June is the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Catholics dedicate the month of June to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in veneration and in gratitude for His merciful heart and His redeeming love for mankind.
Holy masses, novenas, and the recitation of devotional prayers in honour of the Sacred Heart are traditionally observed by the faithful devotees.
Pope’s prayer intention for June: the heart of Jesus
This month, during which the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart occurs, the Pope asks that: ‘We pray that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus.’
Our prayer, with the Pope, is always oriented towards changing our own hearts, preparing ourselves for mission in whatever life situation we are in. For almost every person on the planet, that situation changed drastically since before Lent this year. We are only just beginning to learn and to reflect on how much of that change is permanent, on how much life has changed forever. Many indeed are suffering, whether through illness or by watching loved ones fall sick. Part of us longs for a return to normal, leading us to examine what we meant by that normal, and to face our fears that it might never return. Therefore, it is important not to let fear control us; the love of the Heart of Christ will be our great strength.
The Heart of Christ is filled with the spirit of compassion for all.
There is a long-standing tradition in the Church of dedicating nine days of prayer to the Heart of Christ, concluding on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart on 19th June. Many parishes already pray this Novena every year and there are many beautiful variations. This year, we present a version, composed by the Pope’s Prayer Network Director in London, which will be available online at www.popesglobalprayer.net and on www.messenger.ie. Each day of the Novena is presented in an Ignatian way, suggesting a Spiritual Exercise each day.
Here is the Novena Prayer which you can pray every day, even when you can’t pray the rest of the meditation:
Lord Jesus, you have said, ‘Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you’. I come to you in faith and trust, in love and hope. Let me know your closeness to me and your care of me and for all who are dear to me.
My intention for this Novena is dear to me and I know that what is important to me is important to you. Hear my prayer (mention your intention); grant what I ask, and may I always trust that in all that happens in life, you will be close to me as my friend, guide and saviour. And so, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.
Pope Francis recently suggested,
‘Prayer belongs to everyone: to men and women of every religion, and probably even to those who profess no religion. Prayer is born within the secrecy of our being, in that interior place that spiritual writers often call the “heart”.’
Take a moment to ponder what is in your heart today, especially during these trying times. Could it be a prayer that you didn’t recognise was a prayer? Pope Francis has also spoken of Christian hope as, ‘a sail that catches wind and is therefore able to sail out to sea, and new lands, and fresh discoveries’. If we take his idea into our own prayer, can we feel ourselves borne on the winds of the Holy Spirit, sailing outwards to a new place and new joy? Click to pray with the Pope.
To our dear St Vincent’s family, may Jesus come into your life this month with a special blessing for you. It is the occasion for us to take Jesus Christ’s physical heart as the representation of His divine love for humanity.
Mindful of the current situation Covid-19 and injustice around the world, here are some prayers to the Holy Spirit and Sacred Heart which could be shared with your family: The Sacred Heart of Jesus prayers.
You may also enjoy the Family Prayer Sheet.
Here is another special prayer for the Sacred Heart of Jesus:
O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing,
I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine.
Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will.
Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you.
Protect me in the midst of danger.
Comfort me in my afflictions.
Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death.
Amen
