What Is the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a profound and enduring symbol within the Catholic Church, representing the immense love and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a special form of devotion to Jesus—the focus being his Heart, which exemplifies our Lord’s redemptive suffering for the whole world. Explore the history, significance, and devotion associated with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Discover the great benefit of paying homage to the Love of Jesus represented by his Heart of flesh.
Origins and Early Devotion to the Sacred Heart
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus began in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, but became more prominent through our Lord’s private revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the seventeenth century. Between 1673 and 1675, St. Margaret Mary, a nun in the Visitation Convent at Paray-le-Monial, France, received several visions of Jesus. In these visions, Christ revealed his Heart as a symbol of his boundless love for humanity and emphasized the need for people to return his love through devotion and prayer
How Is Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Practiced?
Devotion to the Sacred Heart includes various practices aimed at paying homage to Jesus. One popular devotion is the First Friday Devotion, where Catholics receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months, as Jesus requested to St. Margaret Mary. This practice makes reparations for the sins committed against the Heart of Christ and enables us to grow closer to him. Jesus promised St. Margaret Mary that he will grant twelve special and powerful graces to the devout soul who completes the nine first Fridays.
What Are the Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart?
- “I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.”
- “I will establish peace in their families.”
- “I will comfort them in their trials.”
- “I will be their secure refuge during life, and, above all, in death.”
- “I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.”
- “Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.”
- “Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.”
- “Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.”
- “I will bless every place where a picture of my Heart shall be set up and honored.”
- “I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.”
- “Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart, never to be effaced.”
- “I promise you, in the excessive mercy of my Heart, that my all-powerful love will grant, to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; my Heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.”