Did you know that the month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus just as May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary? Devotion to the wounded heart of Jesus has its origins in the eleventh century, but it was not until 1670 when a French priest, Fr. Jean Eudes, celebrated the first Feast of the Sacred Heart. It was just around that time that a very devout sister by the name of Margaret Mary Alacoque began to report visions of Jesus. He appeared to her often, and in December 1673, he permitted Margaret Mary to rest her head upon His heart. As she experienced the comfort of his presence, Jesus told her of his great love and explained that he had chosen her to make his love and his goodness known to all.

The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is especially concerned with something the Church acknowledges, teaches and holds dear: the long-suffering love and compassion of the heart of Christ towards humanity. Since the Church is always careful in approving a private apparition or devotion, the feast was not established as an official feast for all of France until 1765.

On May 8, 1873, the devotion to the Sacred Heart was formally approved by Pope Pius IX; and 26 years later – on July 21, 1899 – Pope Leo XIII highly recommended that all bishops throughout the world observe the feast in their dioceses. Today, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart is celebrated throughout the world on the Friday following the Feast of Corpus Christi.

Many of us grew up with a picture or other image of the Sacred Heart in our homes. They were handed down through the family from one generation to the next and treasured by all as a constant reminder of Jesus’ love for us.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.