Sacred Heart of Jesus

Feast of the Sacred Heart:

Date and Celebration:
- The Feast of the Sacred Heart is celebrated annually 19 days after Pentecost, always on a Friday. It honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus, depicted in art as a flaming heart surrounded by thorns, pierced by a lance, and topped with a cross, symbolizing His love and sacrifice.

Origins and Revelation:
- The devotion to the Sacred Heart began with the mystical experiences of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun born on July 22, 1647. She reported visions of Jesus Christ starting on December 27, 1673, where He revealed His Sacred Heart and expressed His desire for this devotion to be widespread.
- In her second vision on June 6, 1675, Jesus disclosed His deep love for humanity despite its ingratitude. These revelations led to the private observance of the feast in her convent in 1686 and the establishment of a chapel in Paray-le-Monial in 1688.

Papal Endorsement:
- The feast gained official recognition when Pope Pius XII endorsed it through his encyclical "Haurietis aquas" on May 15, 1956. Pope Benedict XVI reaffirmed its significance in a letter dated May 15, 2006, to the Superior General of the Society of Jesus.

Significance:
- The Feast of the Sacred Heart emphasizes Jesus' immense love and compassion for humanity. It serves as a reminder of His sacrifice and divine mercy, highlighting His unwavering love and the call for believers to reflect on and respond to this love.