To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, Catholic bishops from across the nation will consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This event will take place Thursday during the bishops’ spring assembly in Orlando, Florida. The service is rooted in a Catholic devotion that highlights Jesus’ sacrificial love. Many Catholics also dedicate their homes and businesses to this devotion.
While the devotion to the Sacred Heart has religious significance, it has also stirred political discussions. It has been linked to Catholic nationalism, yet some see it as a counter to state idolatry. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops aims to use this service to encourage service to God, the nation, and those in need. Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, who leads the bishops’ religious liberty committee, emphasized focusing on truth, justice, and charity in the U.S.
First for U.S. Catholic Leaders
Though this will be the first consecration by U.S. Catholic leaders, it is not a new practice. Bishops in Europe and Latin America have held similar services, often with political leaders. This tradition began in Ecuador in 1874, mainly in Catholic-majority nations. In 1899, Pope Leo XIII consecrated the world to the Sacred Heart, a devotion promoted by several popes.
Political Controversy
The devotion has faced political controversy in some regions. It is sometimes associated with a mix of Catholicism and nationalism. The Basilica of Sacre-Coeur in Paris symbolizes Catholic resistance to secularism. Recently, a French film, “Sacre Coeur,” portrayed a nun’s visions that popularized the devotion. Despite critiques, it attracted large audiences. A Catholic group also launched a campaign declaring June as the Sacred Heart month. Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback dedicated his campaign to the Sacred Heart, highlighting the mingling of devotion and politics.
Unifying Step in Divisive Times
Catholic scholar Robert Fastiggi described the U.S. bishops’ service as a unifying initiative. It emphasizes devotion to Jesus as “a king with a heart,” pushing back against the idolization of the state. Fastiggi noted the importance of adhering to the law of God and love amid political division.
Historical Roots of the Devotion
The devotion has deep historical roots, evolving in the 17th century when St. Margaret Mary Alacoque reported visions of Jesus. Religious orders and schools spread the devotion, with many adopting the name Sacred Heart. Blessed Marie of the Divine Heart, a 19th-century German nun, urged Pope Leo XIII to consecrate the world to the Sacred Heart, a request that coincided with his healing, as reported in an encyclical. Today, images of Jesus with the Sacred Heart are common in Catholic settings, symbolizing suffering love.