Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Devotion to the Sacred Heart is one of the most widely practiced and well-known devotions, taking Jesus’ physical heart as the representation of his divine love for humanity. The devotion especially emphasizes the unmitigated love, compassion, and long-suffering of the heart of Christ towards humanity.
The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was started and made popular by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. She was inspired by visions of Jesus to spread this devotion. This was a favorite prayer of St. Padre Pio and St. Theresa of Calcutta who prayed it every day.
The Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus can be prayed any time, especially to be prayed on 9 consecutive days leading up to the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – this year celebrated on June 28.
Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
I. O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of…… (here name your request)
Our Father….Hail Mary….Glory Be to the Father….
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
II. O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of…….(here name your request)
Our Father…Hail Mary….Glory Be To the Father….
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
III. O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of…..(here name your request)
Our Father….Hail Mary….Glory Be to the Father…
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours.
Hail, Holy Queen and add: St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.
12 Promises to Those Who Honor His Sacred Heart
Jesus told St. Margaret Mary Alacoque that He would make 12 promises to those who honor His Sacred Heart:
- I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.
- I will establish peace in their families.
- I will comfort them in their trials.
- I will be their secure refuge during life, and, above all, in death.
- I will shed abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
- Sinners will find in My Heart an infinite ocean of mercy.
- Lukewarm souls will become fervent.
- Fervent souls will rapidly grow in holiness and perfection.
- I will bless every place where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.
- I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
- The names of those who promote this devotion will be written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.
- I promise thee, in the excessive mercy of My Heart, that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.
