What is the devotion to Our Lady of Divine Innocence
The devotion to Our Lady of Divine Innocence is a relatively recent Marian devotion that centers around the image of the Virgin Mary as the protector and advocate of children, especially those who have been harmed or exploited in any way. The devotion emphasizes the purity, innocence and vulnerability of children, and the role of Mary as their loving and caring mother.
The devotion to Our Lady of Divine Innocence began in the late 20th century, in response to the increasing awareness of the problem of child abuse and exploitation. It emerged as a movement to raise awareness about the issue and to offer support and healing to victims of child abuse. The devotion emphasizes the importance of protecting the innocence and purity of children, and encourages people to work to prevent abuse and exploitation.
The devotion to Our Lady of Divine Innocence typically involves the recitation of a specific prayer or novena, which asks for Mary’s intercession and protection for children. The devotion also includes the veneration of a specific image or statue of Mary, which depicts her as a caring and compassionate mother holding a child.
The devotion to Our Lady of Divine Innocence is closely linked to the Catholic Church, but it is not officially recognized by the Church. However, the devotion has been adopted by a number of Catholic groups, organizations and individuals who are committed to raising awareness about child abuse and exploitation, and to offering support and healing to victims.
The devotion to Our Lady of Divine Innocence also emphasizes the importance of education and awareness raising, to prevent child abuse and exploitation from happening in the first place. This can include activities such as workshops, seminars, and educational programs for children and adults, as well as public awareness campaigns and the distribution of informational materials.
The devotion to Our Lady of Divine Innocence also encourages people to take personal responsibility for the protection and well-being of children. This can include volunteering for organizations that work with children, mentoring at-risk youth, or simply being vigilant in recognizing and reporting potential cases of abuse or exploitation.
The devotion to Our Lady of Divine Innocence is not limited to Catholics, but it is also shared by Christians and people of other faith communities. It is a call to action, a call to care and protect children and to work towards a society where children are free to grow and flourish in safety and innocence.
In summary, the devotion to Our Lady of Divine Innocence is a relatively new Marian devotion that centers around the image of the Virgin Mary as the protector and advocate of children, especially those who have been harmed or exploited in any way. It emphasizes the purity, innocence and vulnerability of children, and the role of Mary as their loving and caring mother. The devotion began in the late 20th century, in response to the increasing awareness of the problem of child abuse and exploitation, It emphasizes the importance of protecting the innocence and purity of children, and encourages people to work to prevent abuse and exploitation, emphasizing the education and raising awareness, as well as personal responsibility for the protection and well-being of children.