In this month traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I warmly encourage all parishioners to consecrate themselves, their families, etc., to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I will offer a series of “consecration” formulae you can use or choose from. The Sacred Heart of Jesus sums up in one image all of the supremely loving things which combine the divine and the human love of Jesus the Son of God for us poor human beings: divine mercy, love, tenderness, compassion, understanding. Devotion to the Sacred Heart inspires trust, confidence, hope and joy. No matter how broken, low, unworthy, alone, desperate, afraid, guilty or plain old rotten someone may feel, the very thought of the Sacred Heart of Jesus opens a door, brings light, lifts the spirit and heralds a return to peace and joy. Open your heart to Him and experience the power of his eternal love for you! – Fr. Peter

O most Sacred Heart of Jesus, you revealed to the blessed Margaret Mary your desire to rule over Christian families; behold, in order to please you, we stand before you this day, to proclaim your full sovereignty over our family.

We desire henceforth to live your life, we desire that the virtues, to which you have 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 you have condemned. You are King of our hearts by our love of you alone, with which our hearts are on fire and whose flame we shall nourish by frequent reception of 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 bless our joys and comfort our sorrows. If any of us has ever been so unhappy as to fall into the misery of displeasing you, grant that he may remember, O Heart of Jesus, that you are 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 meekly before your 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 your glory and your goodness forever.

May the immaculate Heart of Mary and the glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph vouchsafe to offer you this our act of consecration, and to keep the memory of it alive in us all the days of our lives. Amen.