Mission Center, Notícias de la Inspectoría

Celebrating the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Don Bosco Mission Center

Escrito por Martha Hernández,

(Boyle Heights – California) – On June 27th, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, during a Mass presided over by Fr. Peter D. Le, SDB, at the Don Bosco Mission Center, the community enjoyed a beautiful and teachable moment in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. During a special message by Anthony Rodriguez, former religion teacher at Sacred Heart High School in Los Angeles, we were taken on a journey through the rich history of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, highlighting its origin and significance in our spiritual lives and the larger Catholic community. Anthony’s historical insights reminded us of the immense love of Christ for all humanity. His message concluded with the twelve promises associated with this devotion. They are included in the transcript of Rodriguez’s message, which is provided below.

We also witnessed the blessing of the new statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Chapel, made possible for the Mission Center through the generosity of local donors. 

Blessing of the Sacred Heart of Jesus statue by Deacon Dac and Fr. Peter Le, SDB

Full message by Anthony Rodriguez:

In 1673, our Lord appeared to a young nun named Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in France. During this encounter, He invited her to rest on His Sacred Heart, much like John the Beloved did. He instructed her during adoration to rest upon His heart and revealed that it was full of flames. He expressed that His heart was overflowing with love for the world, a love so immense that it could not be contained. He asked her to share the devotion to His Sacred Heart and stated that He was pleased with her and with France, the eldest daughter of the Catholic Church.

At that time, King Louis of France was a Catholic, and he was working to ensure the prosperity of the Catholic faith. However, anti-Catholic laws were being enacted in other countries, specifically prohibiting the acknowledgment of the real presence of our Lord in the Eucharist. Saint Margaret Mary wanted to spread the message of the consecration, but some of her fellow nuns in the convent thought she was a bit eccentric. They questioned her and even threw holy water on her. She sought guidance from her confessor to try to get the word out.

Eventually, the local bishop believed the confessor but not her. He even asked her to stop promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. However, Jesus warned her that a significant change was coming, with revolutionary forces emerging. He emphasized the need for the consecration to His Sacred Heart to combat the blasphemies occurring in the world.

Jesus instructed her to tell King Louis to consecrate all of France to the Sacred Heart and even to have the Sacred Heart displayed on the national flag. This was a significant request, and the king was initially reluctant to comply. Saint Margaret Mary continued to advocate for this cause, and eventually, while imprisoned, King Louis did consecrate France to the Sacred Heart before he was executed by guillotine.

Interestingly, Saint Louis of France, a king from the 13th century, had passed laws supportive of the Catholic Church, including anti-blasphemy laws. This reflects how intertwined history is with our faith, showing that our Lord provides us with the tools to combat evil in the world.

In 1856, Pope Pius IX became aware of the devotion to the Sacred Heart and established the first feast day in its honor. Another nun, Mary of the Divine Heart, wrote to Pope Leo XIII in 1898, requesting that he consecrate the entire world to the Sacred Heart, not just France. Initially, Pope Leo was hesitant and questioned how he could know that Jesus was asking for this. However, after she petitioned him again, she asserted that Jesus wanted the entire human race consecrated to His Sacred Heart and that he would live to see this happen.

This was significant since the Pope was quite elderly at the time. Eventually, in 1899, just three days before the consecration, Pope Leo XIII consulted theologians and proceeded to consecrate all of humanity to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Mary of the Divine Heart passed away just three days before this consecration, which took place on June 11, 1899.

As part of this devotion, practitioners are encouraged to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist on the first Friday of each month for nine consecutive months. Confession is also important, as it allows one to receive communion in a state of grace. 

The goal of this devotion is to offer reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for humanity.

There are 12 promises associated with this devotion:

1. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.

2. I will establish peace in their homes.

3. I will comfort them in all their afflictions.

4. I will be their secure refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.

5. I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.

6. Sinners will find in My Heart the source of infinite mercy.

7. Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.

8. Fervent souls shall quickly reach high perfection.

9. I will bless every place where an image of My Heart is exposed and honored.

10. I will give priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.

11. Those who promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart.

12. My divine heart shall be their safe refuge at the hour of their death.

These promises highlight the profound spiritual benefits of practicing this devotion. Thank you.

Martha Hernandez works as the Website & Online Services Coordinator in the Salesian Social Communications Office for the Salesians of Don Bosco Western Province.