Friday, June 12, 2015

June 12: Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

History

St. Margaret Mary, a nun who lived in the late 1600s, saw several a vision of Jesus during the week after the Feast of Corpus Christi (which we celebrated on Sunday). During this vision. Jesus asked St. Margaret Mary to start a Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Friday after the Feast of Corpus Christi, so that people would grow in their gratitude for His sacrifice on the Cross. The Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us of His love that is so great, He died for our sins. In 1765, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus became official in France, and 100 years later, Pope Pius IX made it a world-wide feast.  

Activity

If you haven't already had the Sacred Heart of Jesus enthroned in your home, take some time to plan this devotional today. You will need to schedule a time (in the future) with your parish priest, acquire an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and some Holy Water (more instructions in the link below). If you've already enthroned the Sacred Heart of Jesus in your home, decorate your image with flowers and/or votive candles. Other ways to celebrate today's solemnity include going to Mass, having a special dinner with heart-shaped cake or cookies for desert, and having the children write or draw ways Jesus shows His love for us on paper hearts to use as a centerpiece. 

All the saints of heaven, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

Catholic Encyclopedia
Women for Faith & Family
How to plan a Sacred Heart enthronement ceremony (Catholic Company)

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