Dating back to the 18th century, the devotion to Mary, Queen of All Hearts is observed by Catholics around the world today. Here at the Basilica, an azure tiled chapel honors the devotion and the man who first promulgated it, St. Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort.
As we celebrate the Memorial of St. Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort on April 28, we invite you to virtually explore the Mary Queen of All Hearts Chapel at the Basilica and learn more about the devotion’s origin.
Origin of the Devotion
Saint Louis de Montfort wrote Treatise on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin at the turn of the 18th century, but it was not until over 100 years later in 1843 that it was published. Once printed, it was very influential in popularizing the devotion to Mary, Queen of Hearts, emphasizing the important role of Mary in directing the faithful to Christ.
Mary, Queen of All Hearts Chapel at the Basilica
In the Mary, Queen of All Hearts Chapel at the Basilica, a Botticino reredo depicts Mary kneeling by the crib of the infant Jesus and offering him to the world. The propagators of the devotion, Saint Louis de Montfort and Marie-Louise de Jésus, appear below her.
The back wall of the chapel displays notable symbols associated with Mary, the heart; the lily; the mystical rose; “M” over an inverted “V”; the crescent moon; the royal crown; the anchor and rope; the Star of the Sea; the crossed scepters; and a joined “M” and “R.”
The chapel is inscribed with a prayer that reads:
“Father, you have given us the Mother of Your Son to be our Queen and Mother. With the support of her prayers may we come to share the glory of your children in the kingdom of heaven. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, Forever and Ever.”
Virtually Tour the Mary, Queen of All Hearts Chapel
You can take the virtual tour and experience the chapel in immersive 360° below!
Source:
Rohling, Geraldine M., PhD, MAEd. The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception: Guide and Tour Book. Washington, D.C.: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 2018.