What is the symbolism of the Sacred Heart of Mary?

Answer 1

The Sacred Heart is a devotional name used by some Roman Catholics to refer to the physical heart of Jesus Christ as a symbol of Divine love. Devotion to the Sacred Heart in focusing on Christ's heart metaphorically focuses on the emotional and moral life of Jesus and especially His love for humanity. It also stresses the central Christian concept of loving and adoring Jesus. In most depictions, Christ's heart is shown containing wounds to which Christ points, as well as a crown of thorns. This wounded heart is meant to symbolize Christ's pain at the rejection of God's Gospel message of salvation and righteousness by humanity. In including the crown of thorns, it alludes to the manner of Christ's death, which is further highlighted by the inclusion of crucifixion wounds on Christ's hands, in most images. Thus the Christ of the image is of a post-resurrection Jesus speaking to humanity, not the pre-crucifixion Jesus of the Gospels.

Answer 2

It is called the Immaculate Heart of Mary. And her heart has a dagger through it, pierced with the sins of men. It symbolizes the great love of Mary as the new Eve for all souls but most of all for her Son. The thorns symbolize her sufferings, having watched the mockeries and execution of her Son, as both His mother and devoted follower. The thorns parallel those surrounding the Sacred Heart of Jesus, hinting at the idea of Co-Redemptorix. The sword is taken from the prophecy of Simeon who told her that through her heart a sword would pass, foretelling the sufferings she would endure at watching her Son die and the ingratitude of men.