June: Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus! This devotion invites all faithful to meditate upon and venerate the immense love and compassion symbolized by the Sacred Heart. It serves as a profound reminder of Jesus Christ’s unwavering love for humanity; a love that endures beyond suffering and sacrifice.
The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus goes back to the visions of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, who reported that Jesus had revealed His heart to her, surrounded by thorns, aflame with love, and surmounted by a cross. It was through her that the message of the Sacred Heart began to spread, eventually gaining widespread acceptance in the Catholic Church.
Pope Pius IX officially established the Feast of the Sacred Heart in 1856, to be celebrated on the Friday after Corpus Christi. However, the entire month of June has since become a time for a more extensive and focused devotion, allowing the faithful to immerse themselves in the contemplation of this profound mystery.
In a world often marked by division, suffering, and indifference, the message of the Sacred Heart calls for us to love, be compassionate, and selfless towards others, as Christ is with us every day. Through prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness, the devotion to the Sacred Heart encourages us to cultivate a heart like Christ’s – one that is open, loving, and merciful.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!