In the 17th Century, Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and showed her His Heart on fire with love for her and for all humanity. Though consecrated through an anointing with Sacred Chrism at her Baptism, and consecrated through her profession of religious vows, she made a further act of dedication to Jesus. In doing so, she declared that she wanted Jesus to be the King and Center of her heart and she drew an image of Jesus’ Heart on a piece of cloth which she pinned under her clothing and next to her heart.
Since then, others – religious communities, parishes, dioceses, and nations (the first of which was Ecuador in 1874) – have made a formal consecration of themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In 1899 Pope Leo XIII consecrated the entire world, for which Jesus shed His Precious Blood and died, to the Sacred Heart, an act that he called “the greatest act” of his pontificate.
The United States is celebrating its 250th birthday and for the occasion our Bishops consecrated the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They did so as “a way to recognize the kingship of Christ.” They went on to say: “As we reflect with gratitude on the blessings God has bestowed on our country, our devotion to the Sacred Heart demands that we consider how we might foster truth, justice, and charity in American life. We are called to bring our faith into the actions we take and the lives we lead in our communities.”
Let us join together in the consecration prayer which our Bishops used:
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
You know the longings of our hearts, and You desire that we enjoy friendship with You.
From Your pierced side, You have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst.
Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with You.
We celebrate the abundant gifts You have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We make reparation for the offenses against You and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.
May our hearts be united to Yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.
May Your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to Your infinite love.
O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask You to bless these United States of America.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
