The Immaculate Heart of Mary
While the devotion to the Virgin Mary was popular in the 17th century, it was not until 1805 that
the Feast of the Pure Heart of Mary received formal recognition by the Church.
When Our Lady of Fatima appeared to the three children in 1917, she emphasized the need for
steadfast prayers, true repentance and penance for the sins of men. Over and above this, she asked
for the Consecration of the world to her Immaculate Heart in order to obtain peace in the world and
the conversion of Russia.
Within a few years, the Holy Catholic Church officially recognized the apparitions of Fatima.
Overnight, the title of the Immaculate Heart of Mary reached every continent to find its way in
most Catholic homes in the form of holy pictures, statues, medals, etc...
Following this, in 1942, Pope Pius XII consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Two
years later, in 1944, the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was instituted in the Western Church.
In 1945, to promote devotion, the Vicar of Rome established the new Feast of the Immaculate Heart
of Mary on August 22nd and extended it to the Universal Church.
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