What Is the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a profound and enduring symbol within the Catholic Church, representing the immense love and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a special form of devotion to Jesus—the focus being his Heart, which exemplifies our Lord’s redemptive suffering for the whole world. Explore the history, significance, and devotion associated with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Discover the great benefit of paying homage to the Love of Jesus represented by his Heart of flesh.
Origins and Early Devotion to the Sacred Heart
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus began in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, but became more prominent through our Lord’s private revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the seventeenth century. Between 1673 and 1675, St. Margaret Mary, a nun in the Visitation Convent at Paray-le-Monial, France, received several visions of Jesus. In these visions, Christ revealed his Heart as a symbol of his boundless love for humanity and emphasized the need for people to return his love through devotion and prayer.
A Symbol of Christ’s Love
Fr. Hugh Barbour explains the biblical and medieval roots of the modern devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
How Is Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Practiced?
Devotion to the Sacred Heart includes various practices aimed at paying homage to Jesus. One popular devotion is the First Friday Devotion, where Catholics receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months, as Jesus requested to St. Margaret Mary. This practice makes reparations for the sins committed against the Heart of Christ and enables us to grow closer to him. Jesus promised St. Margaret Mary that he will grant twelve special and powerful graces to the devout soul who completes the nine first Fridays.
What Are the Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart?
- “I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of 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 bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.”
- “Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.”
- “Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.”
- “Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.”
- “I will bless every place where a picture of my Heart shall be set up and honored.”
- “I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.”
- “Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart, never to be effaced.”
- “I promise you, 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 repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; my Heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.”
What Are the Five Symbols of the Sacred Heart?
The image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is rich with symbolism. The exposed Heart, often depicted with a crown of thorns, represents Jesus’ suffering and his immense love for humanity. The flames emanating from the Heart signify the transformative and purifying power of his love, while the cross above the Heart is a reminder of his redemptive sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. The wound in the side of his Heart represents the wound inflicted on him by both the Roman soldier and by all human beings through their sins.
Encyclicals (papal documents) on the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Catholic Church has long promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart. In 1856, Blessed Pope Pius IX extended the Feast of the Sacred Heart to the universal Church, recognizing its profound significance. Pope Leo XIII and Ven. Pope Pius XII further encouraged this devotion through their encyclicals, Annum Sacrum and Haurietis Aquas, respectively, which emphasize Jesus’ powerful love and consecrating ourselves to his Sacred Heart. Additionally, Pope St. John Paul II spoke passionately about the Sacred Heart, urging the faithful to embrace this devotion as a means of experiencing the love of God more fully.
Are There Any Feast Days or Celebrations Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
In the United States, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated on the Friday following the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. This feast day provides Catholics the opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ great love and mercy, and to make reparation for their sins against his Heart. Read moreon why Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Impact on Art and Culture
Devotion to the Sacred Heart has greatly influenced Catholic art and culture. Many churches are dedicated to the Sacred Heart, and it has become one of the most renowned symbols of our Lord Jesus. The image reflects how Jesus portrayed his Heart to St. Margaret Mary, and the Sacred Heart has inspired countless hymns, prayers, and writings over the centuries.
Popular Images and Artwork
Traditional Catholic Prayer to the Sacred Heart
O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with a lively sorrow for my sins, I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure, and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions; give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.
Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a traditional Catholic devotion consisting of nine days of prayers. The novena can be prayed at any time of the year, but it is traditionally prayed for the nine consecutive days leading up to the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, which is celebrated nineteen days after the Solemnity of Pentecost.
How to Pray the Novena
Learn how to pray the Novena to the Sacred Heart with our free PDF download: Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Additional Resources
Podcasts—Learn about consecration to Jesus through Mary! Listen to the audio or watch the video:
Catholic Answers Focus: Hard Truths About Marian Consecration
Books—Discover more of who Jesus Christ is:
Heart of the Gospel by Fr. Sebastian Walshe, O. Praem
A Teacher of Strange Things by Cy Kellett
20 Answers: The Real Jesus
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