Devotion to the Sacred Heart

"Let us remember that the Heart of Jesus has called us not only for our own sanctification, but also for that of other souls. He wants to be helped in the salvation of souls" (St. Padre Pio)

It is vitally important to not only meditate on the Sacred Heart of Jesus during June, the Month of the Sacred Heart, but also throughout the whole year.

When did devotion to the Sacred Heart begin?

Devotion to the Sacred Heart was approved for specified dioceses by Pope Clement XIII in 1765 and extended to the whole Church by Pope Pius IX in 1856. Pope Leo XIII dedicated the whole world to the Sacred Heart in 1899.

History of Liturgical Devotion & Papal Writings on Sacred Heart

• 1765: Pope Clement XIII approved the Feast of the Sacred Heart for the bishops in Poland and for the Roman Archconfraternity of the Sacred Heart
• 1856: Pope Pius IX extends the Feast of the Sacred Heart to the Universal Church
• 1899: Pope Leo XIII writes Annum Sacrum saying in part: "In that Sacred Heart all our hopes should be placed, and from it the salvation of men is to be confidently sought." He conscrates the human race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, 1899, calling it "the greatest act of my pontificate."
• 1928: Pope Pius XI writes Miserentissimus Redemptor (On Reparation To The Sacred Heart)
• 1932: Pope Pius XI writes Caritate Christi Compulsi on the Sacred Heart as a remedy for the world's disorders
• 1956: Pope Pius XII writes Haurietis Aquas on true devotion to the Sacred Heart.

See here for more information on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ.

Devotions to Honor the Sacred Heart:

• Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart
• First Friday Devotion
• Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart (Indulgence)
• Enthronement of the Sacred Heart
• Litany of the Sacred Heart

Our Lord also made 12 promises to St. Margaret Mary for those that are devoted to His Sacred Heart.

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in 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 exposed and honoured.
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 the last hour.