Sacred Heart
June 30, Monday
Feast of the Sacred Heart
The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a liturgical celebration dedicated to this devotion. It is observed on the Friday following the second Sunday after Pentecost, which typically places it in late May or June.
Historical Background
The devotion to the Sacred Heart has its roots in early Christianity but became more formalized in the 17th century. It gained prominence through the visions of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun who reported that Jesus appeared to her and revealed His Sacred Heart, urging her to promote this devotion.
Significance of the Devotion
The Sacred Heart represents:
- The immense love of Christ for all people
- His willingness to suffer and die for humanity’s salvation
- A call to respond with love, repentance, and reparation for sins
Symbols of the Sacred Heart
The Sacred Heart is often depicted as:
- A heart encircled by a crown of thorns
- Flames representing divine love
- A cross emerging from the top of the heart
- A wound, symbolizing the piercing of Jesus’ side
How the Feast is Celebrated
The Feast of the Sacred Heart is marked by:
- Special Masses and prayers
- Acts of consecration to the Sacred Heart
- Processions and devotional services
- Reflection on Christ’s love and mercy
Related Devotions
Other devotions associated with the Sacred Heart include:
- The First Friday Devotion: Receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months
- The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in homes
- The Litany of the Sacred Heart