Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

(from the picture that hangs in our home)

As you probably already know, the month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

It seems hard to believe that in these ultra-modern days and the secularistic society that surrounds us, that traditinal Catholic devotions, like the devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus are being practiced by more and more Catholic families.

What is the history of this devotion?

Well, Jesus appeared to a seventeen year old girl named of Margaret Mary Alacoque. He appeared to her as He was after He had been scourged. Following the apparition of our Lord, Margaret Mary entered the Order of the Visitation.

She had a very strong devotion to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament and she loved Him very much.

Jesus showed her His Sacred Heart in four visions. The flames that are depicted in pictures of Jesus' Sacred Heart are to remind us of his burning love for each and every one of us and of His desire for us to love Him in return.

The crowns of thorn that surround His Sacred Heart are to remind us of sacrifice for the reparation of sin.

Jesus made twelve promises to St. Margaret Mary for those who honored His Sacred Heart.

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

2. I will give peace in their families.

3. I will console them in all their troubles.

4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.
5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.

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

7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.

8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.

9. I will bless the homes in which the image of My sacred Heart shall be exposes and honored.
10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.

11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, and it shall never be effaced.

12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under My displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

Another way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus is have to your home enthroned. When your home is enthroned, you are making Jesus the King of your family.

For more information on these devotions, check out the following:

EWTN's Sacred Hearts Page

Fr. John Hardon's Devotion to the Holy Eucharist Advances Devotion to Jesus' Person


HOME ENTHRONEMENT

EWTN Family Enthronement Ritual

Steve Woods' Beginning a Men's Apostolate with Home Enthronements of the Sacred Heart

(Brief history of the Sacred Heart is by Father Lovasik)