guardian of the treasures of Thy Divine Heart.

Give us priests who are on fire, and who are true children of Mary, priests who will give Jesus to souls with the same tenderness and care with which Mary carried the Little Child of Bethlehem.

Mother of sorrows and of love, out of compassion for Thy beloved Son, open in our hearts deep wells of love, so that we may console Him and give Him a generation of priests formed in thy school and having all the tender thoughtfulness of thine own spotless love.’

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.  Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for and protect your beloved sons, our priests.

Today we join with the entire world in praying the Rosary for our beloved priests. Pray the Rosary, unite with your country and help encircle the world in prayer.
Annual Global Rosary Rally for Priests

Our Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us!

Today is the Feast Day of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. Her image is an icon, deeply rich in symbolism and meaning. Our Mother of Perpetual Help

Prayer to Our Mother of Perpetual Help

O Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, I salute thee with the filial devotion. I renew the consecration of myself, and all I have, to thee. I thank thee for thy maternal protection and for the many blessings that I have received through thy wondrous mercy and most powerful intercession. In all my necessities, I have recourse to thee with unbounded confidence, O Help of Christians, O Mother of Mercy, I beseech thee now to hear my prayer and to obtain for me of thy Divine Son the favor that I request: (mention your petition now)

Obtain for me, also dearest Mother of Perpetual Help, the grace that I may imitate thee and become more like to thee in the practice of the virtues of humility, purity, submission to the Will of God, and charity. Be my protectress in life, guard and guide me in dangers, direct me in difficulties, lead me in the way of perfection, and assist me in the hour of my death, that I may come to Jesus, and with thee enjoy Him, bless Him, and love Him eternally in Heaven. Amen.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help, pray for us!

Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

The gift of the Eucharist is the Real Presence of Jesus. Let us pray for our priests who bring the Eucharist to us. Lord, bless them and keep them holy. Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of the Eucharist, keep our priests under your mantel of protection always.

Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the browd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets. Luke 9:16-17

Totally yours Totus Tuus
Immaculate Conception, Mary, my Mother. Live in me. Act in me. Speak in and through me. Think your thoughts in my mind. Love, through my heart. Give me your dispositions and feelings. Teach, lead and guide me to Jesus. Correct, enlighten and expand my thoughts and behavior. Possess my soul. Take over my entire personality and life. Replace it with yourself. Incline me to constant adoration and thanksgiving. Pray in me and through me. Let me live in you and keep me in this union always.  Saint Pope John Paul II

She is the tree of life to them that lay hold on her, and he that shall retain her is blessed. Proverbs 3:18

Saint Irenaeus of Lyon, one of the greatest theologians of the 2nd century, is best known for refuting the Gnostic heresies in his writings, Against Heresies, 180 A.D.  He wrote teachings on the Eucharist:

"Christ has declared the cup, a part of creation, to be his own Blood, from which he causes our blood to flow; and the bread, a part of creation, he has established as his own Body, from which he gives increase to our bodies."

"For just as the bread which comes from the earth, having received the invocation of God, is no longer ordinary bread, but the Eucharist, consisting of two realities, earthly and heavenly, so our bodies, having received the Eucharist, are no longer corruptible, because they have the hope of the resurrection."

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving, be every moment thine.

O Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, pray for us and stay with us always.

Reflection: Come into the silence...

God speaks to us in silence. Elijah recognized the Lord's voice in "a tiny whispering sound." We have to be silent in order to hear the whisper of the Lord.

At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter. But the Word of the Lord came to him, "Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by." A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake, there was fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire, there was a tiny whispering sound." 1 Kings 19:11-12

How can you be still and place yourself in the Presence of God?

Go to Eucharistic adoration or spend time near the tabernacle in a chapel or find a quiet place at home. Set a regular time period of the day and allot 10-15 minutes. You can increase the time period as you grow more comfortable with the silence.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

In Eucharistic adoration, you are in the Presence of Jesus Christ, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. As you sit with Jesus, remember that He is your closest friend. You don't have to do anything, just be with Him, as you would be with a friend. If you want, you can pour out your heart to Him. Tell him your fears, sufferings and miseries and ask Him to be with you. Thank Jesus for all the blessings in your life.

During Eucharistic adoration, it is helpful to bring a notebook. Often Jesus will speak to you in the silence of your heart and you can write down thoughts that may come to you. Saint Pope John Paul II and Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen did this. During Eucharistic adoration, you have an intimate encounter with God, face to face.

"I encourage Christians regularly to visit Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament, for we are all called to abide in the Presence of God."  Saint Pope John Paul II

"The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white Host." Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen

In the Scriptures, Jesus went away to a quiet place and made time to pray to the Father. This is your invitation to do the same. Jesus is waiting for you. He wants to whisper a word of love into your heart. Come away and listen to the tiny whispering sound. It is the Lord. As you gaze at Jesus, He is gazing at you with great love.

My soul rests in God alone. Psalm 62:2

Reflection: Corpus Christi, the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Today is the Feast Day of Corpus Christi, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. In some parishes the Feast Day is celebrated this Sunday. Corpus Christi is a time of thanksgiving and adoration for the gift of the Holy Eucharist. It is also a time when our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and carried in procession in a public way, bringing Jesus outside the Church to the rest of the world. The Real Presence of Jesus is a powerful encounter. Jesus gave Himself to us in the Eucharist to nourish us spiritually, the Bread of Life, food for the journey through life.

I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is My flesh for the life of the world.  John 6:51-58

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi evokes beautiful memories for me. My husband and I were on pilgrimage in Lourdes, France, during an annual meeting of altar servers from all over France. We were blessed to witness a Eucharistic procession of priests and seminarians and 2,600 altar servers and their families. It was the most beautiful sight to be in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament during this procession in Lourdes. The world would have you believe the faith is not alive but do not believe the world. The faith is alive and living in all these families in France, as well as throughout the whole world. Lourdes is a place of peace where the presence of Our Lady is felt and where families come from all over the world to know her and to know the peace that comes from Jesus in the Eucharist.

Then He took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of Me." Luke 22:19

Pope Francis on the Feast of Corpus Christi 
"While on Holy Thursday, we commemorate the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, today is for giving thanks and adoration. And in fact, there is a traditional procession with the Most Holy Sacrament on this day. To adore Eucharistic Jesus and to walk with Him. These are two inseparable aspects of today's feast, two aspects that characterize the entire life of the Christian people: a people who adore God and a people who walk: who do not stand still, who journey!"

As you prepare receive the Bread from Heaven this day, ask the Lord to come into your heart in a new way. Ask Him for an encounter with the living God that you may be changed by this encounter and that this encounter will lead you on a journey, walking with the living God and inviting others to walk with you.

For we are members of His Body, of His flesh and of His bones. Ephesians 5:30

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving, be every moment thine.

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Every time we pray the Sign of the Cross, we call upon the Trinity to be with us as we pray. Where the Trinity dwells, our Blessed Mother Mary is with them. The Holy Trinity is Love.

The Angel Prayer of Fatima Prayer to the Holy Trinity was given by an angel to the children a year before the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. With the Blessed Sacrament suspended in the air, the Angel of Peace recited this prayer during the third apparition to the children in Fatima in 1916. The children were illuminated with Love in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament and they were consumed with zeal to pray and offer sacrifices for the conversion of sinners. They imitated the Angel and prostrated themselves before the Eucharist for long periods of time. The Angel prepared their hearts for the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima, who came to them and to us as Our Lady of the Rosary.

O Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I adore Thee profoundly. I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifferences by which He is offended. By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary I beg the conversion of poor sinners.

O glorious Mother Mary, Queen of heaven and earth, you were crowned by God the Father as His beloved daughter, by Jesus, the Son, as His dearest Mother and by the Holy Spirit as His chosen spouse. You are the most perfect adorer of the Blessed Trinity. Help us imitate you. You are our most powerful intercessor and merciful Mother. We entrust our prayers and petitions for all the names we receive through this ministry into your loving care.  

We pray in the Name of our Heavenly Father, and of the Son Jesus, and of the Holy Spirit. Where the Holy Trinity dwells, our Blessed Mother Mary is in the center.

Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Today is the Memorial of the Marian Feast Day honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. It was instituted in 2018 by Pope Francis to be celebrated on the Monday after Pentecost.

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. John 19:25-27

When Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, Jesus gave her to the beloved disciple John and he took her to his home. In giving His Mother to John, Jesus gave her to us. Mary is our Mother and she is the Mother of the Church. God entrusted her with this mission. When we experience the cross, turn to Mary. She is our model and our Mother. She guides and accompanies the Church on the pilgrim journey with the tender love of a mother.

Alleluia. Alleluia. O happy Virgin, you gave birth to the Lord; O Blessed Mother of the Church, you warm our hearts with the Spirit of your Son Jesus Christ. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee...

The disciples devoted themselves with one another to prayer with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Acts 1:14

A Pentecost Meditation...Veni Sancte Spiritus

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit... Acts 2:4

Meditation: Let us enter the Upper Room with Mary. The disciples are filled with fear. Mary is in their midst, comforting them. A noise suddenly came from the sky, like a strong driving wind and tongues of fire appeared, which parted and came to rest on everyone. All were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues and were no longer afraid. As you ponder this scene, draw near to Mary and allow her to comfort you. Invite her into your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to dwell in you and pour out His gifts that you may proclaim the love of Jesus!  

Come Holy Spirit. Come through Mary.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:19-22

The Sequence for Pentecost Sunday, Veni Sancte Spiritus, a prayer to the Holy Spirit, is a melody of Gregorian chant. The words and melody blend together so beautifully that it has become the customary prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, send now Your Spirit over us and all those we pray for. May the Blessed Virgin Mary be our Advocate. O Holy Spirit, as you did with the Apostles and Mary in the Upper Room, make Your consoling Presence known to us that we may share Your love with others.

Anima Christi (Latin) Soul of Christ

Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me.  Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from Christ's side, wash me. Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O Good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds, hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from Thee. From the malicious enemy, defend me. In the hour of my death, call me. And bid me come unto Thee. That I may praise Thee with Thy saints and with Thy angels. Forever and ever. Amen.

Anima Christi dates back to the 14th century. The prayer became well known through Saint Ignatius, who used it in his classic work, Spiritual Exercises, in the 16th century. Anima Christ is a prayer to ask the Lord for comfort, strength and guidance.

During Eucharistic Adoration or after receiving Jesus in the Eucharist, pray the Anima Christi, and ask Jesus to be with you as He gazes upon you with great love. Meditate on His Passion as you speak to Him from the depths of your heart.

O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a Fount of Mercy for us, I trust in You. Jesus I trust in You.  From the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into His side, and immediately Blood and Water flowed out. John 19:33-34

How can you meditate on the Passion of Christ?

Gaze at the crucifix
Pray the Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary
Pray the Stations of the Cross
Read the Biblical account of the Passion
Prepare for and make a good Confession
View the movie, The Passion of the Christ
Make sacrifices and mortifications united with Jesus
Contemplate the Passion through the heart of Mary
Meditate on the Seven Last Words of Christ

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!