On Saturday, June 17, 2023, the Claretian Family joyfully celebrated the Solemnity of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This feast, preceded by a novena under the theme “The Heart of Mary and Life in Synodality,” is of great importance to the Claretian family in Congo, as the Heart of Mary, the seat of all her virtues, is the foundation of the spirituality of Saint Anthony Mary Claret.
For Saint Anthony Mary Claret, the “Heart of Mary” is not simply another title of the Virgin Mary, but a way of relying on her entire person, her interior, her maternal love, her attitude in her relationships with Jesus and with us, her children. In her heart, we find welcome, understanding, motherly tenderness, sharing, attentiveness, and the joy of following Christ.
To this end, the Claretian laypeople from different regions of Congo, namely Kinshasa, Kikwit, M.C Kingandu, Pay-Kongila, Kindi, and Kwilu-Ngongo, demonstrated their devotion to the Heart of Mary by participating in the novena, the Eucharistic celebration, and sharing fraternal meals with other members of the Claretian family.
