Ways to Celebrate with Your Children: Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a beautiful feast celebrated on the Saturday following the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. For Montessori families, it offers a wonderful opportunity to engage children in meaningful, hands-on activities that honor Mary’s pure and loving heart while nurturing their spiritual growth.

Here are some thoughtful and gentle ways to celebrate the Immaculate Heart of Mary with your children:

1. Create a Simple Marian Altar

Set up a small, special corner or table in your home dedicated to Mary. Include a statue or picture of the Virgin Mary, a candle, fresh flowers (especially roses, symbolizing her heart), and perhaps a small bowl of water with rose petals. Montessori education values creating a prepared environment — this altar can become a serene, peaceful place for quiet reflection or prayer.

2. Read Age-Appropriate Stories About Mary

Choose simple stories or picture books that tell the story of Mary’s life, her virtues, and her role in the Church. For younger children, books with illustrations and gentle narratives work well. Older children might enjoy learning about the apparitions of Our Lady or the meaning of the Immaculate Heart devotion.

3. Art and Craft: Heart of Mary

Encourage children to express their understanding through art. They can create a craft inspired by the Immaculate Heart — such as decorating a heart shape with red and white colors, roses, or small flames symbolizing love and purity. This hands-on activity aligns perfectly with Montessori’s emphasis on creativity and fine motor skills.

4. Plant a Garden or Flowers

Mary is often associated with roses and lilies, symbols of purity and love. Planting flowers together can be a beautiful way to celebrate, connect with nature, and nurture responsibility. This activity also integrates Montessori’s love of nature and real-life experiences.

5. Say Simple Prayers Together

Teach children simple prayers honoring Mary, such as the Hail Mary or a short Marian prayer. You might also say the Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in an age-appropriate way. Creating a calm, prayerful moment together can help children develop a spiritual connection.

6. Light a Candle and Reflect

Lighting a candle on the Marian altar symbolizes bringing light and love into the world. Invite children to think about ways they can show kindness and love to others, just as Mary did. This fosters the Montessori value of developing moral and spiritual awareness.

7. Prepare a Special Snack or Meal

Celebrate the day with a simple family meal or snack. You could prepare heart-shaped cookies or red fruits like strawberries or cherries as a fun reminder of the Immaculate Heart. Involving children in preparing the food encourages practical life skills.

Celebrating the Immaculate Heart of Mary with children through Montessori-inspired activities is a gentle way to nurture their faith, creativity, and love for God’s creation. It emphasizes hands-on learning, respect, and spiritual growth—values at the heart of Montessori education.

May this celebration bring peace, joy, and love to your family as you honor Mary’s Immaculate Heart together.