Association of the Holy and Immaculate Heart of Mary

The archconfraternity under this title was established at Paris, in the church of Notre Dame des Victoires, December 16th, 1836. It was approved by the Pope, April 24th, 1838, with the privilege of aggregating to itself other similar associations. The primary object of the association is, to pray for the conversion of sinners and of persons in error, and God has been pleased to answer its prayers in a most remarkable manner.

All that is absolutely necessary on the part of each associate is, after registration of name, to recite every day the “Hail Mary” for the intentions of the association. The following pious exercises, though best suited to answer the ends of the association, are not strictly required:

An Act of Oblation to be recited daily.

I offer up to God all the thoughts, words, and actions of this day, and more particularly all my prayers and devotions, through the holy and immaculate Heart of the ever-blessed Virgin Mary; and I pray for the conversion of sinners, especially those who have been recommended to my prayers, and for the sanctification of all in this community.

Mary, refuge of sinners, pray for us.

Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us, who seek thy succour.

Hail Mary.

It is recommended further: 1. To communicate once a month. 2. To recite the Rosary once a week: both for the intentions of the Association. 3. To wear, as a badge, the medal of the Immaculate Conception. 4. To say often the Memorare prayer.

The plenary indulgences granted to the associates, with the usual conditions, are: 1. On the day of admission. 2. At the hour of death. 3. On the Sunday before Septuagesima, the principal Feast of the Association. 4. On the Feast of our Lord's Circumcision. 5. On the Feasts of the Purification, Annunciation, Assumption, Conception, Dolours, and Nativity of our Blessed Lady. 6. On the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. 7. On the Feast of St. Mary Magdalen. 8. On any two days of the month. 9. On the anniversary of their baptism.

There is also an indulgence of 500 days for all the members and other persons who assist at the Masses celebrated on Saturdays, in honour of the holy and immaculate Heart of Mary, in the church or chapel of the Confraternity, and there pray for the conversion of sinners.

The benefits of the Association extend beyond this life; for a Mass is celebrated for the deceased members at Notre Dame des Victoires on the first Saturday of every month.

Considerations.

1. The Son of God died to save sinners, and we cannot imitate his charity more agreeably to him than by ever aiming at the same object.

2. Prayer is the most powerful means of drawing down from God the grace necessary for it, and is, moreover, in every body's power.

3. No intercession is so effectual as that of the blessed Mother of God; let us therefore seek it.

4. But then we must show true devotion towards her, by imitating her virtues, particularly the purity of her heart.

5. The good example which we shall thus give will greatly forward the ends of the Association.

6. Let all the associates, therefore, encourage one another in diligence, in virtue, in devout exercises, especially in frequenting the Sacraments, and ever discourage all sin and irregularity, whether in word or work.

Litany of the Sacred Heart of Mary, p. 338.