Sacred Heart of Jesus

The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and today we will begin the novena of it in preparation for this great feast. This devotion is rooted in biblical passages and the teaching of the Church. It became widely known in 1672 that a young girl from France, now known as Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, was visited by Our Lord in such a special and profound way that would transform the world. It was during the many visitations that Christ explained the devotion to the Sacred Heart and how He wanted people to practice it. It reminds us, particularly of His bitter Passion and Death. Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus originated the moment when that Divine Heart was pierced by the lance, the wound remaining forever more upon His Heart. Last but not least, the rays surrounding this precious Heart signify the great graces and blessings which emanate from devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Jesus Made Twelve Promises to Those Who Hold a True Devotion to His Sacred Heart:

1. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.

2. I will give peace in their families and will unite families that are divided.

3. I will console them in all their troubles.

4. I will be their refuge during life and above all in death.

5. I will bestow the blessings of Heaven on all their enterprises.

6. Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.

8. Fervent souls shall rise quickly to great perfection.

9. I will bless those places wherein the image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored and will imprint My love on the hearts of those who would wear this image on their person. I will also destroy in them all disordered movements.

10. I will give to priests who are animated by a tender devotion to my Divine Heart the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.

11. Those who promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart, never to be effaced.

12. THE GREATEST PROMISE - I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate(Receive Holy Communion) on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence: they will not die in My disgrace, nor without receiving their Sacraments. My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.