Devotion to
the
SACRED HEART
OF JESUS
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The Daily Offering to the
Sacred Heart of Jesus
O Jesus, through the
Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my prayers, works, joys, and suffering of
this day in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world. I
offer them for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart: the salvation of
souls, reparation for sins, the reunion of all Christians; I offer them for
the intentions of our Bishops and of all Apostles of Prayer and in particular
for those recommended by our Holy Father this month.
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Traditional
Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart
Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down
upon us humbly prostrate before Thy altar. We are Thine, and Thine we wish to
be; but to be more surely united with Thee, behold each one of us freely
consecrates himself today to Thy most Sacred Heart. Many indeed have never
known Thee; many too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee. Have mercy
on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart. Be Thou
King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee, but also
of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee; grant that they may quickly
return to their Father's house lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be
Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord
keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so
that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd. Be Thou King of all
those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism, and
refuse not to to draw them all into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Thine
eyes of mercy towards the children of that race, once Thy chosen people: of
old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Savior; may It now
descend upon them, a laver of redemption and of life. Grant, O Lord, to Thy
Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to
all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry:
"Praise be to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to It be
glory and honor for ever." Amen. |
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Act of
Contrition and Sorrow
My adorable and dearest Jesus, behold at Thy feet a
person who has caused so much sorrow to Thine amiable heart. O my God, how
could I wound Thy heart, which hath loved me so much, and has spared nothing
to make Itself loved by me? But console Thyself, I will say to my Savior, for
my heart, having been wounded with Thy grace and most holy love, now feels
regret for the offenses that I have committed against Thee. Please give me,
my Jesus, the sorrow for my sins which Thou hast felt for them in Thy life!
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the sorrow Thy Son felt for my sins. I ask Thee
to give me a great sorrow for the offenses I have committed against Thee so
that I may live a life that no longer despises Thy friendship. My Lord Jesus, from this day forward, give
me a horror of sin, that I may despise even the slightest faults, considering
that they displease Thee. My beloved Lord, I now detest everything that
displeases Thee, and in the future I will love only Thee, and love only that
which Thou lovest. Oh help me, give me the strength, give me the grace to
call upon Thee constantly, O my Jesus, and always to repeat to Thee this
petition: My Jesus, give me Thy love, give me Thy love, give me Thy love. Most holy Mary, obtain for me the grace to pray to thee
continually and to say to thee, O my Mother, make me love Jesus Christ. |
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Prayer
of Trust in the Sacred Heart
In all my temptations, I place my trust in Thee, O
Sacred Heart of Jesus. In all my weaknesses, I place my trust in Thee, O
Sacred Heart of Jesus. In all my difficulties, I place my trust in Thee, O
Sacred Heart of Jesus. In all my trials, I place my trust in Thee, O Sacred
Heart of Jesus. In all my sorrows, I place my trust in Thee, O Sacred Heart
of Jesus. In all my work, I place my trust in You, O Sacred Heart
of Jesus. In every failure, I place my trust in Thee, O Sacred
Heart of Jesus. In every discouragement, I place my trust in Thee, O
Sacred Heart of Jesus. In life and in death, I place my trust in Thee, O
Sacred Heart of Jesus. In
time and in eternity, I place my trust in Thee, O Sacred Heart of Jesus. |
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Prayer
to the Sacred Heart for Perseverance
by
St. Gertrude the Great and adopted by St. Alphonsus Liguori O
Sacred Heart of Jesus, living and
life-giving fountain of eternal life, infinite treasure of the
Divinity, and glowing furnace of love, Thou art my refuge and my sanctuary. O adorable and glorious Savior, consume my heart with that burning fire that ever inflames Thy Heart. Pour down on my soul those graces which
flow from Thy love. Let my heart be so united with Thine that our wills may be one, and mine may in all things be conformed to Thine. May Thy Will be the rule of both my
desires and my actions. |
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From the CATHOLIC BOOK OF PRAYERS With Nihil Obstat AND Imprimatur EDITED BY FR. M. FITZGERALD OFM Catholic Book Publishing Text taken from: http://www.catholictradition.org/sacred-heart3a.htm This site is used to promote
spiritual enlightenment and for religious and educational purposes only without any
commercial interest whatsoever or profit of any kind. |
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THE LITANY OF THE SACRED
HEART
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ,
graciously hear us. God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on
us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on
us. God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on
us. Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Formed by the Holy Ghost in the womb of
the Virgin Mother, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Substantially united to the Word of
God, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Of Infinite Majesty, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Holy Temple of God, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Burning Furnace of charity, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Vessel of Justice and love, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Full of goodness and love, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Abyss of all virtues, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Most worthy of all praises, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, In Whom are all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, In Whom dwelleth all the fulness of the
Divinity, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, in Whom the Father is well pleased, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Of Whose fullness we have all received,
Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Desire of the everlasting hills, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Patient and abounding in mercy, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Rich unto all who call upon Thee, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Fountain of life and holiness, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Atonement for our sins, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Filled with reproaches, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Bruised for our offenses, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Made obedient unto death, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Pierced with a lance, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Source of all consolation, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Our Life and Resurrection, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Our Peace and Reconciliation, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Victim for our sins, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Salvation of those who hope in Thee, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Hope of those who die in Thee, Have mercy on
us. Heart of Jesus, Delight of all the Saints, Have mercy on
us. Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O
Lord. Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously
hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on
us. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Make our
hearts like unto Thine. Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Thine
most-beloved Son, and upon the praises and satisfaction He offers Thee in the
name of sinners; and appeased by worthy homage, pardon those who implore Thy
mercy, in Thy Great Goodness in the name of the same Jesus Christ Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world
without end. Amen. |
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Devotion
to the Sacred Heart Of Jesus
"When I was on pilgrimage in 1986 to
the tomb of Margaret Mary, I asked, in the spirit of what has been handed
down in the Church, that veneration of the Sacred Heart be faithfully
restored. For it is in the Heart of Christ that the human heart learns to know
the true and unique meaning of its life and destiny; it is in the Heart of
Christ that the human heart receives its capacity to love." Pope John Paul II. |
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Novena
Preceding the Feast of the Sacred Heart
To all the faithful who devoutly participate at a public
novena held in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, whether this exercise is to
be held immediately before the Feast or at another time of the year, is
granted: Indulgence of 10 years each day. -- Plenary, if they were present at
least five times at these exercises, after Confession, Communion, and a
prayer for the intention of that the Pope will be in full accord with God's
holy will for His Church. To those, however, who perform privately these pious
exercises with the intention to do so nine consecutive days, is granted:
Indulgence of 7 years, once a day. -- Plenary, on the usual conditions, for
the complete novena, if they are hindered by any reasonable cause from
performing these exercises in public.
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Novena
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I
adore Thee, I love Thee and with a lively sorrow for my sins, I offer Thee
this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to
Thy will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in Thee and for Thee. Protect me
in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions; give me health of body,
assistance in my temporal needs, Thy blessing on all that I do, and the grace
of a holy death. Within Thy Heart I place my every care. In every need let me
come to Thee with humble trust saying, Heart of Jesus help me. (Indulgence
of 500 days) http://www.truecatholic.org/sacredheart.htm |
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Indulgenced
Ejaculations
Merciful Jesus, I consecrate myself today and always to Thy
Most Sacred Heart. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus I implore, that I may ever
love Thee more and more. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy love for
me. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like
unto Thine. Sacred Heart of Jesus Thy Kingdom Come. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the
dying, deliver the Holy Souls in Purgatory. |
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EFFICACIOUS
NOVENA TO
THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
I.
O my Jesus, You said
"verily I say to You, ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall
find, knock and it shall be opened to you", behold I knock, I seek and I
ask for the grace of ... Our
Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father. Sacred Heart of Jesus I put all my
trust in Thee. II.
O my Jesus, You said,
"verily I say to You, whatsoever you shall ask the Father in My name, He
will give it to you, behold in your name I ask the Father for the grace of... Our Father,
Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put all my trust
in Thee III.
O my Jesus, You said,
"verily I say to You, heaven and earth shall pass away but My words
shall not pass away", behold I encouraged by your infallible words, now ask
for the grace of... Our
Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I put all
my trust in Thee. O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
to whom one thing alone is impossible, namely, not to have compassion on the
afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we
ask of Thee through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your and our
tender Mother. Say
the Salve Regina and add, St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us. P.S. - This novena prayer was
recited every day by Padre Pio for all those who recommended themselves to
his prayers. |
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"Sacred
Heart of Jesus, I place all
my trust in
you."
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Solemnity
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Friday, June 27, 2003
This
special feast set aside to honor the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is a
tribute to the devotion to the Sacred Heart which illustrates Christ's love,
divine and human for all his children symbolized in His Own physical Heart.
It is also a symbol of His Divine Triune Love where Jesus shares with the Father,
Holy Spirit and through the Son, with mankind, manifesting this love so
that He became man, subjecting Himself to the weakness of man so that we
could have life and have it more abundantly (cf. John 10:10) for Colossians
2: 9 sums it up, "For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead
bodily, and in Him Who is the Head of every Principality and Power you have
received of that fullness." Devotion to His Sacred Heart can be
traced to many mystics over the years beginning with Saint Bernard of
Clairvaux in the 12th Century then Saints Bonaventure and Gertrude
in the 13th Century, followed by Saint Frances of Rome in the 15th
Century and Saint Francis de Sales, Saint John Eudes and Saint
Margaret Mary Alocoque in the 17th Century. It was the latter who
received apparitions and locutions while in prayer before the Blessed
Sacrament that gave the greatest impetus to this devotion and passed down the
Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart. This led to the
establishment of the Nine First Friday devotion which promises final
penitence to those who receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine
consecutive months. |
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Jesus Help Me
In every need, let me come to You with humble trust, saying: Jesus, help me! In all my doubts, perplexities, and temptations: Jesus, help me! In hours of loneliness, weariness, and trials Jesus, help me! In failures, disappointments, troubles, and sorrows: Jesus, help me! When others fail me, and I need Your grace: Jesus, help me! When I am impatient and my cross irritates me: Jesus, help me! Always, in spite of my weakness, falls and shortcomings of every kind: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, help me and never forsake me. |
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The image of the Sacred Heart originated in 1673 when Saint
Margaret-Mary Alacoque introduced the devotion to the Church, after Christ
asked her to venerate an image of his heart of flesh in reparation for the
world's indifference or hostility to his love and mercy. The devotion to the
Sacred Heart can be the Catholic answer to having a personal allegiance to
Jesus. |
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The
Meaning of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Image
According to Saint Margaret Mary's Diary, "After
that I saw this divine Heart as on a throne of flames, more brilliant than the
sun and as transparent as crystal. It had Its adorable wound and was
encircled with a crown of thorns,… It was surmounted by a cross…" The flames coming from His Heart show the
intensity of His Love and His burning desire to be loved in return. Around His Heart is a crown of thorns
signifying that His immense love for man had been the cause of all His
suffering… The wound in His Heart was made by the
lance of Longinus and signifies that He is hurt by sin, especially mortal
sin. Above the flames is a cross showing that
His Love for us was so great that He died for us and "from the very
first moment of His Incarnation, that is to say, when His Heart was formed,
the cross was planted in it, and from that moment on, it was filled with all
the bitterness caused by the humiliations, poverty, sorrows, and contempt
which His Sacred Humanity had to suffer during the course of His life in His
Passion." All of the symbols - the heart, the thorns, the wound,
and the flames are reminders of His love: "See, O see how much I love
you…" |
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History
of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Devotion to the Sacred Heart, as we know it, began about
the year 1672. On repeated occasions, Jesus appeared to Saint Margaret Mary
Alacoque, a Visitation nun, in France, and during these apparitions He
explained to her the devotion to His Sacred Heart, as He wanted people to
practice it. he asked to be honored in the symbol of His Heart of flesh; he
asked for acts of reparation, for frequent Communion, Communion on the First
Friday of the month, and the keeping of the Holy Hour. When the Catholic Church approved the
devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she did not base her action only on
the visions of Saint Margaret Mary. The Church approved the devotion on its
own merits. There is only one Person in Jesus, and that Person was at the
same time God and Man. His Heart, too, is Divine -- it is the Heart of God. There are two things that must always be
found together in the devotion to the Sacred Heart: Christ's Heart of flesh
and Christ's love for us. True devotion to the Sacred Heart means devotion to
the Divine Heart of Christ insofar as His Heart represents and recalls His
love for us. In honoring the Heart of Christ, our
homage lingers on the Person of Jesus in the fullness of His love. This love
of Christ for us was the moving force of all he did and suffered for us -- in
Nazareth, on the Cross, in giving Himself in the Blessed Sacrament, in His
teaching and healing, in His praying and working. When we speak of the Sacred
Heart, we mean Jesus showing us His Heart, Jesus all love for us and all
lovable. Jesus Christ is the incarnation of God's
infinite love. The Human Nature, which the Son of God took upon Himself, was
filled with love and kindness that has never found an equal. He is the
perfect model of love of God and neighbor. Every day of His life was filled with
repeated proofs of "Christ's love that surpasses all knowledge"
(Eph 3:19). Jesus handed down for all time the fundamental feature of His
character: "Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me, for I am
meek and humble of Heart" (Mt 11:29). He invited all, refusing none,
surprising friends and rivals by His unconditional generosity. The meaning of love in the life of Jesus
was especially evident in His sufferings. Out of love for His Father He
willed to undergo the death of the Cross. "The world must know that I
love the Father and do just as the Father has commanded Me" (Jn 14:31).
The love that Jesus bore toward us also urged Him to undergo the death of the
Cross. At the Last Supper, He said, "There is no greater love than to
lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn 15:13) The Heart of Jesus never ceases to love us in heaven. He sanctifies us through the Sacraments. These are inexhaustible fountains of grace and holiness, which have their source in the boundless ocean of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. |
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Act of
Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
I give myself and consecrate to
the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, my person and my life, my actions,
pains and sufferings, so that I may be unwilling to make use of any part of
my being other than to honor, love and glorify the Sacred Heart. This is my
unchanging purpose, namely, to be all His, and to do all things for the love
of Him, at the same time renouncing with all my heart whatever is displeasing
to Him. I therefore take You, O Sacred heart, to be the only object of my
love, the guardian of my life, my assurance of salvation, the remedy of my
weakness and inconstancy, the atonement for all the faults of my life and my
sure refuge at the hour of death. Be then, O Heart of goodness, my
justification before God the Father, and turn away from me the strokes of his
righteous anger. O Heart of love, I put all my confidence in You, for I fear
everthing from my own wickedness and frailty, but I hope for all things from
Your goodness and bounty. Remove from me all that can displease You or resist
Your holy will; let your pure love imprint Your image so deeply upon my
heart, that I shall never be able to forget You or to be separated from You. May I obtain from all Your loving kindness
the grace of having my name written in Your Heart, for in You I desire to
place all my happiness and glory, living and dying in bondage to You. Amen Saint
Margaret Mary Alacoque
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The
Promises of Our Lord to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in favor of those who
are devoted to His Sacred Heart
1. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of
life. 2. I will establish peace in their houses. 3. I will comfort them in all their afflictions. 4. I will be their secure refuge during life and, above all, in
death. 5. I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings. 6. Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and the infinite
ocean of mercy. 7. Tepid souls shall grow fervent. 8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection. 9.
I will bless every place
where a picture of My Sacred Heart shall be set up and honored. 10. I will give to Priest the gift of touching the most hardened
hearts. 11. Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names
written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.
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from
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque's vision of Jesus
Look at this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men
do not want to love Me in return. Through you My divine Heart wishes to
spread its love everywhere on earth." |
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from
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque's vision of Jesus
The sacred heart of Christ is an
inexhaustible fountain and its sole desire is to pour itself out into the
hearts of the humble so as to free them and prepare them to lead lives
according to his good pleasure. From this
divine heart three streams flow endlessly. The first is the stream of mercy for
sinners; it pours into their hearts sentiments of contrition and repentance.
The second is the stream of charity which helps all in need and especially
aids those seeking perfection in order to find the means of surmounting their
difficulties. From the third stream flow love and light for the benefit of
his friends who have attained perfection; these he wishes to unit to himself
so that they may share his knowledge and commandments and, in their
individual ways, devote themselves wholly to advancing his glory. This divine
heart is an abyss
filled with all blessings, and into the poor should submerge all their needs.
It is an abyss of joy in which all of us can immerse our sorrows. It is an
abyss of lowliness to counteract our foolishness, an abyss of mercy for the
wretched, an abyss of love to meet our every need. Are you
making no progress in prayer? Then you need only offer God the prayers which
the Savior has poured out for us in the sacrament of the altar. Offer God his
fervent love in reparation for your sluggishness. In the course of every
activity pray as follows: "My God, I do this or I endure that in the
heart of your Son and according to his holy counsels. I offer it to you in
reparation for anything blameworthy or imperfect in my actions."
Continue to do this in every circumstance of life. But above all
preserve peace of heart. This is more valuable than any treasure. In order to
preserve it there is nothing more useful than renouncing your own will and
substituting for it the will of the divine heart. In this way his will can
carry out for us whatever contributes to his glory, and we will be happy to
be his subjects and to trust entirely in him. from a letter by Saint Margaret
Mary Alacoque |
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The
Devotion To The Sacred Heart Explained
"478
Jesus knew and loved us each and all during his life, his agony and his
Passion, and gave himself up for each one of us: "The Son of God. . .
loved me and gave himself for me." He has loved us all with a human
heart. For this reason, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced by our sins and
for our salvation, "is quite rightly considered the chief sign and
symbol of that. . . love with which the divine Redeemer continually loves the
eternal Father and all human beings" without exception. " Catechism of the Catholic Church. "The worship, although paid to the Heart of Jesus,
extends further than the Heart of flesh, being directed to the love of which
this Heart is the living and expressive symbol." Catholic
Encyclopedia. The month of June, as all Catholics know, is the month
of the Sacred Heart. During it the Church urges the faithful to special zeal
in the worship of the Heart of our Saviour, considered as a part of His
sacred Humanity and as the emblem of His infinite love. Saint
Margaret Mary Alacoque.
Homage paid to the Heart of Jesus is mentioned by
spiritual writers as early as the twelfth century; but it was practised to a
very limited extent until a little more than two hundred years ago. A humble
and holy French nun, the saintly Margaret Mary Alacoque, within the space of
a religious life of only nineteen years, instituted a devotion which bids
fair to last forever. She became the apostle of the beautiful and now
universal worship of the loving Heart of our Blessed Saviour. She was born in the village of Lhautecour,
in France, in the year 1647, and lived until 1690. After a childhood
remarkable for sanctity, she entered the community of the Visitation nuns at
Paray-le-Monial in 1671. Here she lived a life of mortification and prayer,
and in return for her fidelity and fervor our Divine Lord is said to have
[granted] her a privilege which He has frequently given to other holy souls.
He appeared to her on several occasions; and in one of these visions He
showed her His Heart, pierced with a wound, encircled with a crown of thorns,
surrounded by flames and surmounted by a cross - as we see it usually
represented in pictures and statues at the present day. He commanded her to
practise and to teach others the devotion to His Sacred Heart, because of His
ardent desire to be loved by men and His wish to give to all mankind the
treasures of His love and mercy. The pious nun sought the counsel of her
superiors, and the account of her visions was received at first with
incredulity. All her actions and her teachings were subjected to a most
severe examination, and it was long before any approval was given to the
devotion which she was endeavoring to establish. But the will of God cannot
be opposed. The devotion spread rapidly through France, and was gradually
established in other parts of the world. It did not at first receive the
approbation[i.e. official approval] of the Holy See, for our Church is
cautious in giving her sanctions to anything that savors of novelty in
religion, and makes a long and careful scrutiny before she recommends a new
devotion to her children. In 1794, however, Pius VI issued a decree approving
the devotion to the Sacred Heart and granting indulgences to those who
practice it. The Feast of the Sacred
Heart.
Attempts had been made, in 1697 and in 1729, to have a
day set apart in honor of the Sacred Heart, but on both occasions the
proposal was rejected by the Roman Congregation of Rites. In 1765, however, a
number of churches were permitted to celebrate this feast, and in 1856 this
permission was extended to the whole world, and the feast was fixed on the
day after the festival of Corpus Christi, in the month of June. In 1889,
under Leo XIII, the day was raised to a higher rank in the Church's calendar,
and all mankind was solemnly consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On
account of the importance of this great June festival, the whole month of
June is considered as being specially devoted to the worship of the Sacred
Heart. Margaret Mary Alacoque was pronounced
Venerable by Leo XII in 1824, and was honored with the title of Blessed by
Pius IX in 1864. Through her intercession many miracles have been performed,
especially at the place of her burial; and on account of these and of the
great devotion which she established, her name has been placed on the
calendar of the Church's Saints, and her virtues will be henceforth venerated
by all Catholics. She was declared a Saint by Pope Benedict XV in 1920. Why We Adore the Sacred
Heart.
Let us examine into the reasonableness of this devotion.
Are we obliged to believe the account of the visions of Margaret Mary? No. We
are not obliged to believe anything supernatural except the truths that God
has revealed to be accepted by all. This is a point that is nearly always
misunderstood by non-Catholics. Because we Catholics practise a devotion
which was established by a woman who claimed to have had a vision, they
regard us as votaries [followers] of superstition and our Church as a
promoter of fanciful ideas, not reflecting that, even though the vision might
be false, the devotion might be true. The Catholic Church does not assert
that the French nun really saw our Blessed Lord; neither does she oblige us
to believe it. She merely declares that the devotion to the Sacred Heart of
Jesus is not only not opposed in any way to divine revelation, but that it is
an excellent form of worship; and she recommends it to her children, urges
them to make use of it, and grants spiritual favors to those who do so. We shall state briefly the Catholic
doctrine regarding the worship of the Sacred Heart. It is not a mere relative
homage, such as we give to holy things or to holy persons. It is not the
higher form of religious veneration, such as we pay to the Blessed Mother of
God. It is supreme adoration, because it is paid to the physical Heart of
Christ, considered not as mere flesh, but as united to the Divinity. We
Catholics adore that Heart as the Heart of Christ, an inseparable part of
Him. All the members of Christ are or may be the object of divine worship,
because they are a part of His human nature and are thereby united to the
Divine Nature of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. But why is the Heart of Jesus selected as
the object of this special adoration? Because His real and physical Heart is
a natural symbol of the infinite charity of the Saviour and of His interior
and spiritual life. The heart is a vital organ which, as it throbs within us,
is part of our existence. It has always been looked upon as an emblem,
sometimes of courage, sometimes of one's whole interior nature, but oftener
of love. How often we hear such expressions as "Be of good heart,"
meaning "Have courage"; " He opened his heart to me,"
meaning " He told me all his secrets "; and our Lord Jesus, in
asking our love, made the request in these words, "Son, give me thy
heart." We see, then the reasonableness of taking the Sacred Heart of
our Saviour as an object of our worship, not only because it is a part of
Him, but because it symbolizes His love for all mankind. From early times the Five Wounds of our
Lord were venerated as the symbol of His Passion, and this devotion received
the approbation of the Church. In like manner, in these later days, she has
seen fit to sanction and recommend the worship of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and to urge her children to offer their homage to that symbol of our
Saviour's love, wherewith "He has loved us even to the end." A Symbol of Love.
We must remember, then, that while this devotion is
directed to the material Heart of our Blessed Lord, it does not stop there.
It includes also a spiritual element - namely, the infinite love of Jesus for
us, which is recalled and symbolized by His Sacred Heart. There is no devotion that has been
extended throughout the Catholic world in so short a time. This means of
realizing and honoring the all-embracing love of our Blessed Saviour would
seem to have filled a long-felt want in the hearts of the devout faithful... The First Fridays.
One of the greatest factors not only in making the
worship of the Sacred Heart known but in distributing its spiritual benefits
is the " Devotion of the First Fridays." The faithful are exhorted
to receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month for nine months
in succession, by which they may gain a plenary indulgence; and in many
churches and chapels the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place,
either during the whole day or in the evening, and special services are held
in honor of our Eucharistic Lord and especially of His Sacred Heart, the
symbol of His unutterable love for us whom He died to save." Rev. John F.
Sullivan, The Externals of the Catholic Church, Kenedy & Sons
(1917) pp. 243-47. Imprimatur +John Cardnal Farley, Archbishop of NY,
3/27/1918. Text taken
from: http://landru.i-link-2.net/shnyves/expl.devotion_sacred_heart.htm This site is used for spiritual
enlightenment and for religious and educational purposes only without any
commercial interest whatsoever or profit of any kind. |
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Novena to the Sacred Heart
Those who promote this devotion shall have their names
written in My Heart, never to be forgotten Merciful Jesus, I consecrate myself today and always to
Your Most Sacred Heart - make my heart like Your heart |
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Devotion to the Sacred Heart
of Jesus is rooted in our human hearts as we respond in love to the Son of
God made man. It is a beating of our hearts in union with His. To express that love, we can
offer our personal novena, which is reminiscent of the nine First Fridays
which have been so much a part of the devotion to the Sacred Heart.
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First Day Come to Me
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Scripture Reading [Mt. 11:20-30]
Come to Me, all who are weary and find life burdensome,
and I will refresh you. Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and humble of Heart. Your souls will find rest, for My yoke
is easy and My burden light Prayer
With open arms, O Lord, You continue to embrace the
universe. I know I am a small part of that universe. Yet in Your eyes I am
also a very important part. Lord, it is by my surrendering to You and You are
able to bring me closer to Your Heart - the source of all love, compassion
and kindness. Personal Meditation
Pause for Personal Meditation... Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have
mercy on us!
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Second Day Let the Children Come
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Scripture Reading [Lk. 18:15-17]
"They brought children to be
touched by Him. When the disciples saw this, they scolded them. But Jesus
said: 'Let the children com to Me. Do not discourage them. The Kingdom of God
belongs to such as these. Trust Me when I tell you that whoever does not
accept the Kingdom of God as a child will not enter it'." Prayer
O Lord, we are orphans-lost and
alone. But with you we are saved. As I come to you today, Lord, let me
approach You as a child - enthused by Your love of life, in need of guidance
and support. Jesus protect the children of the world, Give me the grace to be an
example of Your love to them. Personal Meditation
Pause for Personal Meditation... Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy
on us!
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Third Day Do Not Be Afraid
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Scripture Reading [Mk. 5:36-47]
"Jesus said to the synagogue
officials: 'Do not be afraid, just have faith' ...then he entered the room
where the dead child was. He took the child by the hand and said: 'Little
girl, I say to you, arise!' The girl arose immediately and they all were
utterly astounded." Prayer
Lord, allow your healing hand
to heal me. Touch my soul with Your compassion for others. Touch my heart
with Your courage and infinite love for all. Touch my mind with Your wisdom,
that my mouth may always proclaim Your praise. Bring me health in body and
spirit that I may serve You with all my strength. Personal Meditation
Pause for Personal Meditation... Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
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Fourth Day I Know My Sheep
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Scripture Reading [Jn. 10:10-14]
"I came that they may have life
and have it to the full. I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd lays down
His life for His sheep... I know My sheep and My sheep know Me." Prayer
Lord, it is written that You
care especially for the lost sheep in this world. Today I place into Your
hands someone I care about deeply (mention a particular person...). To
be lost is terrible feeling, to be unknown and unsure is to live in fear.
With you we have nothing to fear. Let this day, Lord, be another step closer
to Your heart for all of us. Personal Meditation
Pause for Personal Meditation... Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have
mercy on us!
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Fifth Day I Am the Bread of Life
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Scripture Reading [Jn. 6:51]
"I Myself am the living bread come down from heaven. If
anyone eats this bread he shall live forever: the bread I will give is My
flesh, for the life of the world." Prayer
O Lord, Your generosity knows no limits! Your burning
desire to be one with us knows no bounds! You gave of Yourself in Bethlehem,
in Galilee, at Calvary. In the gift of our Eucharist You continue to give of
Yourself day in and day out. Today I ask You, Lord, to forgive my
selfishness, my pettiness, my sins. Help me live like You lived - a life
lived for others, filled with the fullness of grace. Personal Meditation
Pause for Personal Meditation... Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have
mercy on us!
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Sixth Day Your Will Be Done
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Scripture Reading [Mt. 26:37-39]
"Jesus said to His disciples:
'My heart is nearly broken with sorrow. Remain here and stay awake with Me.'
He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer. 'My Father, if it is
possible, let this cup pass Me by. Still, Your will be done, not mine." Prayer
O Lord, You were no stranger
to sorrow, to the loss of family and dear friends. You even knew the fear of
death. Why, Lord, did you face such trials? Was it so You could understand me
in my times of trial? Lord, I offer You my suffering today; do with it as You
will, for it is a powerful gift. It is Yours, Lord; let it be my way of
saying "I love You." Personal Meditation
Pause for Personal Meditation... Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have
mercy on us!
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Seventh Day They Came to Jesus
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Scripture Reading [Jn.
19:33-34]
"When they came to Jesus and
saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. One of the
soldiers pierced His side with a lance, and immediately blood and water
flowed out." Prayer
Lord, it is only because of
the foolishness of Your cross that life makes sense. You abandoned Your own
life to teach me what really matters. How I strive after foolish things and
use people rather than love people. You died the shameful death on the cross
to teach us the joyful lesson in life. Today, Lord, give me the courage to
love what is important and to forsake all that is self-serving and deceitful. Personal Meditation
Pause for Personal Meditation... Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have
mercy on us!
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Eighth Day My Lord and My God
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Scripture Reading [Jn.
20:26-28]
"Jesus came and stood before
the disciples. 'Peace be with you,' He said; then to Thomas: 'Take your
finger and examine My hands. Put your hand into My side. Do not persist in
your unbelief, but believe!' Thomas responded: 'My Lord and My God'." Prayer
Lord, if only we believed
fully in You. Our Holy Father's motto is 'I am all Yours.' Help me believe
that You are every answer to every problem, that You are everywhere to guide,
strengthen, encourage and lead. Yes, I believe in You, but my faith is often
weak. In times of trial I doubt You and in times of joy I forget You. In the
patience of Your Heart, Lord, continue to reveal Yourself to me everywhere. Personal Meditation
Pause for Personal Meditation... Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have
mercy on us!
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Ninth Day He Shall Dwell With Them
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Scripture Reading [Rev. 21:1-4]
"Then I saw a new heaven and a
new earth... This is God's dwelling among people. He shall dwell with them
and they shall be His people and he shall be their God who is always with
them. He shall wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more
death or mourning, crying or pain, for the former world has passed
away." Prayer
O Lord, how often I wonder
where life will lead. Where am I going - how will it end? Life ends where
life began - with You, Lord. You said of Yourself: "I am the Alpha and
the Omega, the beginning and the end;." I am Yours, Lord - yesterday,
today and forever. I am Yours. Lord forgive my past, bring light and peace to
my present, and prepare me with a generous heart for the future. I know you
will be there for me, My Lord and My God. Personal Meditation
Pause for Personal Meditation... Our Father... Hail Mary... Glory Be... Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
AMEN
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June 27 |
SACRED HEART OF JESUS — Solemnity |
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Seasons
of the Liturgical Year
The seasons of the liturgical year begin with Advent,
a time of preparation for the Christmas season. The Christmas
season celebrates the birth of Jesus (on December 25) and continues until the
Baptism of Our Lord. This is followed by the first of two periods of Ordinary
Time, which continues until Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the
beginning of the season of Lent, a time of penitence leading to the Paschal
Triduum after the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday. The Triduum is
the three days before Easter. Easter Sunday marks the start of the Easter
season, which continues as a time of celebration until Pentecost Sunday.
Pentecost Sunday marks the start of the second period of Ordinary Time,
which continues until the Advent season begins again. |
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Holy
Days of Obligation
Holy days of obligation are special feasts on which
Catholics who have reached the age of reason are seriously obliged to assist
at Mass and avoid unnecessary work. |
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Feasts,
Memorials, Commemorations and Solemnities
These are days, which the Church has set aside as having
special meaning. There are several types of celebrations. Some are events in
the life of Christ. Some are days dedicated to a particular saint. There are
three types of feast days. Optional Feasts are not universally
celebrated. Holy Days of Obligation are days on which Catholics are
required to attend Mass. All other celebrations are celebrated, but Catholics
are not obligated to attend.
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Reach
Out To Jesus
Is your burden heavy as you
bare it all alone? Does the road you travel,
harbor dangers yet unknown? Are you growin' weary in the
struggle of it all? Jesus will help you when on
His name you call. He's always there hearing
every prayer, faithful and true Walking by our side, in His
love we hide all the day through When you get discouraged just
remember what to do Reach out to Jesus, He's
reaching out to you. Is the life you're living
filled with sorrow and despair? Does the future press you
with it's worry and it's care? Are you tired and famished,
have you almost lost your way? Jesus will help you, just talk to Him today. |
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Words and
Music by Ralph Carmichael Music: Reach Out To Jesus, sung by Elvis Presley
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The music is purely for your listening pleasure only, without
any commercial interest whatsoever or profit of any kind. Titles have
copyright by their respective artists and record companies. Graceland, Elvis, and Elvis Presley
are trademarks of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. |
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Thanks to
for the graphics on this page. |
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Please take a minute and sign my guestbook to let me know
you were here.
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