As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) joins the festivities by recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Catholics and the impact of our faith on the history of this country. As part of this celebration, in a historic moment the U.S. Bishops will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, 2026.
Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus signals to God that His goodness is not forgotten and that our country relies on God’s providence for continued flourishing, bringing blessing and hope to a country suffering from wounds of division and an epidemic of loneliness.
“May this time be embraced by all as an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and renewal, as hearts entrust themselves more deeply to the loving Heart of Jesus and all pray for the healing of our country,” Bishop Frank J. Dewane said.
The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated on the Friday immediately following the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), which the Church incorporated in the Liturgical Calendar in response to the mystical visions experienced by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, in Paray-le-Monial, France, between 1673 and 1675. However, the foundational devotion of meditating on the wounded Heart of Christ was born at the foot of the Cross through the divinely inspired love which the saints bore from then on to the Sacred Passion of the Crucified and Pierced Christ. Later, the early Church Fathers and countless saints, such as St. Bernard of Clairvaux, St. Gertrude the Great, St. Bonaventure and St. John Eudes, all encouraged devotion to the Pierced Heart of Jesus. This is why many Popes have also lauded such devotion and encouraged the practice of consecrating themselves, their homes, and even whole nations to the Sacred Heart.
Parishes across the country, including here in the Diocese of Venice, were asked to join in this consecration. Epiphany Cathedral in Venice has embraced the opportunity by celebrating a special Novena to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus from June 3-11. The Novena prayers will be offered after every morning Mass, except on Sunday, June 7, when they will be prayed individually. There will also be a Vigil of the Solemnity on July 11, when the Consecration will take place. The Cathedral will offer Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, as well as opportunities for Confession beginning at 5 p.m., followed by Mass at 6 p.m.
All the faithful, including families, are encouraged to pray the Novena Prayer (Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus | USCCB), at home if they are unable to attend the Mass at Epiphany, for an ever greater increase of our love for others, especially all in need, after the Pierced Heart of Jesus, Who willingly gave His life for our salvation. The faithful are also encouraged to pray that we grow evermore as a nation, in defense of the weak, protection and greater increase of justice, and in our union, so blessed by God.
Two Parishes within the Diocese are named for the Sacred Heart, one in Bradenton, the other in Punta Gorda. To celebrate the Solemnity, Sacred Heart Parish in Bradenton 1220 15th St. W., Bradenton, will celebrate its daily Mass at 7:30 a.m., and then celebrate a Mass for the Solemnity and Parish Feast Day at 7 p.m., followed by a reception. At Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda, the daily Mass at 7:30 a.m. will cover both Solemnity and Feast Day.
Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
On the occasion of the U.S. Bishops Consecrating the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.
From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst.
Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you.
We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed
all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.
May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken
relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.
May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love.
O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
