In the Gospel of St. Luke, the Blessed Virgin Mary is frequently depicted pondering things in her heart.
All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
Luke 2:18-19
It is believed that Mary had a deep spiritual life, closely united to God and constantly reflecting on all the events that took place in her life.
The Church has sought various ways to highlight and honor this example, such as the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The Inner Life of Mary
A religious order known as the Sulpicians felt drawn to focus on Mary’s interior life by establishing a liturgical feast surrounding it.
The Catholic Encyclopedia provides a brief description of this celebration:
In its principal object this feast [Most Pure Heart of Mary] is identical with the feast of the “Inner Life of Mary,” celebrated by the Sulpicians on October 19. It commemorates the joys and sorrows of the Mother of God, her virtues and perfections, her love for God and her Divine Son and her compassionate love for mankind.
The feast is not universally celebrated, as it is only on the calendar of the Sulpician order.
Yet, it is a beautiful name for a feast that brings to mind the profound interior life of Mary.
Mary is an example for all of us, as we all need to ponder more things in our heart.
And today we celebrate...