Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Sacred Heart

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is rooted in the deep love God expressed in the self-giving life of Jesus. Several medieval mystics had visions where this love was symbolized by Jesus offering his heart to the mystic. Sometimes the vision included the mystic giving her heart in return to Jesus, symbolizing her love for Him.

Most influential among these visionaries was Sister Margaret Marie Alacoque (1645-1690). With the help of her spiritual director Father Croiset the devotion to the Sacred Heart became widespread.

Though the feast had been celebrated locally, in 1856 Pope Pius IX declared the Feast of the Sacred Heart to be universal. In 1899 Pope Leo XIII consecrated the world to the Sacred Heart. Pope Pius X decreed that this consecration be held annually.

The feast is a moveable feast, celebrated on Friday, 19 days after Pentecost.

Our marble statue of the Sacred Heart was obtained from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN.