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Quick Bytes
- June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with the solemnity celebrated on June 16 this year.
- The feast originates from the visions of Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673.
- Devotion to the Sacred Heart includes practices like holy hours on Thursdays and Eucharist on first Fridays.
- Pope Pius IX extended the feast to the universal Church in 1856.
Embracing the Sacred Heart in June
June stands out in the Christian calendar as a time to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, culminating in a special solemnity on June 16. This date is set based on its proximity to the octave of Corpus Christi, reflecting a tradition deeply rooted in the Catholic faith.
The devotion to the Sacred Heart began with Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque, who, in 1673, reported visions of Jesus Christ urging humanity to express love and reverence towards His Sacred Heart. These visions, which lasted 18 months, included Jesus displaying His heart outside His chest, symbolizing His immense love and suffering for mankind. He imparted spiritual practices to Sister Margaret Mary, such as observing a holy hour on Thursdays and receiving communion on the first Fridays of each month.
On June 16, 1675, Jesus specifically requested a feast for the Sacred Heart, promising blessings to those who venerate it. Despite initial reluctance, the Vatican eventually sanctioned the feast in France in 1765, and later Pope Pius IX in 1856 recognized it for the global Church. Today, the solemnity is a high point in the liturgical year, though not a day of obligation.
The legacy of Sister Margaret Mary, who was canonized in 1920, continues to inspire the faithful to celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus each June, embracing His divine love and mercy.
Image Credits
- Getty Images: The Sacred Heart of Jesus.
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