Let's talk about the heart of Jesus
This great devotion began in 1673, thanks to the visions of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, who was chosen by Jesus to be the messenger of his Sacred Heart.
Delving deeper into devotion, let's highlight some important aspects. The word "heart" appears 148 times in the New Testament; Jesus presents himself as salvation and a model of perfection: "Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Mt 11:29).
There are two acts of this devotion : love and reparation . Love, for all that loves us; and reparation for the slander and sacrileges it receives, especially in the Eucharist.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart has a biblical foundation illuminated by the love of Jesus; and one of the characteristics of this love is that it has no limits. In fact, the evangelist John, throughout his Gospel, presents this Christological dimension, stating: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn 15:13). When we contemplate the image of the Sacred Heart, we contemplate the love of God, an infinite love that embraces everything, a boundless love that overcomes every difficulty, a love that holds nothing back. Jesus loved us to the extreme, even giving his life for us.
Did you know that…
- The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated on the Friday following the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. Liturgically, its purpose is to teach us that the Eucharist is none other than the Heart of the Lord.
- Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has occupied a central place in the life of the Church.
- Pope Pius IX, in 1856, extended the celebration of the solemnity of the Sacred Heart to the universal Church and consecrated it to his protection on June 16, 1875.
- Pope Benedict XV canonized Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, the mystic nun, to whom the Sacred Heart revealed its great mysteries.
- In the encyclical Haurietis Aquas , on the cult of the Sacred Heart, Pope Pius XII established his dogmatic doctrine and recognized its devotion as the heritage of the universal Church.
- Today, Pope Francis has sought to recover the mercy and tenderness present in the Heart of Jesus.
- The “DETENTE” is the popular image of the Sacred Heart that the Lord revealed to Saint Margaret Mary with the written phrase: “DETENTE, the Heart of Jesus is with me.” The people have given it the title of protection for those who carry it.
To adore the Sacred Heart of Jesus means to adore Christ in his entirety, the God made man who in his infinite love shed his blood for our salvation. Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a living testimony of love, so that, following Jesus' example, we too may experience God's love in our lives.
To learn more about the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we invite you to purchase the book: "30 Days of Preparation for the Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus." You will find more about the history and importance of this devotion and the step-by-step process for consecrating yourself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, uniting your life to Him and living in His love.
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