June 5, 2026

Bishops consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

REGIONAL
Staff report

A painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is seen during Palm Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Prescott, Ariz., April 13, 2025. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller)

SPRINGFIELD – The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during the 250^th Anniversary of the Nation on June 11. Bishop William D. Byrne began leading a novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on social media, June 3, leading up to the day of the consecration.

Bishop Byrne will consecrate the Diocese of Springfield to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at a special Mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield on Sunday, June 14. All are welcome to attend, or tune in to live coverage on the “Chalice of Salvation,” 10 a.m. on 22News-WWLP.

Also, on the weekend of June 13-14, the priests of the diocese will lead the Consecration of their parishes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

On Nov. 11, at the USCCB Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, the bishops voted to consecrate the U.S. to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

“As we reflect on the blessings God has bestowed upon our country, our devotion to the Sacred Heart demands that we consider how we might foster truth, justice, and charity in American life,” said Archbishop Alexander Sample, of Portland, Oregon, in a YouTube video on the consecration. (https://www.usccb.org/consecration-united-states-sacred-heart-jesus)

“This anniversary and consecration gives us a special opportunity to promote the beautiful devotion to the Sacred Heart and to encourage the laity to offer their lives in service to God and their country,” he said.

The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus followed from the visions of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the late 1600’s. She experienced a series of visions of Jesus in which he displayed his Sacred Heart. He also asked her to tell the faithful to receive the Eucharist often, especially on the First Friday of the month. The formal devotion to the Sacred Heart was approved by Pope Pius IX in 1873.

To pray the novena, follow Bishop Byrne on Instagram @diospringfieldma