Articles of Faith | Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary began as early as the twelfth century. During the seventeenth century in France, St John Eudes popularised this devotion along with that to the Sacred Heart. St Luke’s Gospel twice mentions that Mary ‘kept all these things in her heart’, pondering the word of God. Mary shows us how to listen to the words the Holy Spirit speaks to us in the depths of our hearts, and how to respond in faith. (Credit: our friends at Universalis.com). For more about this Memorial feast day, please click on the image. Peace be with you!

Divine Office | Mary kept all these things in her heart

In today's Office of Readings we encounter a sermon of St Laurence Justinian (1381-1456).

He joined a community of canons regular on the island of St Giorgio in Alga in the Venetian lagoon. He was ordained in 1407, became prior of the community in 1409, Bishop of Castello in 1433, and, when the seat of the diocese was moved to Venice in 1451, became the first Patriarch of Venice. He wrote many sermons, letters and ascetic treatises, which are still reprinted and read.

For a reflection, "Mary kept all these things in her heart," please click on the image.

Peace be with you!