Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Jesuits
Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus are linked, and just as the Jesuits were, until the late 20th century, energetic exponents of devotion to the Sacred Heart, so too were the Jesuits until recently great exponents of devotion to the Immaculate Heart. It is no surprise, then, that a classic work in the history of devotion to the Immaculate Heart, "Seven Considerations of the Interior Perfections of Mary," was written by a Jesuit, Fr. John Peter Pinamonti, SJ. Fr. Pinamonti was certainly a zealous exponent of devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Beginning in 1665 and for the subsequent 25 years, Fr. Pinamonti conducted multi-day popular missions throughout Northern and central Italy alongside a fellow Jesuit, Fr. Paul Segneri. The missions were for the most part held outdoors, since few churches were large enough for the great crowds. The missions followed a simple plan; the two Jesuits preached on Hell and penance, proclaimed the importance of devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, provided instruction regarding the catechism, and heard confessions. Fr. Segneri, considered the more distinguished of the two priests, did most of the preaching, and Fr. Pinamonti did most of the catechetical instruction and heard most of the confessions. After Fr. Segneri was assigned to different work by the Pope, Fr. Pinamonti continued the missions alone for an additional 12 years. Fr. Pinamonti died while conducting a mission, and his last words were the sacramental absolution given to a final penitent.
Perhaps, as their numbers dwindle, the Jesuits will reflect upon their abandonment of their special role in proclaiming devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and be inspired to return to this great and fruitful work.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
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