Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690) was a French Roman Catholic nun and mystic whose visions profoundly shaped modern Catholic devotion. Born in Burgundy, France, she faced a difficult childhood marked by poor health and family hardships. At age 24, she entered the Visitation Convent at Paray-le-Monial, seeking a life entirely dedicated to God.

Between 1673 and 1675, Margaret Mary experienced a series of powerful mystical revelations. In these visions, Jesus Christ appeared to her, revealing his Sacred Heart burning with love for humanity. He expressed deep sorrow over human indifference and instructed her to establish a feast day and practices of reparation, including the First Friday Communions.

Despite initial skepticism from her religious superior and community, she remained steadfast. With the support of her spiritual director, St. Claude de la Colombière, her revelations gained acceptance. Her life permanently anchored the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus within the global Church.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is waiting for each one of us to visit Him in a church or chapel.  What a beautiful gift we have to visit Our Lord and Savior and benefit sitting in His True Presence. 

What's the Real Message?

The Real Message

Jesus’ gospel is not this: “How do you know you’re going to get into Heaven when you die?  In case you are not clued in on that, here are the minimum entrance requirements.”  His gospel is “Now the kingdom of God is available.”  Jesus says that life is the presence and power of God come to earth in him, in his body.  Heaven is on earth, literally, Jesus says, “Look at it, and if you want it, just come and be with me and watch me and learn from me and try to do what I do.”

Jesus wants nothing more than to help us get to heaven … but you have to ask for his help! 

Jesus Patiently Waits

“Come Follow Me” - Christ Awaits You In Adoration

“Christ invited the people He came across in His ministry to, ‘Come Follow Me’ (Luke 18:22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 9:59).  Some took Him up on the invitation and their lives were forever changed (Mark 1:17).  Some, sadly, walked away, never fully realizing the potential in that invitation (John 6:66).

Today, Jesus is still inviting us to ‘Come, follow Me’.  Perhaps you are thinking, “I have never heard this invitation from Christ.  I am not even sure that I believe in Him.  I have been to church, given alms or donations, and volunteered, but I have never heard His voice”.

Do you ever wonder why?

There is a profound awe and humility to the Divine - with Him there is no need for spoken words.  The invitation He offers is more heart to heart.  And yet, trying to pray can be so challenging in this modern age.  The world can infiltrate our spirits with a cacophony of sound.  Making prayer a priority in light of so many other requests on our daily schedule can seem insurmountable.”   (Serafina - St Joseph’s Shelf)

Maybe it’s time to put more effort into hearing God’s voice within your heart, and to develop a stronger relationship with Him.  This can happen in Eucharistic Adoration.  Visit a church or chapel and just sit in His presence.  Remember "Silence" is anything but.

“Don’t ask God to guide your footsteps if you’re not willing to move your feet”  Dale Partridge