ALL SAINTS: A Month of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Month of the Sacred Heart refers to the Catholic tradition of dedicating the month of June to the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Various devotions are typically celebrated during this month.

"June: Embracing the Sacred Heart"

The month of June falls within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope mirrors the sprouting seed, inspiring the faithful with the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, particularly the hope of a glorious resurrection. Green is utilized in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time, emphasizing the ongoing growth and maturation of faith in the Christian journey.

The Holy Father's Intentions for June 2024:

For migrants leaving their homes: We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger and violence, find welcome and new opportunities in the countries that receive them. (See also Apostleship of Prayer)"`

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The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is a widely practiced Catholic devotion, where Jesus's heart symbolizes God's boundless love for humanity. It's celebrated in the Catholic Church, Anglicanism, and some Western Rite Orthodox churches, with a solemnity observed in the Latin Church on the third Friday after Pentecost. The devotion emphasizes Christ's enduring love and compassion for humanity, with roots tracing back to figures like Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century and earlier mystics such as Gertrude the Great in the Middle Ages.

The Sacred Heart in Christian Art: Symbolism and Representation

The Sacred Heart is commonly portrayed in Christian art as a flaming heart radiating divine light, often pierced by the lance-wound, surrounded by the crown of thorns, topped with a cross, and bleeding. Sometimes, the image depicts the Sacred Heart shining within Christ's bosom, with his wounded hands pointing towards it. The wounds and crown of thorns symbolize Christ's suffering during his passion, while the flames signify a furnace of fervent love.

Historical Context of Devotion

Historically, the devotion to the Sacred Heart is an outgrowth of devotion to what is believed to be Christ's sacred humanity. During the first ten centuries of Christianity, there is nothing to indicate that any worship was rendered to the wounded Heart of Jesus. The revival of religious life and the zealous activity of Bernard of Clairvaux and Francis of Assisi in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, together with the enthusiasm of the Crusaders returning from the Holy Land, gave rise to devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ and particularly to practices in honour of the Sacred Wounds.

Development in Monasteries

Devotion to the Sacred Heart developed out of the devotion to the Holy Wounds, in particular to the Sacred Wound in the side of Jesus. The first indications of devotion to the Sacred Heart are found in the eleventh and twelfth centuries in the fervent atmosphere of the Benedictine or Cistercian monasteries. It is impossible to say with certainty what were its first texts or who were its first devotees.

Influence of Bernard of Clairvaux

Bernard of Clairvaux (d. 1153) said that the piercing of Christ's side revealed his goodness and the charity of his heart for humanity. The earliest known hymn to the Sacred Heart, "Summi Regis Cor Aveto," is believed to have been written by the Norbertine Herman Joseph (d. 1241) of Cologne, Germany. The hymn begins: "I hail Thee kingly Heart most high."

Expansion of the Devotion

From the 13th to the 16th centuries, the devotion was propagated but it did not seem to have been embellished. It was everywhere practiced by individuals and by different religious congregations, such as the Franciscans, Dominicans, and Carthusians. Among the Franciscans, the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has its champions in Bonaventure (d. 1274) in his Vitis Mystica ("Mystic Vine") and John de la Verna. Bonaventure wrote: "Who is there who would not love this wounded heart? Who would not love in return Him, who loves so much?" It was, nevertheless, a private, individual devotion of the mystical order. Nothing of a general movement had been inaugurated, except for similarities found in the devotion to the Five Holy Wounds by the Franciscans, in which the wound in Jesus's heart figured most prominently.

Bonaventure's Theological Contribution

Bonaventure's Opusculum 3, Lignum vitae (a part from which is the reading for the Divine Office on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart) refers to the heart as the fountain from which God's love poured into one's life:

"Take thought now, redeemed man, and consider how great and worthy is he who hangs on the cross for you. His death brings the dead to life, but at his passing heaven and earth are plunged into mourning and hard rocks are split asunder. It was a divine decree that permitted one of the soldiers to open his sacred side with a lance. This was done so that the Church might be formed from the side of Christ as he slept the sleep of death on the cross, and so that the Scripture might be fulfilled: 'They shall look on him whom they pierced'. The blood and water, which poured out at that moment, were the price of our salvation. Flowing from the secret abyss of our Lord's heart as from a fountain, this stream gave the sacraments of the Church the power to confer the life of grace, while for those already living in Christ it became a spring of living water welling up to life everlasting."

Lutgarde

According to Thomas Merton, Lutgarde (d. 1246), a Cistercian mystic from Aywieres, Belgium, was one of the early pioneers of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Living in the same era as Francis of Assisi, she had a mystical vision of the pierced Heart of the Savior, culminating in a profound spiritual union with Christ through an exchange of hearts. Christ visited Lutgarde, offering her any grace she desired. She initially asked for a better understanding of Latin to better comprehend and praise God's word. Christ granted this, but Lutgarde soon felt an emptiness. She returned to Christ, asking if she could exchange this gift for something else. When Christ asked what she wanted in exchange, she replied, "Lord, I would exchange it for your Heart." Christ then replaced her heart with his own, hiding her heart within his breast.

Mechtilde

Mechtilde of Helfta (d. 1298) was a fervent devotee of Jesus' heart, inspired by numerous visions. The concept of hearing God's heartbeat was crucial to medieval saints who promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart. Mechtilde recounted a vision where Jesus commanded her to love him ardently and to honor his Sacred Heart in the Blessed Sacrament as much as possible. He gave her his heart as a token of his love, a place of refuge during her life, and as her comfort at the hour of her death. This vision sparked an intense devotion in Mechtilde, who claimed that the blessings and favors she received through this devotion were so numerous that a large book would be needed to record them all.

Gertrude

Gertrude the Great was an early devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Book 2 of the "Herald of Divine Love" (Latin: "Legatus divinæ pietatis") vividly describes Gertrude's visions, which show a considerable elaboration on the previously ill-defined veneration of Christ's heart. Bernard of Clairvaux articulated this in his commentary on the "Song of Songs." The women of Helfta, including Gertrude, who knew Bernard's commentary, and to a somewhat lesser extent the two Mechthildes, experienced this devotion centrally in their mystical visions.

In the 16th century, the devotion transitioned from the realm of mysticism into that of Christian asceticism. It was established as a devotion with prayers and special exercises, found in the writings of Lanspergius of the Carthusians of Cologne, the Benedictine Louis de Blois, Abbot of Liessies in Hainaut, John of Avila, and Francis de Sales.

The historical record from that time shows an early promotion of the devotion. Ascetic writers, especially those of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), spoke of it. The image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was widespread, largely due to Franciscan devotion to the Five Wounds and the Jesuits placing the image on the title pages of their books and the walls of their churches.

Polish Jesuit Kasper Drużbicki (1590–1662) was the first to establish the theological basis for the devotion in his book "Meta cordium – Cor Jesu" ("The goal of hearts – Heart of Jesus"). Not long after, John Eudes wrote an office and promoted a feast for it. John Eudes is regarded as a tireless apostle of the devotion of the Sacred Hearts, entitling him as "Father," doctor, and apostle of the liturgical cult of the hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Gradually, the devotion to the Sacred Hearts became distinct. On 31 August 1670, the first feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was celebrated in the Grand Seminary of Rennes. Coutances followed on October 20. The feast soon spread to other dioceses and various religious communities, eventually merging with the devotion begun by Margaret Mary Alacoque at Paray-le-Monial.

Margaret Mary Alacoque

Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690), a nun of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, is the most significant source for the modern devotion to the Sacred Heart. She claimed to have received apparitions of Jesus Christ in the Burgundian French village of Paray-le-Monial, the first on 27 December 1673, the feast of Saint John the Evangelist, and the final one 18 months later. These visions revealed the form of the devotion, emphasizing the reception of Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month, Eucharistic adoration during a "Holy hour" on Thursdays, and the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart. In her vision, she was instructed to spend an hour every Thursday night meditating on Jesus' Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

During the octave of Corpus Christi in 1675, probably on June 16, Jesus appeared in what is known as the "great apparition," saying: "Behold the Heart that has so loved men. [...] Instead of gratitude I receive from the greater part (of humankind) only ingratitude," and asked Margaret Mary for a feast of reparation on the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi. He directed her to consult her confessor, Claude de la Colombière, then superior of the small Jesuit house at Paray-le-Monial.

De la Colombière directed her to write an account of the apparition, which he discreetly circulated in France and England. After his death on 15 February 1682, his journal of spiritual retreats was found to contain a copy of Margaret Mary's account, along with his reflections on the devotion. This journal was published in Lyon in 1684 and widely read, especially at Paray-le-Monial. Despite feeling "dreadful confusion" over the book's contents, Margaret Mary approved of it for spreading her cherished devotion. Along with the Visitandines, priests, religious, and laymen, particularly the Capuchins, espoused the devotion, with the reported apparitions serving as a catalyst for its promotion.

Devotions

Feast of the Sacred Heart: The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a significant observance in the liturgical calendar of the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church. Formally known as the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, it falls on the Friday following the second Sunday after Pentecost. This day, which occurs in June, is a time to honor and celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus, marking the love and compassion of Christ for humanity.

Prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: During the month of June, communities and individuals often consecrate or renew their consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This act of consecration is a solemn commitment to entrust oneself entirely to the loving care and guidance of Jesus Christ.

Litanies of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: In June, it is common for litanies of the Sacred Heart to be recited as part of devotional practices. These litanies, which are prayers consisting of a series of invocations, express profound adoration and reverence for the theological significance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Saint John Paul II emphasized the importance of these litanies in deepening one's spiritual connection to the Sacred Heart during a general audience in June 1979.

"Symbols of the Sacred Heart of Jesus"

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a powerful and widely recognized symbol in Christianity, representing Jesus Christ's love, compassion, and mercy for humanity. Here are some key symbols associated with the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

Heart: The central symbol of the Sacred Heart is, of course, the heart itself. It represents Jesus Christ's immense love for humanity, often depicted as a flaming heart surrounded by a crown of thorns and emitting light or rays. This symbolizes Jesus' burning love for all people, even amidst suffering and sacrifice.
Cross: The cross is often depicted behind or within the Sacred Heart, representing Jesus' sacrifice and redemption for humanity through His crucifixion. It serves as a reminder of the central event of Christian faith and the source of salvation for believers.
Crown of Thorns: Encircling the Sacred Heart, the crown of thorns represents the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ during His crucifixion. It symbolizes His willingness to endure pain and humiliation out of love for humanity and serves as a reminder of His ultimate victory over sin and death.
Flames: The flames emanating from the Sacred Heart symbolize the burning love of Jesus Christ for humanity. They represent the intense passion and fervor of His love, which consumes and transforms hearts, bringing warmth, light, and renewal to those who embrace His love.
Blood: Sometimes depicted flowing from the Sacred Heart, Jesus' blood symbolizes His sacrifice and atonement for the sins of humanity. It serves as a reminder of the price paid for redemption and the forgiveness of sins through Jesus' death on the cross.
Crossed Arms: In some depictions of the Sacred Heart, Jesus' arms are crossed over His chest, symbolizing His embrace of humanity and His invitation to all to come to Him for love, healing, and salvation.
Radiant Light: Often depicted surrounding the Sacred Heart, radiant light symbolizes Jesus' divine glory and presence. It represents His holiness, purity, and the illuminating power of His love, which dispels darkness and brings hope to the world.

"The Three Pillars of Sacred Heart Devotion: Communion, First Fridays, and Holy Hour"

These symbols of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are rich with meaning and serve as powerful reminders of Jesus Christ's love, compassion, and redemption for all humanity.

The three main practices of the Sacred Heart devotion are:

Receiving Communion frequently: Devotees are encouraged to receive the Eucharist frequently as a way of drawing closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and receiving the graces promised by Him.
First Fridays: This practice involves going to Confession and receiving the Eucharist on the first Friday of each month for nine consecutive months. By fulfilling this devotion, believers seek to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and obtain the graces of final repentance as promised by Christ.
Holy Hour: Eucharistic Adoration for one hour on Thursdays is another central practice of the Sacred Heart devotion. During this time, believers spend an hour in prayer and contemplation before the Blessed Sacrament, expressing their love and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Additionally, the celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart is an important aspect of the devotion, providing believers with an opportunity to honor and venerate the Sacred Heart of Jesus in a special way. Through these practices, devotees seek to deepen their relationship with Christ and grow in holiness by conforming their hearts to His Sacred Heart.

The Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary

During her apparitions, Jesus bestowed these twelve promises upon Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque for those devoted to His Sacred Heart:

I will grant them all the graces needed for their particular state in life.
I will establish harmony within their families.
I will provide consolation in all their afflictions.
They will discover in My Heart a safe haven, both in life and especially at the moment of death.
I will shower abundant blessings upon all their endeavours.
Sinners will find in My Heart an inexhaustible fountain of mercy.
Lukewarm souls will be ignited with fervour.
Zealous souls will swiftly advance toward great perfection.
I will bestow blessings upon the households where an image of My Heart is revered.
I will empower priests to soften the most hardened hearts.
Those who spread this devotion will have their names inscribed in My Heart, never to be erased.
The unfailing love of My Heart will grant the grace of final repentance to all who receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months. They will not depart in My disfavour or without receiving the sacraments, and My Heart will be their secure refuge in their final hour.

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17th Century: Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque receives visions of Jesus Christ, during which He imparts twelve promises to her for those devoted to His Sacred Heart.
Late 17th Century: Saint Margaret Mary shares these promises with her confessor, Saint Claude de la Colombière, who encourages her to write them down.
1765: Pope Clement XIII officially institutes the feast of the Sacred Heart for some places on February 6th.
19th Century: The devotion to the Sacred Heart expands, culminating in the popular devotion on June 16, 1875, when the Archbishop of Paris, Cardinal Guibert, lays the first stone of the basilica of the Sacred Heart of Montmartre.
1898-1899: Mary of the Divine Heart, a religious sister, claims to receive messages from Christ, requesting the consecration of the world to the Sacred Heart. Pope Leo XIII consecrates the entire world to the Sacred Heart in response.
20th Century: The devotion to the Sacred Heart continues to spread globally, with many Catholics embracing the promises and practices associated with it.
21st Century: The Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary remain a significant aspect of Catholic devotion to the Sacred Heart, with believers finding comfort and hope in these assurances of Christ's love and mercy.

The "Sacred Heart of Jesus Miracle Prayer"

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,

Whose compassion knows no bounds,

Look upon us, miserable sinners,

And grant us the grace we seek.

Through the intercession

Of your Sorrowful and Immaculate Mother,

Mary, our tender Mother and advocate,

We humbly beseech you to hear our plea.

In your infinite mercy and love,

Work miracles in our lives,

Heal our afflictions, comfort our sorrows,

And guide us on the path of righteousness.

Sacred Heart of Jesus,

We place our trust in you,

Knowing that with you, all things are possible.

Amen.

The "Sacred Heart of Jesus Miracle Prayer" is a heartfelt invocation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for divine intervention, mercy, and grace. It acknowledges the boundless compassion of Jesus towards the afflicted and appeals for His pity and assistance for those who are suffering or burdened by sin.

The prayer emphasizes the intercessory role of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, whose Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart is invoked as a channel for grace and supplication to her Son. It expresses humility and trust in the Sacred Heart's infinite mercy and love, seeking miracles, healing, comfort, and guidance in times of need.

Overall, this prayer is a powerful expression of faith and reliance on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, believed by devotees to bring about miraculous interventions and blessings in their lives.

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Catholic devotional practice that involves placing an image or statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in a prominent place within a home, institution, or community, and consecrating the space and its occupants to Jesus. This devotion is rooted in the desire to acknowledge Jesus Christ as the King and center of one’s heart, home, and life. It emerged from the revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, where Jesus expressed his desire to be loved and honored through His Sacred Heart.

Key Aspects of the Enthronement

Historical Background:
- The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was popularized by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun, who received private revelations from Jesus in the late 17th century.
- Jesus requested the establishment of the Feast of the Sacred Heart and the spread of this devotion as a means to show His infinite love for humanity.
Purpose:
- To publicly acknowledge Jesus as the King of the household or institution.
- To seek Jesus’ protection and blessings on the family or community.
- To foster a deeper personal and communal relationship with Jesus.
Ceremony:
- Preparation: This often involves prayer, confession, and the reception of the Eucharist by the participants.
- Selection of the Image: An image or statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is chosen for the enthronement.
- Ceremony: Typically led by a priest, but it can also be done by the head of the household if a priest is not available.
  - Opening Prayers: These include specific prayers invoking the presence and blessing of Jesus.
  - Reading from Scripture: Passages that emphasize the love and kingship of Jesus.
  - Act of Consecration: A formal declaration in which the family or community consecrates themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
  - Placement of the Image: The image or statue is placed in a prominent place in the home or institution.
  - Closing Prayers and Blessing: The ceremony concludes with prayers and a blessing.
Commitments:
- Families and individuals commit to living according to the teachings of Jesus.
- Regular prayer and acts of devotion to the Sacred Heart.
- Displaying the image prominently as a constant reminder of Jesus’ presence and kingship.

Benefits and Spiritual Impact

Spiritual Renewal: The enthronement serves as a means for spiritual renewal and deepening of faith within the home or community.
Protection and Blessings: Many believe that the enthronement brings special protection and blessings from Jesus.
Unity and Peace: It fosters unity, peace, and love within families and communities as they collectively focus on Jesus’ love and guidance.

The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus remains a powerful and meaningful devotion for many Catholics, emphasizing the importance of inviting Jesus into every aspect of one’s life and seeking His guidance and protection.

June 2024: Faith through Liturgy and Gospel Reflections

The liturgical focus for the month of June centres around the Gospel readings from the Gospel of Mark. Here's a brief overview:

June 2nd: Corpus Christi Sunday

Gospel: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26
Emphasis on the institution of the Eucharist and Jesus' words about his blood of the covenant.

June 9th: Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mark 3:20-35
Focus on Jesus' teaching about the importance of doing the will of God, emphasizing the unity of believers as a spiritual family.

June 16th: Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mark 4:26-34
Illustration of the growth of the kingdom of God, likened to a mustard seed that grows into a large plant, emphasizing the transformative power of faith.

June 23rd: Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mark 4:35-41
Account of Jesus calming the storm, demonstrating his authority over nature and inspiring faith in his disciples amidst adversity.

June 30th: Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel: Mark 5:21-43
Narrative of Jesus raising Jairus' daughter from the dead, illustrating his power over death and his compassion towards those in need.

Throughout June, the Gospel readings from the Gospel of Mark invite reflection on various aspects of Jesus' ministry, teachings, and miracles, encouraging believers to deepen their understanding of his message and to live out their faith in practical ways.

feasts for June 2024:

Devotions and Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - June

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: This is a solemn act of dedicating oneself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, expressing a desire to live in union with His love and mercy.
Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: A litany is a series of prayers invoking the intercession of Jesus under various titles related to His Sacred Heart.
Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: A nine-day prayer devotion seeking the intercession of the Sacred Heart for various intentions, often prayed in preparation for the Feast of the Sacred Heart.
Sacred Heart Enthronement: This is a special ceremony where families or individuals formally enthrone an image of the Sacred Heart in their home, symbolizing Jesus as the center of their lives.
First Friday Devotions: This devotion involves attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month for nine consecutive months in reparation for offenses against the Sacred Heart.
Prayer for the Grace of Final Perseverance: This prayer seeks the grace to remain faithful to the Sacred Heart of Jesus until the end of our lives.
Offering to the Sacred Heart: A simple prayer offering one's day, works, joys, and sufferings to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for His greater glory and the salvation of souls.

These devotions and prayers have been endorsed by the Church and have a long history of fostering devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus among the faithful.

June Feast Days in the Catholic Liturgical Calendar

June 1st:

Justin, Memorial

June 2nd:

CORPUS CHRISTI, Solemnity

June 3rd:

Charles Lwanga & Companions

June 5th:

Boniface, Memorial

June 6th:

Norbert, Optional Memorial

June 7th: