Why Mary's portrait hangs in a Catholic home

By Anabelle Hazard

You’ve seen pictures of the Immaculate Heart of Mary beside the Sacred Heart of Jesus in many Catholic homes, I'm sure. In our home, the "alliance of the two hearts” devotion, (as it is also called) is not just a design fix to balance out our fireplace mantle decor.  Mary is enthroned with Jesus after a solemn ceremony based on theologically sound reasons for Mary’s role in our family:  she is our mother, queen and intercessor.

1. Mary is Our Mother

            Mary was shared with us when Jesus presented her to St. John at the foot of the cross, “Son, behold thy mother.”  Just as St. John obeyed Jesus and took Mary into his home, we do, too. Thus, Mary’s portraits beautify our walls the way a picture of my mother and mother-in-law remind our family of the mothers who have passed on to us remarkable faith and assure us of their constant support, guidance and intercession.  Mary’s picture is bigger, more ornate and recurs in more rooms because we love and venerate her and want to be constantly reminded of her motherly love for us.  

2. Mary is Our Queen

            In Fatima, Portugal, June 13, 1917, Mary confided to Servant of God Lucia Dos Santos, why she came to earth:  “Jesus wishes to establish throughout the world a devotion to my Immaculate Heart.” Devotion to Mary was the brainchild of her son, Jesus and the plan was within the will of God. Further, St. Jacinta Marto told Lucia before her death, “Tell them that the heart of Jesus wishes that by his side should be venerated the heart of Mary.”  This reference to the Sacred Heart recalls Jesus’ apparition and promise to St. Mary Margaret Alacoque: “I will bless every place where the image of my Sacred Heart is exposed and venerated.”


Read the rest at Anabelle's blog Written By the Finger of God.