Have you ever seen the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus but you’re unsure of where it came from? Or maybe a friend of yours does the First Friday devotion, but you’re confused by how it works. In this post, I will unpack all the details of this incredible devotion!
What is the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus! Every year we celebrate the solemnity on the eighth day of the Feast of Corpus Christi, 19 days days after Pentecost.
The Devotion to the wounded heart of Jesus dates back to the 11th century. Christians would meditate on Christ’s passion and suffering and offer prayers to the Sacred Heart. However it wasn’t until 1673, when Jesus began to visit Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, that we would learn more about this amazing devotion. During these visions, Jesus shared with St. Margaret Mary about His immense love for mankind and asked her to spread this message. The image if of Christ’s heart surrounded in a crown of thorns to illustrate the immense suffering He endured for us and continues to endure due to man’s ingratitude. The flames symbolize his immense love for us, and the cross is to remind us of his death. He asked that His heart be venerated and adored as a visible display of Christ’s love and mercy.
Jesus is showing us that His heart is on fire with love for us. He wants everyone to know how much He loves each and every one of us, and the image is the perfect reminder of this enormous love.
Five Ways to Grow Closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Get an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I have multiple because I absolutely love this picture of Jesus. Look in thrift stores! I have had great luck finding them at garage sales and thrift stores! God will always provide if we pray about it. HERE are a couple of my favorites if you want to check them out.
2. Enthrone your house. I got this idea from Emily Jaminet in her book, Secrets to the Sacred Heart. It is an easy read and chock-full of great stuff to include stories and testimonies, consecration to Jesus, and the promises given to St. Margaret Mary. The idea behind enthroning your house is that you are inviting Jesus into your home and essentially giving Him the “throne” of your house. It would be super fun to do this on the actual feast day! Make it a great celebration!
3. The First Friday Devotion is a beautiful Catholic tradition of honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus by attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months. Jesus made special promises to those who faithfully practice this devotion, including abundant graces and help at the hour of death. Below are some of the amazing promises of this devotion that Jesus gave to St Margaret Mary.
4. Daily prayers of the Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
5. Making a Sacred Heart Cake (pictured below) is a beloved tradition many Catholic families enjoy on the feast of the Feast of the Sacred Heart, celebrated on the Friday after Corpus Christi, 19 days after Pentecost. It is a beautiful and fun way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and celebrate this special feast day together as a family!
And another fun activity is this fun coloring page of The Sacred Heart of Jesus!
2 Responses
Holy Spirit, you who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideal, you who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget all the wrong that is done to me and you who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank you for everything, and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual glory. To that end and submitting to God’s holy will, I ask from you..(mention your favour). Amen
This prayer should be said for 3 consecutive days. After the 3rd day, your sincere wish will be granted no matter how difficult it may be. Promise to offer thanksgiving by sharing it and expressing it on granting of your favour. The idea is to spread the wonder of the Holy Spirit.
To whom it may concern,
My name is Fr. Stephen Arabadjis. I am a member of the Society of St. Pius X. But I am in my 7th year of Sabbatical.Therefore I was hoping your group could do a 54 day rosary novena for my intentions. But any prayers and sacrifices would be greatly appreciated. I know Our Lady will reward you generously for this.
In Our Lady,
Fr. Arabadjis
P.S. Thanking you in advance, since I don’t always get all my communications.