The Month of June: Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
As we enter the month of June, the Church invites us to turn our hearts toward one of the most profound devotions in Catholic tradition: the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This devotion is not simply a pious image or an old-fashioned practice—it is a vibrant, living reminder of Christ’s immense love for each of us.
Why the Sacred Heart?
The heart is the symbol of love, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus represents the depths of Christ’s love for humanity. Pierced on the Cross and crowned with thorns, His Heart is a sign of His suffering, yes—but more than that, it is a sign of His mercy, His patience, and His burning desire to draw us into union with Him.
This devotion reminds us that our faith is not about ideas or abstract truths alone. It is about a Person—Jesus Christ—who loves us personally, and who invites us to love Him in return.
A Devotion Rooted in Scripture and Tradition
Though devotion to the Sacred Heart gained widespread popularity in the 17th century through the visions of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, its roots stretch back to the Gospels. In John’s Gospel, we hear of the soldier piercing the side of Christ, and from it flowing blood and water (John 19:34)—a powerful image of the Eucharist and Baptism, the Church born from His side.
Throughout the centuries, the Church has encouraged this devotion as a means of deepening our relationship with Christ. In 1899, Pope Leo XIII consecrated the entire world to the Sacred Heart, calling it “the great act” of his pontificate.
Living the Devotion
To live this month in honor of the Sacred Heart, consider the following:
- Attend Mass on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart (celebrated this year on Friday, June 27).
- Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart or consecrate your home and family to His Heart.
- Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, where the Heart of Jesus is truly present.
- Make acts of reparation, offering small sacrifices and prayers for sins committed against His love.
June is an opportunity for us to allow our hearts to be renewed by His. In a world often marked by indifference or division, the Sacred Heart is a burning fire of love that never goes out. May we draw near to that Heart, and become more like Him in patience, mercy, and compassion.
“Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.”
In Christ,
Fr. Joe Connelly