Sunburst Milagro- Immaculate Heart Of Mary

This Milagro represents the beautiful and most immaculate heart of our mother, Mary. The sunburst lies flat on the wall and it has a hook on back if you choose to hang. It can be used as a Christening gift, given in time of need for healing, or for individual prayer. 

The flat gold sunburst Milagros measure 7.25" wide by 7" tall.

The branches on the sides represent the new life that grows from the beauty of her spiritual life. The M for Mary is tucked into the angle between the vertical and horizontal crossbeams. The combination of the M and the cross has a biblical connotation. It refers to Mary's station at the foot of the cross and symbolizes her vocation as Mater Dolorosa (Mother of Sorrows). Her loving participation in the suffering of Christ shows her selflessness as a mother. Two of the Milagros also act as a locket, and can hold the treasure of your prayer requests, a rosary, or endless other possibilities. Mary often was quite hidden from the world, and was a vessel holding the Son of God within her.

This milagro is a reminder to love like Mary loved Jesus. Mary, I see your heart, both lined with blooming branches of life and pierced with suffering swords of loss. I beg you, to allow my heart, to bear new life this year. Help my heart to bloom with abundance and beauty like yours. Stay near me during this season of life. Teach me to imitate your courageous fiat and whisper yes, as you did, to whatever your Son asks of me. Please be near me in the suffering I am called to endure, for you are truly my mother.

Help me discern what suffering is not mine to carry, so I can reside in freedom. Hearts of the Holy Family, thank you for your spiritual adoption. Please be with me on my path to healing and as I say yes to Jesus. I love you, and ask for constant reminders of your love for me. Amen.

The word Milagros means miracles in Spanish. They are found throughout Mexico, the southern United States, other areas of Latin America and parts of the Iberian Peninsula. They are traced as far back as the ancient Iberians, who inhabited coastal regions of Spain. Milagros are usually small metal religious charms but also come in a variety of shapes. Often gifted during a time of need, Milagros are given during monumental events in one's life. Oftentimes, they are given or purchased when someone needs immense physical or emotional healing, or for a celebratory event. Historically, when that prayer request has been answered, they are then taken on pilgrimage to the local church or a church that has significance to the family. In many Latin American parishes, entire walls and altars are covered in Milagros. They have been left after a prayer has been answered, a sign of reverence to God for His faithfulness and a sign of immense gratitude. 

Historically, they are in the shape of body parts that may need healed, like eyes, arms, or legs. Or they may be in the shape of cattle during times of hunger or famine. Sometimes the shapes are more conceptual and represent things like travel, family, unity, romance, or protection. The most universal shape used, is the heart, representing the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, or the Most Chaste Heart of Joseph. The hearts represent love, healing, gratitude, family unity, and protection.  Different groups of people, from diverse countries, often make Milagros out of what they have.  In Haiti, Milagros are almost always made out of thick tin. The designs are incised with a pressure tool. In Mexico, they are often a much thinner tin with bright colors and shapes. Other places, they are constructed from gold, silver, tin, lead, wood, bone or wax. 

When a prayer is answered, families will often all pilgrimage together and leave their prayer intentions on small pieces of papers beneath their Milagros. Many families hang the Milagros in their homes instead, as a reminder of God’s incredible providence.