The Heart of Jesus, belongs to His
Person, is worthy of adoration though extends further than the Heart of
flesh, being directed to the love of which this Heart is the living and
expressive symbol.
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Born : July 22, 1647
At : L'Hautecour, in
the province of Burgundy, France.
An ardent devotee of the Blessed Sacrament.
She joined the Order of Our Lady of the Visitation ( Visitation Nuns
) at Paray-le-Monial in 1671.
1673, 1674 and 1675
Visited by Our Lord Himself, who asked her to spread devotion to His
Most Sacred Heart.
This she humbly did, once she had received the permission and approbation
of her superiors, especially her spiritual director and confessor, St..
Claude La Colombière, SJ
1688 : A chapel dedicated to the Sacred Heart was constructed at Paray-le-Monial and soon the devotion began to spread, with the help of the Visitation Nuns and the priests of the Society of Jesus.
Died : October 17, 1690.
Devotion approved : 1765.
Canonized : 1920.
The Twelve Promises of Our Blessed
Lord to St. Margaret Mary
for those who are devoted to
His Sacred Heart
(taken from her autobiography
and letters)
1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will give peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. I will be their refuge in life and especially in death.
5. I will abundantly bless all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of
mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall rise speedily to great perfection.
9. I will bless those places wherein the image of My Sacred Heart shall
be exposed and venerated.
10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
11. Persons who propagate this devotion shall have their names eternally
written in my Heart.
12. In the excess of the mercy of my Heart, I promise you that my all
powerful love will grant to all those who will receive Communion on the
First Fridays, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance:
they will not die in my displeasure,
nor without receiving the sacraments; and my Heart will be their secure
refuge in that last hour.