Day 7 — The martyrdom of the Heart

Meditation

Simeon prophesied to Mary: "A sword will pierce your own soul" (Luke 2:35). The Immaculate Heart was pierced beside the cross: every offense to Jesus is a thorn in the Mother's Heart. Mary's cooperation with redemption is, according to the Church's teaching, unique yet subordinate to Christ. To honor her Heart is to honor the Heart of Jesus himself, for one same love beats in both.

Prayer of the Day

Immaculate Heart, pierced by the sword of sorrow at the cross of your Son, make my heart be wounded with love for Jesus and with compassion for his Mother. Let no suffering keep me from standing beside the cross, as she did. 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.)