Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Invocations in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O Jesus, life eternal in the bosom of the Father, life of souls made in Thine own likeness, in the name of Thy love reveal Thy Heart and make It known!

An Indulgence of 300 days (Pius X, Rescript in his own hand, March 11, 1907; S.C. of the Holy Office, July 8, 1915)

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved in every place

An Indulgence of 300 days (Pius IX, Rescript in his own hand, September 20, 1860; S.P. Ap., March 10 , 1933)

Sweet Heart of my Jesus, grant that I may ever love Thee more.

An indulgence of 300 days. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions, for the daily and devout repetition of this ejaculation (S.C. Ind., Nov.26, 1876).

Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, set our hearts on fire with love of Thee.

An Indulgence of 500 days. A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions, when this invocation is said with devotion every day for a month (S.C. Ind., July 16, 1893; S.P. Ap., March 10, 1933)

Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in Thee!

An Indulgence of 300 days. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions, when its daily recitation is continued for a month (Pius X, Rescript in his own hand, May 27, 1905, exhib. Aug. 19,1905; Audience, June 5, 1906; S.C. Ind., June 27, 1906).

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our heart like unto Thy Heart.

An indulgence of 500 days. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions for the devout reciatation of this invocation every day (Pius X, Rescript in his own hand, Sept. 13, 1905, exhib. Sept. 15, 1905; S.P. Ap., March 10, 1933).

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come!

An Indulgence of 300 days (Pius X, Audience, June 29, 1906, exhib. July 6, 1906).

Divine Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying, deliver the holy souls in purgatory.

An Indulgence of 300 days (Pius X, Rescript in his own hand, July 29, 1907 exhib. July 18, 1908).

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy love for me.

An Indulgence of 300 days (Pius X, Rescript in his own hand, June 29, 1907, exhib. July 18, 1908).

Glory, love and thanksgiving be to the Sacred Heart of Jesus!

An indulgence of 300 days (S.C. Ind., Jan. 8, 1908; S.P. Ap., Nov. 15, 1927).

O Heart of love, I put all my trust in Thee; for I fear all things from my own weakness, but I hope for all things from from Thy goodness ( St. Margaret Mary Alacoque)

An Indulgence of 300 days. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions. If this invocation is repeated daily with devotion (Pius X, Rescript in his own hand, May 30, 1908; exhib. June 3, 1908; S.P. Ap., march 10, 1935).

Sweet Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us and our erring brethren.

An indulgence of 300 days (Pius X, Rescript in his own hand, Aug. 13, 1908, exhib. Oct. 13, 1908; S.P. Ap., May 7, 1934).

All for Thee, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

An indulgence of 300 days once a day (S.C. of the Holy Office, Nov. 26, 1908).

Sacred Heart of Jesus, mayest Thou be known, loved and imitated!

An Indulgence of 300 days once a day (S.P. Ap., March 15, 1918).

Sacred Heart of Jesus, protect our families.

An Indulgence of 300 days. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions, if this devout invocation is repeated daily (S.P. Ap., June 7, 1918 and March 2, 1932)

Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.

An Indulgence of 300 days (S.P. Ap., Jan. 13, 1920).

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I give myself to Thee through Mary.

An Indulgence of 300 days. A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions, for the daily repetition of this invocation for a month (S.P. Ap., June 19, 1920; march 1, 1923 and April 23, 1036).

Sacred Heart of Jesus, strengthened in Thine agony by an Angel, strengthen us in our Agony.

An indulgence of 300 days (S.P. Ap., June 26, 1920 and Sept. 9, 1936).

Sacred Heart of Jesus, let me love Thee and make Thee loved.

An indulgence of 300 days (Benedict XV, Rescript in his own hand, July 29, 1920, exhib. Jan 18, 1927; S.P. Ap., March 12, 1949).

Sacred Heart of Jesus, convert all poor blasphemers!

An indulgence of 300 days. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions, if this invocation is repeated daily (S.P.Ap., Nov. 20, 1025 and April 22, 1949).

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

An Indulgence of 500 days. A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions, if this invocation is devoutly repeated every day for a month (S.P. Ap., Nov. 22, 1934).

Moreover, if this invocation is said three times after Low Mass an indulgence of 7 years is granted (S.C. Ind., June 17, 1904: S.P. Ap., March 18, 1932).

Hymns in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Cor arca legem continens

Jesus, Behind Thy Temple's Veil

Hymn for Lauds on the feast of the Sacred Heart. It was written by an unknown author in the 18th century. There are seven translations; the English title given above is from the Marquess of Bute's "Roman Breviary."

O Heart! thou ark where lies the law,

Not of the servitude of old,

But that from which we pardon draw,

And grace and mercies manifold.

Heart, the pure and stainless shrine

Where that new covenant has lain:

Temple than Salem's more divine;

Veil, better than its veil in twain.

With such a wound as must appear

Love willed that Thou shouldst wounded be,

That we might all the wounds revere,

Which love doth bear invisibly.

'Neath this, love's symbol, suffering twice,

Things mystical and bloody both

Christ, as a priest, in sacrifice

To Heaven uplifted, nothing loth.

Who would not love for love repay?

What man, redeemed, could love refuse

To this Heart, or herein, for aye,

His Tabernacle fail to choose?

Jesus, to Thee be glory given,

Whom from Thy Heart dost grace outpour;

To Father and to Paraclete

Be endless praise for evermore. Amen.

An Indulgence of 5 years. A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions, for the daily reciatation of this hymn throughout a month (S.P. Ap., June 23, 1935).

Auctor beate saeculi

O Christ, the World's Creator Bright

Hymn for Vespers on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was written in the 18th century by an unknown author. There are eight translations. The English title given is by F. Husenbeth.

Jesus! Creator of the world,

Of all mankind Redeemer blest,

True God of true God, in Whom we see

Thy Father's image clear expressed!

Thee, Savior, love alone constrained

To make our mortal flesh Thine own,

And, as a second Adam, come

For the first Adam to atone.

That selfsame love which made the sky,

Which made the sea and stars, and earth,

Took pity on our misery,

And broke the bondage of our birth.

O Jesus! in Thy Heart divine

May that same love forever glow!

Forever mercy to mankind

From that exhaustless fountain flow!

For this the Sacred Heart was pierced,

And both with blood and water ran-

To cleanse us from the stains of guilt,

And be the hope and strength of man.

Jesus, to Thee be glory given,

Who from Thy Heart dost grace outpour,

To Father and to Paraclete

Be endless praise for evermore. Amen.

An Indulgence of 5 Years. A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions, if this hymn is devoutly recited every day for a month (S.P. Ap., March 12, 1936).

Pious Practices in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The faithful who recite the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be together with the Invocation "Sweet Heart of my Jesus, grant that I may love Thee more and more": before an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus may gain:

An Indulgence of 500 Days; A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions, if they perform this act of devotion daily (Pius VI, Audience, Jan. 2, 1799; S.P. Ap., March 10, 1933).

The faithful who devoutly visit a church or public oratory where the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is being celebrated (even though it has been transferred with the consent of the ordinary) may gain:

A plenary Indulgence on condition of confession, Holy Communion and prayer for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff (Secret mem., July 7, 1815; S.P. Ap., Nov. 4, 1934).

The faithful who devoutly assist at a public novena in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, immediately before the Feast or at some other time during the year, may gain:

An indulgence of 10 years on any day; a plenary indulgence on condition of confession, Holy Communion and prayer for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff, provided that they assist at this devout exercise on at least five days.

Those who at the aforesaid times perform their devotions privately in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with the intention of so continuing for nine successive days, may gain:

An Indulgence of 7 years once each day; A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions at the end of the novena; but where this is performed publicly, this indulgence can be gained only by those who are lawfully prevented from taking part in the public exercises (S.C. Ind., Jan. 13,1818; Pius IX, Audience, Jan. 3, 1849; S.C. of Bishops and religious, Jan. 28, 1850; S.C. Ind., Nov. 26, 1876; S.P. Ap. , Feb. 22, 1935).

The Badge of the Sacred Heart

Our Lord revealed to St. Margaret Mary Alacque "His wish for her to order a picture of the image of His Sacred Heart for people specifically to venerate and have in their homes and also small pictures to carry with them." St. Margaret Mary always kept a Sacred Heart badge with her and inspired her novices to do the same. She made many badges and often said this practice was very pleasing to the Sacred Heart.

The popularity of the Badge increased suddenly due to a very dramatic event in the city of Marseilles in France. In the year 1720, about thirty years after the death of St. Margaret Mary, Marseilles was ravaged by the plague. About one thousand persons died each day from the disease. Fear had reached near panic proportions. The Bishop of Marseilles asked the nuns of the city to make thousands of Sacred Heart Badges similar to the kind used by St. Margaret Mary and her friends. When the Badges were ready, the Bishop led a procession to the center of the city. There he consecrated Marseilles to the Sacred Heart, and everybody present put on a Sacred Heart Badge. From that moment not one new case of the plague was reported.

In 1870 a Roman lady, wishing to know the opinion of the Holy Father Pius IX about the Badge of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, presented him with one. Touched by the sight of this emblem of salvation", the Pope approved the devotion forever and said: "This, Madam, this is an inspiration from

Heaven. Yes, from Heaven." Blessed Pope Pius IX granted in 1872 an indulgence of 500 days once a day to all the faithful who wear around their neck this pious emblem and recite one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be to the Father.

The Badge is a reminder of reparation by which we accept with love and faith Our share in the sufferings of Christ. Thus we cooperate more closely with Christ in the vital work of the redemption of mankind by accepting the obligations of God's commandments, by our fidelity to the daily tasks of our state in life, by the patient acceptance of the trials, disappointments, and crosses thrust upon us each day.

Our Lord revealed to St. Margaret Mary: "Those who propagate devotion to His Sacred Heart shall have their names written in My Heart never to be blotted out." Our Dear Savior also revealed to Mother Rafols, who belonged to the mother house of the Sacred Heart in Saragoza, Spain (19th century): "To those who devoutly wear the image of His Sacred Heart, He promised great graces and special protection at the hour of their death." He said in time to come, many souls would propagate the Devotion to His Sacred Heart.

A beautiful prayer composed by Blessed Pope Pius IX:
"Open Thy Sacred Heart 0 Jesus! Show me Its beauty and unite me with It forever. May the throbbing in all the movements of my heart, even during sleep, be a testimony of my love and tell Thee unceasingly: Yes, Lord Jesus, I adore Thee ... accept my poor little actions ... grant me the grace of repairing evil done ... so that I may praise Thee in time and bless Thee for all eternity." Amen.

The faithful who devoutly wear a badge of white wool, suspended from the neck after the manner of a small scapular, with a likeness of the Sacred Heart of Jesus embroidered thereon or otherwise attached, and with the following, or similar words, printed upon it: "Cease, the Heart of Jesus is with us", or even without any inscription at all, if they say Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be may gain:

An indulgence of 500 days, once a day (Pius IX, Rescript in his own hand, Oct. 28, 1872; Apostolic brief, March 28 and June 20, 1873; S.P. Ap., April 8, 1936).

a) The faithful who devoutly assist at the public exercises in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the First Friday of the month may gain:

A Plenary indulgence, provided that they make their confession, receive Holy Communion and pray for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff.

If however on the First Friday they recite privately some prayers in reparation for the injuries offered to the Sacred Heart of Jesus they may gain:

A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions; if however, a public service is held, this latter indulgence can be gained only by those who are lawfully prevented from assisting at such services.

b) The faithful who recite devout prayers of reparation on other Fridays of the year may gain:

An indulgence of 7 years once on each Friday (S.C. Ind., Sept. 7, 1897; S.P. Ap., June 1, 1934 and May 15, 1949).

A Month Dedicated to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

The faithful who devoutly take part in public services in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus during the month of June, or some other, according to the prudent judgment of the most reverend Ordinary, may gain:

An indulgence of 10 years on any day of the month; A plenary indulgence, if they are present at these services on at least ten days of the month and, in addition, make their confession, receive Holy Communion and pray for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff.

Those who perform their devotions privately during such a month may gain:

An indulgence of 7 years once on any day of the month; A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions, provided that they perform these devotions daily throughout the month and are lawfully excused from taking part in public exercises where the latter are held (S.C. Ind., May 8, 1873 and May 30, 1902; S.P. Ap., March 1, 1933).

Moreover, if the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart is solemnly celebrated, namely, with a sermon either daily or in the form of a retreat (with at least two discourses each day) for a period of eight days, whether in a church, public oratory or semi-public oratory (for those who may lawfully make use of the latter) there is granted:

1) A plenary indulgence for each visit made on the day on which the month is closed, to be gained by those who have been present at ten at least of the sermons and prayers, or have assisted time to time, if they make their confession, receive Holy Communion and say Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be six times at each visit for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff:

2) a) An indulgence of 500 days, for those who perform some work of piety that this devout practice may be more widely spread or receive an increase:

b) A plenary indulgence as often as they receive Holy Communion during the aforesaid month, on condition of confession, a visit to a Church or public oratory and prayer for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff.

3) The indult of a personal "privileged" altar on the final day of the month to the preachers and rectors of churches or oratories where the aforesaid service is solemnly held (S.C. Ind., Aug. 8, 1906; Pius X in a private audiences, the document having been exhibited on Jan. 26, 1908: S.P. Ap., Nov. 15, 1927 and July 5, 1930).

The faithful ,on any of the five Fridays immediately preceding the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, if they receive Holy Communion, may gain:

A plenary indulgence, if they make their confession, visit some church or public oratory and pray for the intentions of the Sovereign Pontiff (Apostolic Brief, June 3, 1924; S.P. Ap., April 26, 1930).

Acts of Reparation and Consecration to the

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Act One

O sweetest Jesus, Thou dost pour forth Thy love abundantly on men, while they repay Thee most ungratefully with neglect, indifference and contempt. Behold us humbly kneeling before Thine altar (outside a church or Oratory say: in Thy presence); we would fain repair this heartless ingratitude on the part of men, and the manifold injuries that are everywhere done to Thy most loving Heart, by a special act of homage.

Yet we are not unmindful that we, too, have had our part in this unworthy behavior; therefore are we moved to deep contrition, and, above all we beg Thy mercy for ourselves; we are ready to atone, by this voluntary act of expiation, for the crimes which we ourselves have committed, as also for the sins of those who straying far from the way of salvation, either refuse, in the blindness of their unbelief, to follow Thee, the Shepherd and Guide of their souls, or who trample upon the vows of their Baptism and shake off the sweet yoke of Thy law.

Not only are we anxious to expiate all these deplorable crimes, but in an exceptional manner do we purpose to make reparation for these following: immodesty and shameful excesses in life and dress; the many snares of corruption laid for the souls of the innocent; the neglect of Holydays; the hateful blasphemies that are hurled against Thee and Thy Saints; the reproaches uttered against Thy Vicar on earth and all the priestly order; the neglect also, of the very Sacrament of Thy love, as well as Its profanation by horrifying sacrilege; and finally the public sins of the nations in rebellion against the just rights and the teaching authority of the Church established by Thee.

Would that we were able to atone for all these outrages even to the shedding of our blood! Meanwhile, in order to atone for the violation of the honor due to Thee, we offer unto Thee that self saying satisfaction which of old Thou didst offer to the Father upon the holy Cross and which from day to day Thou dost continually renew upon the altars of Thy Church. To this we add expiatory merits of Thy Virgin Mother, of all Thy Saints and of the devout faithful upon earth. With all our hearts we promise to atone Thy grace assisting us, for our own past sins and those of all other men, as also for our coldness towards Thine exceeding great love, by a firm faith, spotless purity of life and a perfect fulfillment, so far as in us lies, of the law of the Gospel, and in particular of the precept of charity.

We likewise pledge ourselves in accordance with our strength to prevent such injuries from being done to Thee, and to invite as many as we can to follow Thee. Accept, we pray Thee, most gracious Jesus, through the intercession of Our Lady of Reparation, this our free-will offering of reparation, and be Thou pleased to keep us, by the great gift of final perseverance, faithful even unto death in our dutiful service of Thee, so that in the end we may all come to that our true native land, where Thou, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, liveth and reigneth forever and ever. Amen.

An indulgence of 5 years. A plenary indulgence once a month for the daily devout recitation of this prayer, on condition of confession, Communion and a visit to some church or public oratory.

The faithful, moreover, who, on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, assist at this same act of reparation, adding thereto the Litany of the Sacred Heart, in any church or oratory, even semi-public (for those who lawfully frequent it), in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament solemnly exposed, may gain:

An indulgence of 7 years; A plenary indulgence, provided that they atone for their sins in sacramental confession and partake of the Eucharistic Table (S.P. Ap., June 1, 1928 and March 18, 1932).

Act Two

My most loving Jesus, I consecrate myself to-day anew and without reserve to Thy divine Heart. I consecrate to Thee my body with all its senses, my soul with all its faculties, and in short, my entire being. I consecrate to Thee all my thoughts, words and deeds; all my sufferings and labors; all my hopes, consolations and joys; and chiefly do I consecrate to Thee this poor heart of mine, to the end that it may love nothing save only Thee, and may be consumed as a victim in the fire of Thy love. Accept, O Jesus, Thou dearest Spouse of my soul, the desire which I have of consoling Thy divine Heart, and of belonging to Thee for ever. Take possession of me in such wise that from this day forth I may have no other freedom, save that of loving Thee, and no other life, save that of suffering and dying for Thee: I put my trust in Thee without reserve, and I hope for the remission of my sins through Thine infinite bounty. I place within Thy hands all my cares and anxieties, especially as touching my eternal salvation. I promise to love Thee and honor Thee to the last moment of my life, and to spread, as much as I can, the worship of Thy most Sacred Heart. Dispose of me, my Jesus, according to Thy good pleasure; I would have no other reward save Thy greater glory and Thy holy love. Grant me grace to find my home in Thy divine Heart; here would I breathe forth my last breathe; only do Thou establish in my heart Thy dwelling place, the seat of Thy rest, in order that we may thus remain inseparably united; and so may I one day be able to praise Thee, love Thee and posses Thee for ever in the kingdom of Heaven, where I shall sing without end the infinite mercies of Thy Sacred Heart. Amen.

An indulgence of 500 days once a day (Leo XIII, Audience Dec. 11, 1902; S.C. Ind., Jan. 7, 1903; S.P. Ap., July 9, 1935).

Act Three

My loving Jesus, out of the grateful love I bear Thee, and to make reparation for my unfaithfulness to grace, I give Thee my heart, and I consecrate myself wholly to Thee; and with Thy help I purpose to sin no more. Amen.

An indulgence of 300 days; A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions for its daily devout recitation (Secret Mem., June 9, 1807; S.P. Ap., March 15, 1936 and April 20, 1949).

Act Four

O most merciful Heart of Jesus, divine mercy-seat, for whose sake the Eternal Father has promised that He would always hear our prayers! I unite myself to Thee in offering to Thine Eternal Father this poor and needy heart of mine, contrite and humbled in His divine presence, and desirous of making complete reparation for the offenses that are committed against Him, especially those which Thou dost continually suffer in the Holy Eucharist, and more particularly those which I myself have unhappily so often committed. Would that I could wash them away with my tears, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, and blot out with my own heart’s blood the ingratitude wherewith we have repaid Thy tender love. I unite my sorrow, slight as it is, with the mortal agony which caused Thy sweat to become as drops of blood in the Garden of Olives at the very thought of our sins. Do Thou offer it, dear Lord, to Thine Eternal Father in union with Thy Sacred Heart. Render Him infinite thanks for the manifold blessings which He constantly showers upon us, and let Thy love supply for our want of thankfulness and remembrance. Grant me grace always to present myself in a spirit of deepest reverence before the face of Thy divine Majesty, in order thus to repair in some measure the irreverences and outrages which I have dared to commit before Thee; grant also, that from this day forth, I may devote myself with all my might to drawing, both by word and example, many souls to know Thee and to experience the riches of Thy Heart. From this moment I offer and dedicate myself wholly to propagating the honor due to Thy most sweet Sacred Heart. I choose It as the object of all my affections and desires, and from this hour forevermore I set up in It my perpetual abode, thanking, adoring and loving It with all my heart, inasmuch as It is the Heart of my Jesus, who is worthy to be loved, the Heart of my King and sovereign Lord, the Bridegroom of my soul, my Shepherd and Master, my truest Friend, my loving Father, my sure Guide, my unfailing protection and my everlasting blessedness. Amen.

An indulgence of 500 days. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions for the daily devout repetition of this prayer (S.P. Ap., April 19, 1923 and March 10, 1933)

Act Five

I, N.... N…. give myself and consecrate to the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, my person and my life, my actions, pains and sufferings, so that I may be unwilling to make use of any part of my being save to honor, love and glorify the Sacred Heart.

This is my unchanging purpose, namely, to be all His, and to do all things for the love of Him, at the same time renouncing with all my heart whatever is displeasing to Him.

I therefore take Thee, O Sacred Heart, to be the only object of my love, the guardian of my life, my assurance of salvation, the remedy of my weakness and inconstancy, the atonement for all the faults of my life and my sure refuge at the hour of death.

Be then, O Heart of goodness, my justification before God Thy Father, and turn away from me the strokes of His righteous anger. O Heart of love, I put all my confidence in Thee, for I fear everything from my own wickedness and frailty, but I hope for all things from Thy goodness and bounty.

Do Thou consume in me all that can displease Thee or resist Thy holy will; let Thy pure love imprint Thee so deeply upon my heart, that I shall nevermore be able to forget Thee or to be separated from Thee; may I obtain from all Thy loving kindness the grace of having my name written in Thee, for in Thee I desire to place all my happiness and all my glory, living and dying in the very bondage to Thee. (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque).

An indulgence of 3 years. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions for the daily devout recitation of this prayer (S.C. Ind., June 1, 1897, Jan. 13, 1898 and Apr. 21, 1908; S. P. Ap., Feb. 25, 1934).

Act of Consecration of Families

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thou didst reveal to the blessed Margaret Mary Thy desires to rule over Christian families; behold , in order to please Thee, we stand before Thee this day, to proclaim thy full sovereignty over our family. We desire henceforth to live Thy life, we desire that the virtues to which Thou has promised peace on earth, may flower in the bosom of our family; we desire to keep far from us the spirit of the world, which Thou hast condemned. Thou art King of our minds by the simplicity of our faith; Thou art King of our hearts by our love of Thee alone, with which our hearts are on fire and whose flame we shall keep alive by frequently receiving the Holy Eucharist. Be pleased, O Sacred Heart, to preside over our gathering together, to bless our spiritual and temporal affairs, to ward off all annoyance from us, to hallow our joys and comfort our sorrows. If any of us has ever been so unhappy as to fall into the misery of displeasing Thee, grant that he may remember, O Heart of Jesus, that Thou art full of goodness and mercy toward the repentant sinner. And when the hour of separation strikes and death enters our family circle, whether we go or whether we stay, we shall all bow humbly before Thine eternal decrees. This shall be our consolation, to remember that the day will come when our entire family, once more united in Heaven, shall be able to sing of Thy glory and Thy goodness forever. May the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph vouchsafe to offer Thee this our act of consecration, and to keep the memory thereof alive in us all the days of our lives. Glory to the Heart of Jesus, our King, and Our Father! Amen.

a) The members of a family, on the day when for the first time the family is consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, if they recite the above prayer before a likeness of the Sacred Heart, are granted: An indulgence of 7 years. A plenary indulgence, if they fulfill the usual conditions.

b) The members of a family, on the day when this consecration is renewed, if they make use of the same prayer before a likeness of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, are granted: An indulgence of 3 years. A plenary indulgence, if they fulfill the usual conditions.(Pius X, Rescript in his own hand, May 19, 1908, exhib. June 15, 1908; Benedict XV, Letter, April 27, 1915; S.P. Ap., Dec. 10, 1923 and March 18, 1932).

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE

SACRED HEART OF JESUS

I give and consecrate myself to the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, my person and my life, my actions, pains and sufferings, so that I may be unwilling to make use of any part of my being other than to honor, love and glorify the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is my unchanging purpose, namely, to be all His, and to do all things for the love of Him, at the same time renouncing with all my heart whatever is displeasing to Him. I therefore take Thee, O Sacred Heart, to be the only object of my love, the guardian of my life, my assurance of salvation, the remedy of my weakness and inconstancy, the atonement for all the faults of my life and my sure refuge at the hour of death.

Be then, O Heart of goodness, my justification before God the Father, and turn away from me the strokes of His righteous anger. O Heart of love, I put all my confidence in Thee, for I fear everything from my own wickedness and frailty, but I hope for all things from Thy goodness and bounty.

Remove from me all that can displease Thee or resist Thy holy will; let Thy pure love imprint Thy image so deeply upon my heart, that I shall never be able to forget Thee or to be separated from Thee. May I obtain from all Thee loving kindness the grace of having my name written in Thy Heart, for in Thee I desire to place all my happiness and glory, living and dying in bondage to Thee. Amen.

St. Mary Margaret Alacoque

Prayers in Honor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Prayer One

O divine Heart of Jesus, grant, I pray Thee, eternal rest to the souls in purgatory, the final grace to those who are about to die this day, true repentance to sinners the light of faith to pagans, and Thy blessing to me and to all who are dear to me. To Thee, therefore, O most merciful Heart of Jesus, I commend all these souls, and in their behalf I offer unto Thee all Thy merits in union with the merits of Thy most blessed Mother and of all the Angels and Saints, together with all the Masses, Communions, prayers and good works which are this day being offered throughout Christendom. Amen.

An indulgence of 500 days (Apostolic Brief, Mar. 13, 19010; S.P. Ap., Jan. 18, 1933 and Mar.10, 1949).

Prayer Two

O Most Holy Heart of Jesus, shower Thy blessings in abundant measure upon Thy Holy Church, upon the Supreme Pontiff and upon all the clergy; to the just grant perseverance; convert sinners; enlighten unbelievers; bless our relations, friends and benefactors; assist the dying; deliver the holy souls in purgatory; and extend over all hearts the sweet empire of Thy love. Amen.

An indulgence of 500 days. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions for the daily devout recitation of this prayer (S.C. Ind., June 16, 1906; S.P. Ap., June 23, 1934 and June 18, 1949)

Prayer Three

O most Holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore Thee, I love Thee, and with a lively sorrow for my sins, I offer Thee this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to Thy will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in Thee and for Thee. Protect me in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions; give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, Thy blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.

An indulgence of 500 days. (Apostolic Brief, Dec. 4, 1915; S.P. Ap., Nov. 8, 1934).

Prayer Four

I hail Thee, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, living and life-giving fountain of eternal life, infinite treasure of divinity, glowing furnace of divine love; Thou art my place of rest and my most sure refuge. My dear Saviour, enkindle my heart with that burning love wherewith Thine own is on fire; pour into my heart the manifold graces, of which Thy Heart is the source; let Thy will be mine, and let mine be forever obedient to Thine. Amen.

An indulgence of 500 days. (S.P. Ap., Feb. 5, 1935 and June 18, 1949).

Prayer Five

O God, Who dost deign mercifully to bestow upon us infinite treasures of love in the Heart of Thy Son, which was wounded for our sins; grant, we beseech Thee, that we who pay Him the devout homage of our piety, may in like manner show unto Thee our due of worthy satisfaction. Through same Christ our Lord. Amen.

An indulgence of 5 years. A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions for the daily recitation of this prayer through an entire month (S.P. Ap.., April 18, 1936).

Prayer Six

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we who glory in the Most Sacred Heart of Thy dear Son and call to mind the chief benefits of His love toward us, may find equal joy in their achievement and their saving effect. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

An indulgence of 5 years. A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions for the daily recitation of this prayer through an entire month (S.P. Ap., Oct. 20, 1936)

Prayer Seven

Reveal Thy Sacred Heart to me, O Jesus, and show me Its attractions. Unite me to It forever. Grant that all my aspirations and all the beats of my heart, which cease not even while I sleep, may be a testimonial to Thee of my love for Thee and may say to Thee: Yes, Lord, I am all Thine; the pledge of my allegiance to Thee rest ever in my heart and will never cease to be there. Do Thou except the slight amount of good that I do and be graciously pleased to repair all my wrong-doing; so that I may be able to bless Thee in time and in eternity. Amen.

An indulgence of 500 days. A plenary indulgence on the usual conditions for the daily recitation of this prayer through an entire month (S.P. Ap., June 8, 1949)

The Chaplet of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

V. O God, come unto my assistance,

R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

V. Glory be to the Father, etc.

R. As it was in the beginning, etc.

I. My most loving Jesus, when I consider Thy tender Heart and behold It full of mercy and tenderness toward sinners, my own heart is filled with joy and confidence that I shall be kindly welcomed by Thee. Alas, how many times have I sinned! But now, with Peter and with Magdalene, I weep for my sins and detest them because they offend Thee, who art infinite Goodness. Ah, mercifully grant me pardon for them all; and let me die, I ask it through Thy Sacred Heart, let me die rather than offend Thee again; at least let me live only to love Thee in return.