06/13/2026
Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
optional Memorial
“Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart” (Lk 2:19).[1]
Today is the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her pure heart holds the truth of her interior life, showing her devout love for God and her total devotion to her Son. In addition, her heart echoes the pains of this world as expressed by the Seven Sorrows; yet reminds us to be confident in her Son’s victory over sin and death. [2][3]
Today’s memorial points to the importance of spiritual contemplation. The mystery of Mary points to the mystery of Christ and when pondered together new aspects of Christ’s nature are revealed. Meditating upon her heart can open our own heart to an overflowing abundance of love for Christ. [4]
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3:18).[5][6]
Written by Sarah Ciotti
Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD
[1] “In a notification dated December 8, 1998, of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (Prot. n. 2671/98/L), the Obligatory Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary becomes an Optional Memorial in years when it conflicts with another Obligatory Memorial. Therefore, Saturday, June 13 is a weekday in Ordinary Time, as well as the Optional Memorials of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church” Under Miscellaneous Notes on US Liturgical Calendar for 2025 when the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated with Saint Irenaeus, Bishop, Martyr, and Doctor of the Church
[2] Revised Standard Version, s.v., “Luke, The Gospel According to.”
[3] Catholicpedia: The Original Catholic Encyclopedia (1917) for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. s.v. “Devotion to the Heart of Mary.”
[4] John Paul II, Address of His Holiness John Paul II to the Participants of the Study Week of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, 1986
[5] John Paul II, “Rosarium Virginis Mariae,” sec. 9-13.
[6] ibid