Devotion to Mary, Mother of Jesus and of the Church, transcends geographic borders, languages, and traditions. In every corner of the world, the People of God find in Mary a maternal presence, a consolation in suffering, and an intercessor in times of need. While the expression of Marian devotion may vary across cultures, its core remains the same: love, trust, and filial surrender. All the titles and names by which Mary is venerated around the world refer to the same Mother of Jesus, invoked in diverse ways according to the history and faith of each people.
Mary, a Sign of Unity in Diversity
The beauty of Marian devotion lies in its ability to adapt to the reality of each people without losing its essence. In the many countries where the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are present, we can witness the richness of these expressions:
In Italy, Mary is venerated under titles such as Our Lady of the Rosary of Pompeii, Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of Good Counsel, and Our Lady of Loreto. Through processions and popular feasts, people express deep reverence and love for the Mother of Jesus.
In Brazil, Mary is especially celebrated as Our Lady of Aparecida, the country’s Patroness, and also as Our Lady of Nazaré, deeply venerated in the Amazon region. Millions of faithful turn to her with great love, recognizing her constant presence in their joys and trials.
In the United States, Marian devotion is marked by a quiet and profound spirituality, with particular devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, who unites Latin American and North American peoples in prayer and mission.
In Africa, Mary is invoked as the Mother of hope and reconciliation. Her presence is celebrated with songs, dances, and communal prayers that reflect a living faith and heartfelt gratitude.
In Latin America, Mary walks closely with her people. From Guadalupe to Luján, from Caacupé to Chiquinquirá, she is seen as the mother of the poor, migrants, women, and all who suffer.
Mary at the Heart of the Mission
For the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary is a model of faith, listening, and surrender. As an Apostle of the Father and the first disciple of Jesus, she inspires consecrated life and energizes the mission in every culture. Just as Mary carried Jesus in her womb and heart, the Apostles commit themselves to carry the love of the Heart of Jesus to all peoples, with the tenderness and courage of the Mother of the Savior.
A Call to Trust and Presence
In the face of humanity’s suffering, Mary continues to say: “Do whatever He tells you” (Jn 2:5). Her silent and strong presence encourages the Church to move forward with hope and trust. The diversity of Marian devotion is a powerful sign that Mary is present in both the joys and sorrows of her sons and daughters across the world.
As an international religious family, united by the spirituality of the Heart of Jesus, we want to learn from Mary to be women of hope, listening, and surrender, at the service of reconciliation and life.
