August is dedicated to The Immaculate Heart of Mary
Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. The month of August is traditionally dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The physical heart of Mary is venerated (and not adored as the Sacred Heart of Jesus is) because it is united to her person and is the seat of her love (especially for her divine Son), virtue, and inner life. Such devotion is an incentive to a similar love and virtue. This devotion has received new emphasis in this century from the visions given to Lucy Dos Santos, oldest of the visionaries of Fatima, in her convent in Tuy, in Spain, in 1925 and 1926. In the visions Our Lady asked for the practice of the Five First Saturdays to help make amends for the offences committed against her heart by the blasphemies and ingratitude of men. The practice parallels the devotion of the Nine First Fridays in honour of the Sacred Heart.
On October 31, 1942, Pope Pius XII made a solemn Act of Consecration of the Church and the whole world to the Immaculate Heart. Let us remember this devotion year-round, but particularly through the month of August. The entire month falls within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time [and the Time After Pentecost], which is represented by the liturgical colour green. This symbol of hope is the colour of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time [and the Time After Pentecost]. The last portion of the liturgical year represents the time of our pilgrimage to heaven during which we hope for reward. (Excerpted from The Prayer Book by Reverend John P. O’Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A.)
IN THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY, I TRUST.
Look to the Star Call upon Mary!
In danger, in difficulty or in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary, Keep her name on your lips, Never let it pass out of your heart.
Following in her footsteps, you will not go astray: praying to her, you will not fall into despair: thinking of her you will not err.
While she keeps hold of your hand, you will not fall … you will not grow weary … you will have no fear … Enjoying her protection, you will reach the goal.
(Saint Bernard)
O MARY CONCEIVED WITHOUT SIN, PRAY FOR US WHO HAVE RECOURSE TO THEE
AMEN
