In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding, marked by the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops consecrated the nation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11 in Orlando.

The bishops’ livestream event encouraged parishes and individuals to participate in the America 250 commemoration by contributing to 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy. Present at the Mass of consecration were the relics of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the French Visitation sister who experienced visions of Jesus revealing His Sacred Heart.

In the Catholic Church, the consecration of America was a solemn spiritual act in which the bishops publicly entrusted the nation’s present and future to the care, protection, and unconditional love of Jesus Christ. This consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a devotion centered on Christ’s sacrificial love for humanity—carries several important meanings:

Dedication to God

The consecration sets the nation apart to be guided by God’s providence, asking for His mercy and acknowledging that history is ultimately governed by Christ.

Marking America’s 250th Anniversary

The consecration coincides with the nation’s Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

A Spiritual, Not Political, Act

Church leaders emphasized that this is not a political statement, but a spiritual plea for unity, peace, and a renewed commitment to truth, justice, and charity in American life.

Rooted in Covenant

The act formally links public life with divine principles and serves as a reminder that our nation is loved by God and in need of His grace.

What Is the Sacred Heart of Jesus?

The heart is the universal symbol of love. This Catholic devotion honors the Sacred Heart of Our Lord, through which God’s eternal love for humanity is revealed.

“God is love” (1 John 4:8), and by honoring the human expression of that love—most perfectly shown on the Cross—we honor its divine source.

The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is also the World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, is celebrated on the Friday following the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. This connection reminds us that the Eucharist is none other than the Heart of Jesus Himself—the One who continually cares for us with His loving heart.

Why Is the Sacred Heart Important?

St. John Paul II said:

“The Sacred Heart has given us everything—redemption, salvation, and sanctification.”

The Sacred Heart is both the actual heart of Christ and a symbol of His boundless love for humanity.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:

“The prayer of the Church venerates and honors the Heart of Jesus just as it invokes his most holy name. It adores the incarnate Word and his Heart which, out of love for men, he allowed to be pierced by our sins” (CCC 2669).

A Brief History of the Sacred Heart Devotion

The roots of devotion to the Sacred Heart stretch back to the earliest days of Christianity. Sacred Scripture, especially the New Testament, frequently speaks of God’s love for His people.

By the eleventh century, Christians commonly meditated on the Five Wounds of Christ, a practice that gradually developed into a more focused devotion to His Sacred Heart.

In the late thirteenth century, St. Gertrude the Great received private revelations that deepened the Church’s understanding of Jesus’ Sacred Heart.

In 1670, St. John Eudes celebrated the first Feast of the Sacred Heart.

A few years later, in 1673, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French Visitation nun, received revelations from Jesus in which He revealed His immense love for all people. He allowed her to rest her head upon His Heart and asked that Catholics:

• Receive Holy Communion on the First Friday of each month.
• Spend time adoring Him in the Holy Eucharist.

In 1675, Jesus expressed His desire for an annual feast in honor of His Sacred Heart.

Finally, in 1856, Blessed Pope Pius IX extended the Feast of the Sacred Heart to the entire Church, establishing its celebration on the Friday following the Octave of Corpus Christi.

How Can I Personally Consecrate Myself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque gave the Church this beautiful Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

“O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring, and glorifying Thee. This is my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to Thee, and to do all for Thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease Thee.

I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. Be Thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my justification before God Thy Father, and screen me from His anger which I have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from Thine infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee. Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or be separated from Thee.

I beseech Thee, through Thine infinite Goodness, grant that my name be engraved upon Thy Heart, for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted servants. Amen.”

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on us.

Fr. Martin Masiisa