Living in the Heart of Mary

A testimony of a consecration that transforms the gaze, the heart, and the whole of life.

Mary is proof that a child of God, even while human, can “be perfect as the Father is perfect” from the beginning of their life on Earth until union with Him in eternity. In her identity, faithful to the love of the Creator, I see how I am desired and called to the same fidelity.

Something that truly transformed me was realizing that this is true at every stage of life, regardless of our weaknesses or the depth of our falls. It does not matter how many or how serious the mistakes we have made may be. The motherhood of Our Lady, through her life and through the Church, reveals to me the unconditional love of the Father for every heart, and teaches me to redirect my whole life — desires, will, dreams, doubts, worries, and inclinations — back to Him.

Having consecrated myself has taught me to desire to live everything as she did: to love and trust the Father, to receive the Holy Spirit, to know and follow Jesus.

Not only because of the good it brought her, but because she is alive in Heaven, caring for me! Mary intercedes for me, responds to concrete requests and doubts, helps me understand things more clearly, consoles me, and guides me. 

We have a real friendship — I speak with her every day, about everything. No friend, not even my dear mother, can be so present, know my heart so well, or clothe me with the graces Mary obtains for me.

But the most magnificent part of this friendship is its fruit. Far beyond consolations, Mary leads me to love God more!

As the Daughter of God the Father, Mother of God the Son, and Spouse of God the Holy Spirit, she teaches me how to relate to Him. In her perfect holiness, I recognise my true identity, the true face of humanity — who I am called to be. With Mary, I learn to live genuinely.

Joana Martins, member of VMY Portugal