Peace and Compassion in the Heart of Christ

As we approach the month of June the Archdiocese of Armagh joins the global Church in dedicating these days to the Sacred Heart of Jesus which is a symbol of Christ’s boundless love and compassion for humanity. At a time when so many hearts are weighed down by conflict, violence and uncertainty we are invited to turn again to the heart of Christ who is the source of true peace.

In a heartfelt appeal the Irish Bishops have reminded us of the urgent need to pray for a change of heart in our world. They write:

 

“We in Ireland must pray for a change of heart. Throughout the month of June – the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus – we call on everyone to pray for an outpouring of the compassion of God on a heartless world.”

They also speak of the horrors unfolding across the globe: relentless bombardment of civilians, starvation used as a weapon and hostages held in fear. In such a world it can feel as though humanity has lost its heart but in Christ we are offered a heart that still beats with mercy, hope and love.

A Significant Year

This year is particularly special as it is the 350th anniversary of the revelations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St Margaret Mary Alacoque at Paray-le-Monial in France. In honour of this anniversary Pope Francis wrote his final encyclical Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us) which is a beautiful meditation on the divine and human love of Christ’s heart.

How You Can Take Part

Archbishop Eamon Martin is inviting all clergy, religious and faithful across the Archdiocese to take part in several key moments this June:

1. Pilgrimage of the Sacred Heart Relics

The relics of St Margaret Mary Alacoque and St Claude la Colombière will arrive at Sacred Heart Church, Cloghogue (Newry), on Friday 30 May, remaining there for one week. All are warmly invited to come and pray.

2. A Simple Prayer for Every Mass

Throughout the month, please include in your Prayers of the Faithful and after Holy Communion the invocation:
“Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place all our trust in you.”

3. First Friday – 6 June

Join Catholics across Ireland in a day of prayer and fasting on Friday 6 June, in solidarity with those suffering, especially our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.

4. Consecration of Ireland – Knock, 22 June

On Sunday 22 June, Archbishop Eamon will consecrate Ireland to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Knock Shrine. He emphasizes that this act must be mirrored in our homes and parishes. Families are encouraged to bring images of the Sacred Heart to Mass on the weekends of 21/22 or 28/29 June, and to renew their own personal or family dedication to the Sacred Heart.

May the Archdiocese come together this June and call upon the intercession of the Sacred Heart of Jesus praying for peace, healing and for a new outpouring of compassion in our homes our Church and our world.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place all our trust in you.

Resource for Families

A resource for young families to reflect on has been created by the Pastoral Team in the Archdiocese and we encourage all to share and use widely.

Click Here to access.