U.S. Bishops Dedicate Nation to Sacred Heart of Jesus

Catholic bishops from across the United States will meet Thursday to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This service marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and forms part of the bishops’ spring assembly in Orlando, Florida. The Sacred Heart devotion is a long-standing Catholic tradition that emphasizes Christ’s sacrificial love for humanity. It is a practice mirrored by similar dedications in many Catholic homes and businesses.

While rooted in religious tradition, the devotion to the Sacred Heart also carries political undertones and has sparked controversy. It has sometimes been associated with Catholic nationalism. Alternatively, it has been viewed as a countermeasure to the idolization of the state. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops aims to use the consecration service to advocate for service to God, the nation, and those in need, explained Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon. He emphasized the devotion involves fostering truth, justice, and charity in American society.

This will be the first service of its kind by U.S. Catholic leaders. However, bishops in countries across Europe and Latin America have previously dedicated their lands to the Sacred Heart, involving political figures on certain occasions. The practice started in Ecuador in 1874, primarily in nations where Catholicism is predominant, unlike the U.S.

Pope Leo XIII consecrated the world to the Sacred Heart in 1899. Multiple popes have since advocated this devotion. Pope Francis and previous popes have highlighted it as a model for service and justice. Yet, political controversy persists in some countries, where devotion has been associated with marrying Catholicism with nationalism.

The Basilica of Sacre-Coeur in Paris symbolizes Catholic opposition to secularism during France’s revolutionary period. A French film, “Sacre Coeur,” centers on a 17th-century French nun whose visions fueled modern devotion. It attracted large audiences despite criticism for advancing a political agenda focused on France’s Christian roots. The film is now showing in American theaters.

This month, a Catholic group initiated a billboard campaign declaring June as the Sacred Heart month. James Fishback, a Republican candidate for Florida governor, dedicated his campaign to the Sacred Heart. Such devotional expressions have historically taken on controversial political dimensions. Phrases like “Christ is king” have appeared in U.S. politics, sometimes linked to Christian nationalism or anti-Zionist statements.

Robert Fastiggi, a Catholic scholar, perceives the bishops’ consecration as a unifying measure in divisive times. It opposes state idolization, portraying Jesus as “a king with a heart.” Fastiggi criticizes inflammatory rhetoric from national leaders, advocating the Sacred Heart devotion to remind followers of God’s laws and love. This movement traces back to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s visions in the 17th century, leading to various religious and educational establishments adopting the Sacred Heart name.

In the 19th century, German nun Blessed Marie of the Divine Heart encouraged Pope Leo XIII to dedicate the world to the Sacred Heart. She predicted his recovery from illness, which he confirmed in an encyclical that supported the devotion. Today, images of Jesus with the Sacred Heart, often paired with symbols of suffering love, adorn many Catholic establishments. The devotion often aligns with the veneration of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

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