My Heart, His Heart, All Hearts. That is the title of the June 2024 edition of The Priest magazine, highlighting the 125th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s consecration of the world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Here in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, we have been celebrating the 350th anniversary of the revelation of the Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and I’m so pleased with the response. We have had so many people make the pilgrimage to our 12 parishes dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, using their passport along the way. In the upcoming weeks, numerous parishes have organized bus tours to visit the 12 churches. I certainly encourage all parishes to consider organizing such a trip through the diocese to visit the 12 churches, and in doing so: re-introduce and strengthen devotion to the Sacred Heart. Maybe the PCCW or the Knights of Columbus or the Parish Council could organize such a trip. It fits in well with our diocesan goal of “growing in holiness.”
As I’ve mentioned at the First Friday Masses that I have celebrated so far, I have a rather selfish motivation in spreading devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus because promise 11 states, “Those who promote devotion to my Sacred Heart will have their name written on my heart.” So, that is my selfish motivation! In addition, I would hope that each priest would grow in his love for the Sacred Heart. Promise 10 states, “I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.”
The June 2nd, June 9th, and June 16th editions of Our Sunday Visitor have wonderful articles on the devotion to the Sacred Heart. The June 2nd article gives the details of the three apparitions to St. Margaret Mary. The June 9th article recommends making a Morning Offering, frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament, First Friday Devotions, an Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart, an Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart, and observing the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart with preparation and reverence. The June 16th article speaks of the fruits of such devotion; healing, strength, sanctification, and the deeper abiding in the love of God. That article ends with a beautiful thought, “The heart that adores the Sacred Heart becomes what the Sacred Heart is: a dwelling place for divine love.” That is the ultimate goal for everyone in our diocese: Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Thine.
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS
The National Eucharistic Congress will be in Indianapolis, IN, July 17-21, the first National Eucharistic Congress in 83 years. As part of the preparation, there are currently four Eucharistic processions, north, south, east, and west, traveling with the Blessed Sacrament, making stops along the way for Mass, Adoration, and Eucharistic formation. The end goal is to increase our knowledge of and reverence for Jesus, His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, present in the Blessed Sacrament.
The national Eucharistic Congress Website gives the list of speakers and the various devotions and activities. I’m so glad to have over 150 people from the diocese who will attend the congress.
A great resource is the movie, “Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist.” This film highlights the transformative power of the Eucharist through insights from Catholic leaders and personal narratives, focusing on Jesus Christ himself present in the Eucharist, who desires to fulfill our spiritual thirst with his boundless love. The film is a Wahl St. Production, and the CEO is James Wahlberg, who is also the Executive Director of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation, which focuses on substance abuse and treatment programs. Another short video is, “The Veil Removed.” A mere 7.16 minutes long, it visualizes the Communion of Saints during the celebration of Holy Mass. It is a rather small percentage of any diocese that will participate in this National Eucharistic Congress, but all of us can grow in our love and understanding of Jesus who gives himself in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
“O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine.”
Published in the July 19, 2024 issue of The Mirror.
Photo Credit: Getty Images