Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
The prayer Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, authored by Pope Pius XII, is a devout act of offering oneself, one’s family, and all people to the care and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This prayer reflects the Catholic devotion to Mary’s Immaculate Heart, emphasizing her purity, maternal love, and intercessory power.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a symbolic representation of Mary’s inner life, including her joys, sorrows, virtues, and love for God and Jesus Christ. It is often depicted with a heart pierced by a sword, symbolizing her sorrow, especially during the Passion of Christ, and surrounded by roses or flames, representing her pure love and devotion.
The devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary gained prominence through various Marian apparitions and messages, particularly those at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. The apparitions conveyed messages from Mary emphasizing prayer, repentance, and consecration to her Immaculate Heart for the conversion of sinners and the attainment of peace. Pope Pius XII was a strong advocate of this devotion. On October 31, 1942, during the turmoil of World War II, he consecrated the Church and the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This act was seen as a plea for divine intervention and protection in a time of great global strife.
Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
By: Pope Pius XII
Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.
Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world. Amen.
