Sacred and Immaculate Hearts
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Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus began in the eleventh century but is firmly rooted in Sacred Scripture. The most significant source for the devotion as it is practiced today comes from visions of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-90), a French nun who received apparitions from Jesus Christ. Jesus showed her his wounded heart aflame with love for humanity and suffering from our ingratitude and indifference. Devotion to the Sacred Heart is associated with attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion on five First Fridays in a row, undertaking acts of prayer, charity, and penance in reparation for the many offenses people continually inflict on Jesus, and consecrating one’s self to His Sacred Heart. Consecration means a prayer of formal dedication. It expresses and intention of total surrender to the Savior in gratitude his plessings and a pledge of faithfulness going forward. For more information on how to live a devotion to the Sacred Heart, see here: https://www.catholicgentleman.net/2014/06/7-ways-to-honor-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus/
Related is a devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Luke records her pondering the events of Jesus’ infancy and childhood in her heart and being told by Simeon that a sword would pierce her heart. It is a devotion ot Mary’s interior life, her joys and sorrows, her virtues and hidden perfections, above all, her perfect love for God and humanity. No other creature is as closely associated with our redemption as the Blessed Virgin Mary. She always leads us to Jesus. Our Lady explained at Fatima that she was sent because Jesus wanted to estblish in the world the devotion to her Immaculate Heart. For more information, see here: https://www.marian.org/13th/firstsaturday.php
When I first came to OLMC in 2012, the plans for the new church were mostly done. I had a chance to give a little input before construction began. Originally, sculptures of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts were planned, one on each side of the sanctuary. However, I had seen beautiful oil paintings done by Cameron Smith and I commissioned him to create the two original painting which now hang in our church. Many parishioners have ordered their own copy of these paintings to place in their homes. You can order them at these links:
https://smith-catholic-art.pixels.com/featured/sacred-heart-of-jesus-olmc-smith-catholic-art.html
https://smith-catholic-art.pixels.com/featured/immaculate-heart-of-mary-olmc-smith-catholic-art.html
This year, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is June 19th and the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is June 20th. At the daily Mass on Friday, I will consecrate the entire parish to the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, using the prayers below. Please make the prayer of consecration with your family on June 19th to the Sacred Heart and on June 20th to the Immaculate Heart. Even if you have already done so, the prayers can be prayed again to renew your original consecration.
Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying thee. This is my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to thee and to do all for thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease thee. I take thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. Be thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my justification before God thy Father, and screen me from his anger, which I have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in thee, O Heart of love, I hope all from thine infinite goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist thee. Imprint thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget thee or be separated from thee. I beseech thee, through thine infinite goodness, grant that my name be engraved upon thy Heart; for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of thy devoted servants. Amen.
A Solemn Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
By: Venerable Pope Pius XII
Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our family to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the people of our country and all the world.
Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the world.
O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully.
We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and home Your shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and home. Amen.