St. Gertrude the Great, A Heart that Bore Christ

Miguel Cabrera, 1763

In this moving image of St. Gertrude the Great, I am invited into the silence of divine intimacy. Clothed in the habit of a Benedictine nun, she rests gently upon the Scriptures, symbolizing her life steeped in contemplative prayer and theological wisdom. Yet, it is what emerges from her heart that draws me most profoundly: the radiant image of the Infant Jesus—not merely beside her, but dwelling within her.

This mystical vision reflects one of the most beautiful aspects of St. Gertrude’s spirituality: the indwelling of Christ in the soul that loves Him. The Infant Jesus resting within her heart is not merely a metaphor; it is a profound theological truth made visible here in this beautiful image. Jesus chose to abide in her heart as a child—a sign of purity, tenderness, and perfect trust. In her visions, He spoke to her, comforted her, and united Himself to her with divine intimacy.

To me, the most striking aspect of the image is the Christ Child emerging from her chest—symbolizing the deep mystical visions she received, in which Jesus revealed His Sacred Heart to her.  The Latin inscription, "Invenins me in corde Gertrudis" ("You will find Me in the heart of Gertrude"), affirms this sacred union. Such intimate knowledge of this divine affirmation reveals her as a chosen soul, a bride of Christ who was invited into the very intimacy of His Heart. Her heart became a dwelling place for the Lord, and in this image, that truth is rendered not just symbolically but visually, inviting me to imitate her deep union with Christ. Christ not only invited Gertrude into His Heart, He chose to make her heart His resting place. In this, I see a beautiful echo of the mystery of the Incarnation: just as the Virgin Mary bore Christ in her womb, so too does Gertrude bear Him in her heart.  I, too, am called to bear Jesus in my heart in an intimate way… in a relationship with Him that is unique to me.

This intimate abiding of the Infant Christ speaks deeply to me. It reminds me that the Lord seeks not only to visit my soul but to dwell within it… within ME. He comes in tenderness and humility, not as a distant judge, but as a Child who longs to be loved. Gertrude’s life teaches me that holiness is found not in grand gestures but in surrender—the surrender of the heart to Divine Love. This same Divine Love is that of my Bridegroom. Jesus, the Perfect Gentleman, desires to abide as the spouse of my heart!   

The image also speaks of Gertrude’s existence in the world. The palm branch in her left arm signals her triumph over the world, while the crozier denotes her spiritual authority. But it is the quiet love between her and the Christ Child that reveals her greatest dignity and identity: beloved daughter, bride, and bearer of God.  Isn’t this something that we all desire?  I know I do!  To live in the identity affirmed to me in Christ is to live in the fullness of His presence, the fullness of His mercy, the fullness of His unfathomable love.  This is where I desire to be and all I need to do is welcome Him with an open heart and invite Him to dwell within it, within me, in our intimate bond of love. 

Let us Pray…St. Gertrude the Great, whom the Infant Jesus chose as His resting place, pray for me. Teach me to open my heart wide to the gentle indwelling of Christ. May He, too, find in me a place of warmth, purity, and love. Through your intercession, may I be drawn ever deeper into the Heart of Jesus, and become a living tabernacle of His presence. Amen.

Nicky Verna, Copyright 2025