Day 1 — The Heart, our refuge

Meditation

At Fatima, the Virgin Mary showed her Immaculate Heart surrounded by thorns and offered it to us as a sure refuge. "Breath of life in trial, path of salvation," the angel and the Virgin said of her Heart. Mary's Heart is a maternal sanctuary, a sinner's refuge, and the afflicted's shield: whoever takes shelter in it fears no tempest, for no tempest can pierce the love of a Mother God has made Immaculate.

Prayer of the Day

Sweetest Heart of Mary, safe refuge of all who seek you, receive my heart today and forever. Be my shield in tribulation, my company on the road toward your Son Jesus. Amen.

Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary (for all days)

O Mary, worthy Mother of God and tender Mother of ours, who appearing at Fatima have shown us in your Heart a most sure refuge and in your Rosary a victorious weapon against the enemy of our souls, grant that loving you with filial love I may here find and enjoy the life of grace, and afterward the life of glory. O sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.

(Five Hail Marys to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.)