Today begins the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Over 20 years ago, I was at Martyr's Shrine, in Midland, and attended mass there in the same area where an altar had been erected commemorating the visit of Pope John Paul II to Martyr's Shrine back in 1984. After the mass, I noticed a crowd surrounding a man who was handing out images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I waited until almost everyone around him was gone to approach him and ask if I could have one. For some reason, I have always been fascinated with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. When I finally had the courage to ask if I could have one, he quickly replied no, and just as quickly added, "because I don’t believe you will look at this picture or say the prayers after I give it to you”. I was taken back by his words and it made me want the image even more just so I could prove him wrong. He went on to say that I would have to promise to put this image somewhere special. I did...that would be easy for me because I already knew where I would put the image (photo is the image he gave me, it's been loved) - it would go in my bedroom, taped onto the wall closest to where my pillows were so that every time I would turn in the direction of the image, I would see Jesus looking back at me.
This image has brought me so much comfort and peace over the years. The Sacred Heart of Jesus has been my companion for many years.
Today as we begin the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I would like to share this version below from EWTN.COM. Plus a beautiful pastoral letter from Cardinal Collins on the sacred heart. https://www.archtoronto.org/siteassets/media/archdiocese-of-toronto-main-site/files/sacred-heart-of-jesus/sacred-heart-pastoral-letter.pdf
I. O my Jesus, you have said: 'Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you. ' Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of...... (here name your request) Our Father... . Hail Mary... . Glory Be to the Father... .
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
II. O my Jesus, you have said: 'Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. ' Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of...... . (here name your request) Our Father... Hail Mary... . Glory Be To the Father... .
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
III. O my Jesus, you have said: 'Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away. ' Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of... . . (here name your request) Our Father... . Hail Mary... . Glory Be to the Father...
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours. Say the Hail, Holy Queen and add: St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us. -- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Written at the back of the image I was given are these promises.
The Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary
(1) "I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
(2) I will establish peace in their families.
(3) I will console them in all their troubles.
(4) I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.
(5) I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
(6) Sinners will find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
(7) Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
(8) Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
(9) I will bless every homes in which an image of my Heart is exposed and honored.
10) I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
(11) Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart.
(12) The all powerful love of My heart will grant to all those who receive communion Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."
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