Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Behold This Heart 

While I was in grade school at Saint Nicholas, our teachers, who were members of the Irish Order of the Sisters of Mercy, instilled in us the promises of Our Lord to Saint Margaret Mary , by gathering us all together every first Friday for Mass.

"I promise you in the excessive Mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful Love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Friday in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving the Sacraments; My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."  (Jesus to St. Margaret Mary)

This lesson has stayed with me for the last 50 plus years. Today, which happens also to be the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, felt even more special.

The sun shown bright this morning over the Carmelite Monastery as the bells rang loudly over the sounds of the ocean, calling us to Mass. Holy Eucharist with the Carmelite Sisters is a true sacred devotional time. Hymns are sung slowly, accentuating every prayerful word. Incense is burned and the altar blessed and surrounded by the deliciously fragrant smoke several times. The hour passes as if it were minutes.

Then as we do every First Friday, the congregation kneels in adoration as the curtain is drawn open to reveal Our Lord present in the gold monstrance over the tabernacle. In unison we recite the Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Most sweet Jesus, humbly kneeling at your feet, we renew the consecration of our family to your Divine Heart.  Be our King forever!  In you we have full and entire confidence.  May your Spirit penetrate our thoughts, our desires, our words and our works.  Bless our undertakings, share in our joys, in our trials and in our labors.  Grant us to know you better, to love you more, to serve you without faltering.  By the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Peace, set up your kingdom in our country.  enter closely into the midst of our families and make them your own through the solemn enthronement of your Sacred Heart, so that soon one cry may resound from home to home:  "May the triumphant Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved, blessed and glorified forever." Sacred Heart of Jesus, protect our families. Sacred Heart of Jesus I trust in You. 

Now I am ready to get to work.   Peace and love to all.  

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Photography LA Momboisse at the Carmelite Monastery Carmel California