Move Closer and Closer to Jesus

“The Immaculate Heart of Mary” is a traditional Catholic devotion that honors Mary’s interior life and her love for God and Jesus, symbolized by her “heart.” In Catholic tradition, her “immaculate heart” is not merely a biological organ; it points to Mary’s inner life—her virtues, joys and sorrows, and, above all, her love for God and her maternal love and compassion (Catholic Encyclopedia). The devotion is not an alternative to devotion to Jesus; rather, the Church understands Mary’s Immaculate Heart as a symbol of her holiness.
 
Through this devotion, we remain mindful that the Immaculate Heart of Mary complements the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is because her Immaculate Heart is completely united to, formed by, and directed toward the Heart of her Son. The two devotions are distinct yet coexist: Jesus is the source of redemption; Mary is the perfect disciple and mother who receives, shares in, and leads us into that redemption. Therefore, through this devotion, we are directed to Jesus and move closer to him.
 
How the Devotion Evolved
 According to Pope John Paul II, devotion to Mary’s heart cannot be traced to the early centuries in the same direct way as some other devotions; while the “heart of Mary” appears in Gospel context (e.g., Luke), the heart-devotion becomes widespread later—especially under the influence of Saint John Eudes in the seventeenth century. In modern times, St. Pope John Paul II highlights that the message of Our Lady at Fatima (1917) and the consecration of the world in 1942 by Pope Pius XII significantly helped Catholics to appreciate and embrace this devotion more widely.  
 
Consecration to Mary’s Immaculate Heart
“Consecration” in this context means entrusting oneself (or even communities and nations) to Mary’s intercession and maternal care, with the intention of being led more surely to Christ. 
 
Pope Pius XII refers to the “memorable act” in which he dedicated Holy Church and the whole world to the spotless Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. St. Pope John Paul II explains that consecration to Mary’s Immaculate Heart is grounded in her maternal love and intercessory role—and that it is ultimately oriented toward Christ, since Mary is wholly united to his redemptive mission.
 
Practices Associated with the Devotion

• Consecrations of individuals and families (and also religious communities and nations)
• Reparation for sins through prayer, mortification, and almsgiving 
• The practice of the First Five Saturdays of consecutive months (includes receiving Holy Communion, going to confession, praying five decades of the Rosary, and spending at least 15 minutes meditating on one or more mysteries of the Rosary).