As parents, our days are naturally measured by seasons and schedules. But the Church, in her wisdom, gives us a different kind of rhythm—a spiritual calendar designed to anchor our families in love. Two of the most beautiful seasons on this calendar sit side by side: the Month of Mary in May, and the Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June.
When we celebrate these devotions at home, we aren’t just teaching our children history or duty. We are introducing them to two hearts that beat with an unimaginable, fierce love for them.
The June Flame: The Sacred Heart of Jesus
While May belongs to our Blessed Mother, June transitions us directly to her Son. The universal celebration of the Sacred Heart originated from mystical visions given to St. Margaret Mary in 1673 in France. Jesus showed her His human heart, burning with love, surrounded by thorns, and topped with a cross, lamenting how cold and indifferent humanity had become to His mercy. He asked for a special feast day in June to offer reparation—an act of returning love for love.
Throughout history, this devotion has manifested incredible miracles of protection. One of the most striking accounts comes from Poland during the horrors of World War II. As the nation faced systematic devastation and aerial bombardment, entire communities, families, and religious houses consecrated themselves completely to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Amidst intense regional bombing campaigns, specific towns, churches, and monasteries where the June devotions were fervently kept reported uncanny, miraculous preservation. Bombs dropped nearby failed to detonate, and air raids inexplicably bypassed communities heavily devoted to the Sacred Heart. This preservation became a living testament to Christ’s promise to St. Margaret Mary:
“I will establish peace in their houses… I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.”
More recently, Pope Francis, in his encyclical letter Dilexit Nos, has called for a renewed and authentic devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He said: “For this reason, I turn my gaze to the heart of Christ and I invite all of us to renew our devotion to it” (DN, no. 87).
Looking Ahead: Planning for Mary’s Month Next May
Because our spiritual lives thrive on anticipation, it is never too early to think about how to honour our Blessed Mother when her month returns next May. Mary always leads us directly to Jesus; honouring her is the perfect preparation for honouring Him.
By weaving these two holy months into the fabric of your home, you give your children a profound gift: the knowledge that they are tucked safely between the immaculate care of a mother and the burning, protective love of a Saviour.
