Sacred Heart Rainbows

 

A Sign from Heaven: Rainbows After Consecrating America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus 

On June 11, 2026, the bishops of the United States gathered to solemnly consecrate our nation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus — a historic act entrusting America to Christ's boundless love and mercy as we approach the 250th anniversary of our independence.

The very next day, on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, Fr. Richard, pastor of St. John Chrysostom and St. Thomas Aquinas parishes in the Bronx, led a local consecration. A beautiful rainbow appeared right over St. Thomas Aquinas Church — where the late Bishop Francisco Garmendia once served as pastor.

St. Thomas Aquinas in the Bronx was my home parish. It is where I received my sacraments, served as Master of Ceremony for the bishop, youth minister, altar server leader, pro-life director for the parish and the South Bronx Vicariate, director for evangelization, catechist, and assistant director of religious education. Seeing this sign over that beloved church filled my heart with gratitude and awe.

The rainbow is a powerful symbol in Scripture. In Genesis, after the flood, God set His bow in the clouds as a sign of His covenant with Noah and all creation — a promise of mercy, that He would never again destroy the earth with water (Genesis 9:12-17). It reminds us of God's faithfulness, His justice tempered with compassion, and His desire for peace with humanity.

How fitting a link to the Sacred Heart! The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the ultimate sign of God's New Covenant — the Heart pierced for love of us, from which blood and water flowed as the fountain of mercy and new life. Just as the rainbow arches across the sky as a bridge between heaven and earth, the Incarnate Word bridges the gap between God and man. The rainbow's colors reflect the beauty and diversity of creation redeemed by Christ's love; the Sacred Heart burns with that same divine love, inviting every soul into friendship with Him.

These rainbows feel like a gentle confirmation from Heaven: our nation, our parishes, and our lives are being entrusted to the One whose Heart never fails. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus reign in our country, in our families, and in every heart. 

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! 🇺🇸❤️‍🔥🌈

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June: The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – A Profound Invitation to Love, Reparation, and Eucharistic Union

June: The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – A Profound Invitation to Love, Reparation, and Eucharistic Union

Dear friends in Christ, as we enter the beautiful month of June, the Church invites us to immerse ourselves in one of the most tender and powerful devotions in the Catholic tradition: the Sacred Heart of Jesus. June has long been dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord, a devotion that calls us to contemplate the infinite love of God made flesh, a love that beats eternally for each one of us. This month is not merely a calendar observance but a spiritual journey into the very core of Christ's humanity and divinity, where we encounter the burning furnace of charity that is His Heart.

The Feast of the Sacred Heart falls on the Friday following the second Sunday after Pentecost, often closely connected to Corpus Christi, underscoring the profound link between the Heart of Jesus and the Holy Eucharist. In this long reflection, we will explore the history, theology, scriptural foundations, patristic teachings, and practical applications of this devotion, with a special emphasis on how it draws us deeper into the mystery of the Blessed Sacrament – the real, substantial presence of Christ, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. May this month transform our hearts to resemble His.

 The Historical Roots and Development of the Devotion

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has ancient roots, traceable to the early Church's meditation on the pierced side of Christ from which blood and water flowed (John 19:34). However, it blossomed more explicitly in the Middle Ages through saints like St. Gertrude the Great and St. Mechtilde, who experienced mystical unions with the Heart of Christ.

The modern form of the devotion, however, was entrusted to the world through St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690), a Visitation nun in Paray-le-Monial, France. Between 1673 and 1675, Our Lord appeared to her multiple times, revealing His Heart aflame with love, encircled by thorns, surmounted by a cross, and wounded by human indifference. In one pivotal apparition, Jesus said: "Behold this Heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming Itself, in order to testify Its love; and in return, I receive from the greater part only ingratitude, by their irreverence and sacrilege, and by the coldness and contempt they have for Me in this Sacrament of Love."

This explicit connection to the Eucharist is central. Jesus appeared often during Eucharistic adoration or preparation for Communion. He requested the establishment of a feast in honor of His Heart on the Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi, emphasizing reparation for offenses against the Sacrament of His Love. Pope Pius IX extended the feast to the universal Church in 1856, and the entire month of June gradually became associated with intensified devotion, with roots traceable to around 1790.

Popes have championed this devotion vigorously. Pope Leo XIII, in his 1899 encyclical Annum Sacrum, consecrated the entire human race to the Sacred Heart, calling it a "great act" for the salvation of the world. He wrote that the Sacred Heart is the "symbol and sensible image of the infinite love of Jesus Christ." Pope Pius XI further developed this in Miserentissimus Redemptor (1928), stressing reparation. These teachings remind us that honoring the Heart is not sentimentalism but a dogmatic response to divine love manifested in the Incarnation and perpetuated in the Eucharist.

 Theological Depth: The Sacred Heart as Symbol of Divine Love

The Sacred Heart represents the totality of Christ's person – His divine love united to a human heart. As the Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy explains, it denotes "the entire mystery of Christ, the totality of his being, and his person considered in its most intimate essential: Son of God, uncreated wisdom; infinite charity."

Scripture richly supports this. In the Old Testament, we see foreshadowings. The Psalmist cries, "My heart is like wax, it is melted within my breast" (Psalm 22:14), prophetically describing the suffering Messiah. Ezekiel promises a new heart: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26). This finds fulfillment in Christ.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself invites us: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart" (Matthew 11:28-29). At the Last Supper, the beloved disciple John reclines on Jesus' breast (John 13:23), listening to the heartbeat of God. On the Cross, the soldier's lance pierces His side: "one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water" (John 19:34). The Fathers saw this as the birth of the Church and the sacraments, especially Baptism and Eucharist, flowing from the Heart.

St. John further records Jesus' words: "If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, 'Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water'" (John 7:37-38). This living water is the Holy Spirit, but also points to the Eucharistic grace poured forth from Christ's Heart.

The Sacred Heart, therefore, is not a detached symbol but the font from which the Eucharist springs. The Eucharist is the "Sacrament of Love," as Jesus called it to St. Margaret Mary – His Heart given entirely to us. In every Mass, Christ renews the self-gift of Calvary, offering His Heart pierced for love. Eucharistic miracles, such as Lanciano, where the Host became flesh identified as heart tissue, underscore this reality.

 The Holy Eucharist: The Supreme Expression of the Sacred Heart

The connection between the Sacred Heart and the Holy Eucharist is inseparable. Jesus' revelations to St. Margaret Mary occurred in the context of the Blessed Sacrament. He complained of coldness and sacrileges against the Eucharist and asked for First Friday Communions and Holy Hours of reparation as remedies.

Theologically, the Eucharist is the extension of the Incarnation. In the Incarnation, the Word took a human Heart; in the Eucharist, that same Heart – now glorified – is truly present under the species of bread and wine. As one reflection notes, "Devotion to the Sacred Heart and Eucharistic devotion are inseparable... The Eucharist stems from his heart." Christ longs to eat the Passover with us (Luke 22:15), fulfilling this in the Mass.

Church teaching echoes this. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1323) calls the Eucharist "the source and summit of the Christian life," mirroring how the Sacred Heart is the source of all graces. Pope St. John Paul II and others have promoted Eucharistic adoration as a direct encounter with the Heart of Jesus. In adoration, we gaze upon the veiled Heart that beats with love, hidden yet real.

To emphasize: receiving Holy Communion is receiving the Sacred Heart. It is not symbolic but substantial. The accidents of bread and wine remain, but the substance is Christ – His Heart included in the hypostatic union. This union transforms us, as St. Augustine heard Christ say, "I am the food of the mature... Grow and you shall eat me. You will not change me into yourself, but I will change you into me." Our cold hearts become like His through frequent, worthy reception.

 Teachings of the Church Fathers on the Heart, Love, and Eucharist

The early Church Fathers, though not using the exact term "Sacred Heart," laid the foundation through their profound Eucharistic realism and contemplation of Christ's love.

St. Ignatius of Antioch (d. c. 107), in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans, affirms: "The Eucharist is the flesh of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, who suffered for our sins." He links it to the unity of the Church, flowing from Christ's sacrificial love – the love of His Heart.

St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165) describes the Eucharist in his First Apology: "We do not receive these things as common bread or common drink; but... the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word... is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh." This real presence is the gift of the Heart that loved us unto death.

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202) in Against Heresies teaches that the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, nourishing us for resurrection. He sees the Eucharist as the recapitulation of creation in Christ's obedient love – the love symbolized by His Heart. "Our opinion is in accordance with the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn establishes our opinion."

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386) in his Mystagogical Catecheses exhorts: "Do not regard the Bread and the Wine as simply that; for they are, according to the Master's declaration, the Body and Blood of Christ. For even though the senses suggest this to you, let faith establish you." He connects this to the pierced side and the outpouring of grace.

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430) beautifully integrates love and the Eucharist: "The Eucharist is our daily bread... Christ is both the One who eats and the One who is eaten." In his Tractates on John, he reflects on the pierced side as the door to the sacraments. Augustine's emphasis on charity – love – flows directly from contemplating Christ's self-giving Heart in the Sacrament.

St. John Chrysostom (c. 347–407) preached: "When you see the Lord immolated and lying upon the altar, and the priest bent over that sacrifice... think that you are present at the Last Supper." He urges reverence for the Eucharist as the ultimate act of divine love.

These Fathers teach us that the Eucharist is no mere memorial but the living memorial of the Heart of Christ, wounded yet triumphant. Their realism counters any spiritualization that would diminish the devotion.

 Practices for the Month of June: Living the Devotion

To live this month fruitfully:

1. Daily Consecration and Litany: Begin each day with the Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart and pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart.

2. First Fridays: Attend Mass and receive Communion on the First Friday, making reparation as requested.

3. Eucharistic Adoration: Spend time in Holy Hours, contemplating the Heart hidden in the Tabernacle.

4. Enthronement: Enthrone an image of the Sacred Heart in your home, making it the King of your family.

5. Acts of Reparation: Offer sacrifices for offenses against the Eucharist and the Heart.

6. Scriptural Meditation: Daily read passages like John 19, Matthew 11, and John 6 (the Bread of Life discourse).

7. Charity: Perform works of mercy, as love of the Heart manifests in love of neighbor.

These practices foster intimacy with Christ. As Jesus promised to St. Margaret Mary, they bring graces: peace in families, consolation in afflictions, and final perseverance.

 Deeper Reflections: Why This Matters Today

In a world of hardened hearts, division, and secularism – where June is often co-opted for other causes – reclaiming it for the Sacred Heart is prophetic. The Heart of Jesus burns with mercy for sinners, healing for the wounded, and fire for the lukewarm. The Eucharist, source of this grace, counters isolation with communion.

Consider the promises: "I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life... I will establish peace in their families... I will console them in all their troubles." These flow from the Heart that knows our struggles.

The Fathers and saints urge us onward. St. Thomas Aquinas, though later, synthesized: the Eucharist perfects charity. Earlier, Origen and others meditated on the "wound of love" in Christ's side. We are called to enter that wound, as St. Margaret Mary was invited.

Let us not be among those who offer only ingratitude. Instead, respond with total gift. Consecrate your life, family, and nation anew to the Sacred Heart. In the Eucharist, let your heart beat in unison with His.

 Conclusion: A Call to Eucharistic Hearts

As June unfolds, may the Sacred Heart of Jesus inflame our souls. Through the intercession of St. Margaret Mary, the Blessed Virgin Mary (whose Immaculate Heart is united to His), and all the saints, let us draw near to the Tabernacle. There, the same Heart that was pierced on Calvary waits – patient, loving, eager to transform us.

The month of the Sacred Heart is an invitation to fall in love again with the God who first loved us (1 John 4:19). In the Holy Eucharist, we receive this love without measure. "Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Make our hearts like unto Thine."

May this devotion renew the Church and the world in these challenging times. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, make our hearts like Yours. Amen.

 References

- Holy Bible (various translations, esp. RSVCE, NABRE).

- Annum Sacrum, Pope Leo XIII (1899).

- Writings of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.

- Miserentissimus Redemptor, Pope Pius XI.

- Catechism of the Catholic Church.

- Church Fathers: Ignatius, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Augustine, Cyril of Jerusalem, John Chrysostom (as cited from collections like EWTN and New Advent).

- Wikipedia and Catholic Culture overviews on the Month of the Sacred Heart (for historical context).

- Various pastoral articles from diocesan sites and EWTN.

All citations drawn from reliable Catholic sources. For deeper study, consult the original papal documents and patristic texts.

Dilexit Nos - He Loved Us: The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Pope Francis and the Message of "Dilexit Nos"Pope Francis has once again reached out to the hearts of the faithful with his latest encyclical, "Dilexit Nos." This document, which translates to "He Loved Us," draws its inspiration from Romans 8:37, emphasizing the unwavering love of Christ that nothing can separate us from. 

This encyclical marks Pope Francis' fourth, following his previous works that have addressed issues ranging from faith and the environment to social fraternity in a world facing pandemics and conflicts.

"Dilexit Nos" is a call for a renewed understanding of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially pertinent in our modern era filled with digital advancements and complex social challenges. It's been nearly 70 years since an encyclical focused on the Sacred Heart, and Pope Francis' words aim to connect this timeless devotion to contemporary issues, including the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and the digital age.

The encyclical is not just a theological treatise but also a profound reflection on human and divine love. It explores the nature of Jesus' heart as a symbol of love that is both merciful and hopeful. These themes are not new to Pope Francis' teachings, as they have been central to his message during the special Jubilee of Mercy in 2016 and the upcoming Jubilee of 2025. "Dilexit Nos" serves as a reminder that mercy and hope are inseparable from the infinite love that Jesus has for humanity.

The release of "Dilexit Nos" has been met with anticipation and enthusiasm by Catholics and other Christian denominations worldwide. It offers guidance and inspiration for those seeking to deepen their faith and understanding of Jesus' teachings. The encyclical encourages believers to reflect on the love of Christ and how it can transform lives, urging a compassionate approach to the challenges of our time.

The encyclical "Dilexit Nos" by Pope Francis is a profound document that delves into the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus Christ. Here are the key points summarized from the encyclical:

1. The Importance of the Heart: The encyclical begins by discussing the significance of the heart as a symbol of Jesus Christ's love. It addresses the need to rediscover the importance of the heart in an age of superficiality and consumerism, where deeper meanings of life are often overlooked.

2. Historical Perspective of the Heart: It provides a historical context of the heart, tracing back to classical Greek understanding, where the heart is seen as the inmost part of human beings, reflecting the soul and spirit. The document emphasizes the heart as the locus of sincerity and truth about ourselves.

3. The Heart in Scripture: "Dilexit Nos" explores the biblical perspective of the heart, highlighting its role as the core that lies hidden beneath all outward appearances. It is the place where true intentions and desires reside, and where important decisions take shape.

4. The Heart of Jesus: The encyclical reflects on the nature of Jesus' heart as a symbol of love that is merciful and hopeful. It invites believers to reflect on this love and how it can transform lives, urging a compassionate approach to the challenges of our time.

5. Love as a Missionary Impulse: Pope Francis discusses love as a driving force for missionary work, emphasizing the need for acts of reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the role of saints in spreading this devotion.

6. The Wounded Heart of Christ: The document talks about the wounded heart of Christ as a source of peace and unity, offering healing for a divided world. It calls on Catholics to rediscover the love and compassion found in the heart of Jesus Christ.

"Dilexit Nos" is a call to action for believers to deepen their faith and understanding of Jesus' teachings. It serves as a reminder of the enduring love that anchors our faith and encourages a life transformed by divine love. For those seeking to explore the full depth of Pope Francis' message, the encyclical is available through official Vatican resources.

"Dilexit Nos," Pope Francis' encyclical, addresses contemporary challenges by presenting a spiritual framework that emphasizes the importance of the heart in an increasingly fragmented world. Here are some ways the encyclical engages with modern issues:

1. The Superficiality of Modern Life: The encyclical critiques the superficial nature of today's society, where people often rush from one activity to another without understanding the deeper meaning of their actions. It calls for a rediscovery of the heart's importance as a counter to the insatiable consumerism and market mechanisms that disregard our lives' deeper significance.

2. Technology and Consumerism: Pope Francis discusses the "liquid society" dominated by technology and consumerism. He suggests that the spirituality of the Sacred Heart can provide a vital response to these challenges, offering a principle of unity in a world that seems to have lost its heart.

3. Ethical Implications of Artificial Intelligence: The encyclical touches on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and the digital age. It implies that the devotion to the Sacred Heart can guide us in navigating the complexities of these advancements, ensuring that technology serves humanity's true good.

4. Social Fragmentation and Division: "Dilexit Nos" addresses the issue of social fragmentation by proposing Christ's heart as a source of peace and unity. It offers a path based on love and mutual understanding rather than the logic of force, which is particularly relevant in the face of conflicts and socio-economic disparities.

5. Global Challenges: The document is presented as a spiritual response to global challenges, including wars and conflicts in places like Ukraine and the Holy Land. It advocates for a path of love and reconciliation as opposed to confrontation and aggression.

6. The Role of the Church: By releasing the encyclical during the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis emphasizes the Church's role in addressing contemporary challenges. The document underscores the importance of personal spirituality and communal missionary commitment in responding to the needs of the modern world.

"Dilexit Nos" is a call to action for individuals and communities to engage with the world's challenges through the lens of divine love. It encourages believers to reflect on the love of Christ and to let this love transform their approach to the problems of our time. The full text of the encyclical (Dilexit nos (24 October 2024) | Francis), which further elaborates on these themes, is available through official Vatican resources.

 

The Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Immaculate Heart of Mary: A Symbol of Love and Devotion

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is a profound symbol within the Roman Catholic tradition, representing the pure and loving heart of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This devotion reflects on the interior life of Mary, her joys, sorrows, virtues, and perfections, and most importantly, her love for God, her son Jesus Christ, and all humanity.

The depiction of Mary's heart is often illustrated as being pierced with seven swords, symbolizing the seven dolors or sorrows that Mary experienced. It is also adorned with roses, which may be red or white, symbolizing her purity and martyrdom. The veneration of the Immaculate Heart is similar to that of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, yet it holds its unique place as it emphasizes Mary's love for Jesus and God and her role in uniting humanity with the divine.

The history of this devotion can be traced back to scriptural references, particularly in the Gospel of Luke, where it is mentioned that Mary kept all things in her heart, pondering over them. This scriptural basis lays the foundation for the veneration of Mary's heart, as it is seen as a vessel of her profound contemplation and love.

The aim of the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is to unite humankind to God through Mary's heart, involving the ideas of consecration and reparation. This means that through Mary's heart, believers seek to offer themselves and the world to God, seeking forgiveness for sins and striving to live a life of virtue in imitation of Mary's purity and love.

Over the centuries, saints and theologians have reflected on the significance of Mary's heart, leading to the development of practices and prayers dedicated to the Immaculate Heart. These practices often involve acts of consecration, where individuals, families, groups, and even nations consecrate themselves to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, seeking her intercession and protection.

The devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is not just a call to venerate an image or symbol but to emulate the virtues and love that the heart represents. It is a call to live a life of grace, purity, and selfless love, following the example of Mary, who was full of grace and completely devoted to the will of God.

Practicing Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a spiritual journey that invites individuals to deepen their relationship with Mary and through her, with Jesus Christ. This devotion is rich with tradition and encompasses various practices that can be incorporated into daily life. Here are some ways to practice this devotion:

1. Consecration to the Immaculate Heart: Consecration involves dedicating oneself to Mary's Immaculate Heart as a way of uniting with her love for Jesus and humanity. This act of devotion is a commitment to follow Mary's example of perfect obedience to God's will.

2. The Five First Saturdays Devotion: This practice involves attending Mass, receiving Communion, praying the Rosary, and spending 15 minutes meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary on the first Saturday of five consecutive months. The devotion is a response to the requests made by the Virgin Mary during the apparitions at Fatima.

3. Wearing the Brown Scapular: The scapular is a sacramental that signifies the wearer's dedication to Mary and her protection. It is a symbol of the wearer's commitment to live a Christian life and often accompanies the practice of daily prayer and devotion.

4. Daily Rosary: Praying the Rosary is a central aspect of Marian devotion. It is a meditative prayer that contemplates the life of Jesus through the eyes of Mary. It serves as a daily reminder of Mary's love and intercession.

5. Marian Feasts: Participating in the celebration of Marian feasts throughout the liturgical year is a way to honor Mary. These feasts commemorate significant events in Mary's life and her role in salvation history.

6. Acts of Reparation: Making acts of reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary is a way to express sorrow for offenses and seek to make amends through prayer, sacrifices, and penances.

7. Imitation of Mary's Virtues: Striving to imitate the virtues of Mary, such as her humility, purity, and obedience, is a practical way to live out this devotion in everyday life.

8. Spiritual Reading: Engaging in spiritual reading about Mary's life and her role in the Catholic faith can provide deeper insights and inspiration for living out this devotion.

9. Meditation and Contemplation: Spending time in meditation and contemplation on the life of Mary, her joys, sorrows, and her loving heart can foster a closer spiritual connection.

10. Community Involvement: Joining a community or group dedicated to Marian devotion can provide support and encouragement in practicing this devotion.

These practices are not exhaustive but offer a framework for anyone seeking to cultivate a deeper devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is a personal journey that can be tailored to fit individual spiritual needs and capacities. The essence of this devotion is to grow in love for Mary, and through her, to grow in love for Christ.

In conclusion, the Immaculate Heart of Mary stands as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for the faithful. It encourages a deeper relationship with God through the example of Mary's love and devotion. As the world faces various challenges, the Immaculate Heart of Mary reminds us of the power of pure love and the importance of keeping faith at the center of our lives.

June - Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

June is the month of the sacred heart of Jesus

June is a special month for Catholics, as it is dedicated to the sacred heart of Jesus. The sacred heart is a symbol of Jesus' love, mercy, and compassion for humanity. It also represents his suffering and sacrifice on the cross for our salvation.

The devotion to the sacred heart has a long history in the Church, dating back to the visions of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century. She saw Jesus showing her his heart, surrounded by thorns and flames, and saying: "Behold this heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming itself, in order to testify its love."

Jesus asked St. Margaret Mary to spread the devotion to his heart and to make reparation for the sins and ingratitude of people who do not love him in return. He also promised many graces and blessings to those who honor his heart, especially by receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month, and by consecrating themselves and their families to his heart.

The feast of the sacred heart is celebrated on the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi, which falls in June. This year, it will be on June 23. On this day, we can renew our devotion to the heart of Jesus, and thank him for his infinite love for us. We can also pray for the conversion of sinners, and for peace and justice in the world.

Some ways to celebrate the month of the Sacred Heart are:

- Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart or the Chaplet of the Sacred Heart every day.

- Display an image of the sacred heart in your home, and have it blessed by a priest.

- Enroll yourself and your family in the Apostleship of Prayer, which is a worldwide network of prayer for the intentions of the Pope and the Church.

- Make a holy hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, and meditate on the mysteries of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

- Offer up your joys and sorrows, your work and leisure, your successes and failures to the heart of Jesus, and ask him to unite them with his own.

- Practice acts of charity and mercy towards others, especially those who are in need or suffering.

- Ask the intercession of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Claude de la Colombiere, St. John Eudes, St. Faustina Kowalska, and other saints who had a special devotion to the sacred heart.

The month of June is a great opportunity to grow closer to the heart of Jesus and to experience his love more deeply in our lives. Let us pray that we may always remain faithful to his heart and that we may share his love with others.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most popular devotions in the Catholic Church.  Since the early days of the Church, God's love has always been preached, prayed and meditated upon.  

The devotion spread even more quickly when St. Margaret Mary Alacoque had her visions of Jesus and more promotion came about.  The first Fridays of every month are dedicated to devotion to the Sacred Heart.  

The Heart of Jesus burns with love and passion for all of human kind.  God is love!

Memorare to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Remember, O most kind Jesus, that none who have had recourse to Your Sacred Heart, implored its assistance, or called for mercy, have ever been abandoned.  Filled, and animated by this same confidence, O divine Heart, Ruler of all hearts, I fly to You, and oppressed  beneath the weight of my sins, I prostrate myself before You.  Despise not Your unworthy child, but grant me, I pray, an entrance into Your Sacred Heart.  Sustain me in all my combats and be with me now, and at all times, but especially in the hour of my death.  0 gracious Jesus!  0 amiable Jesus!  0 loving Jesus!

[Reparation for the neglect of the majority of Catholics who have left our Lord alone and abandoned on the altar, never visited, is a key feature of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Following are a number of very beautiful Acts of Reparation to the Sacred Heart, not generally known, which can form a part of one's daily prayer life, particularly when before the Blessed Sacrament.]

Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O Jesus, divine Savior, deign to cast a look of mercy upon Your children, who assemble  in the same spirit of faith, reparation, and love, and come to deplore their own infidelities, and those of all poor sinners, their brethren.

May we touch Your divine Heart by the unanimous and solemn promises we are about to make and obtain mercy for ourselves, for the world, and for all who are so unhappy as not to love You.  We all promise that for the future:

For the forgetfulness and ingratitude of men, *(We will console you O Lord)For the way You are deserted in Your holy tabernacle,For the crimes of sinners,For the hatred of the impious,For the blasphemies uttered against You,For the sacrileges that profane Your Sacrament of Love, For the outrages against Your divinity,For the injuries of which You are the adorable Victim,For the coldness of the greater part of your children,For the contempt of your loving invitation,For the infidelity of those who called themselves Your friends,For the abuse of Your grace, For our own unfaithfulness,For the incomprehensible hardness of our hearts,For our long delay in loving You,For our tepidity in Your holy service,For Your bitter sadness at the loss of souls,For Your long waiting at the door of our hearts,For the heartless scorn that grieves You, For Your loving sighs,For Your loving tears,For Your loving imprisonment,For Your loving death,

* We will console you, 0 Lord

Let us pray

0 Jesus!  divine Savior, from whose Heart comes forth this bitter complaint, "I looked for one that would comfort me, and I found none," graciously accept the feeble consolation we offer You, and aid us so powerfully by your grace, that we may, for the time to come, shun more and more all that can displease You, and prove ourselves in everything, and everywhere, and forever Your most faithful and devoted servants.  We ask it through Your Sacred Heart, O Lord, who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit  one God, world without end.  Amen.