From Bicentennial Fireworks to the Fire of the Sacred Heart

“I need nothing but God, and to lose myself in the heart of God.” St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

I can still see the red, white, and blue fireworks. It was 1976, the 200th anniversary of the United States. I had only been in this country for two years. As a young girl whose birthday falls just a day after the 4th of July, I felt like the entire nation was throwing a party just for me.

That year, my first trip to Disney World felt like stepping into a dream. I was in love with all the decorations, the patriotism, and the sheer joy of a country in celebration. If you had told that girl, standing wide-eyed on Main Street watching the Electrical Parade, that 50 years later she would be celebrating the 250th anniversary by consecrating her life to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she would have laughed in disbelief. Yet, here we are.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are invited to something much deeper than a parade. In a historic move, the U.S. bishops will consecrate this nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The story behind the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus dates back to 1673. At a monastery belonging to the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary in eastern France, Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque began experiencing visions of the Sacred Heart that continued for 18 months. On June 16, 1675, Jesus told Sister Margaret Mary to promote a feast that honored his Sacred Heart. But Jesus was not just asking for a new feast day; He was asking for our hearts. He wanted a “throne” in our homes. He revealed a heart that burns with love for a cold world, and as our nation marks 250 years of independence, He is inviting us to a different kind of dependence—a total reliance on His Mercy.

We are at a crossroads in our history, and there is no better time to offer our lives in service to God and country. As we celebrate this important national anniversary, we have the opportunity to promote the beautiful devotion to the Sacred Heart. To help prepare for the consecration, we will begin our 33-day preparation this Mother’s Day. What a great day to begin our journey towards June 12, 2026–the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, since Mother Mary always leads us to the Heart for her Son.

When Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio kneels at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington DC to lead the national consecration, he won’t be alone. We will be kneeling with him in our living rooms and our local parishes, placing the future of our country and our families into the hands of the One who burns with love for us.

Fifty years ago, I fell in love with the spirit of this country. This year, I’m falling in love with the Heart of the One who sustains it. Will you join me?

You can sign up for the consecration here:

Sign Up Now — Consecrati

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