The Diocesan image of the Sacred Heart.  Consecration of our Homes!

Week of Renewal  +  Renewal Week Photos  +  Schedule

On Sunday, 26 November 2000, the Feast of Christ the King, Bishop Burke consecrated the Diocese of La Crosse to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Four members of the Monastic Fraternity at Saint Peter Church in Tilden have shared their talents with the diocese.  Brother John says, "We feel very privileged that Bishop Burke would ask us to paint the Sacred Heart for the enthronement.  We are especially honored, however, because it ties in with what we, as a community, are called to do, that is , pray for the bishop and the diocese."  The four members of the Monastic Fraternity recently finished a traditional icon depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus to be displayed in St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral at the time of the consecration and the enthronement of the Sacred heart.

The Sacred Heart icon, which the order took turns painting over the course of the past few months, stands at a little over four feet tall and almost half as wide.  "It is definitely not mass produced," said Sister Maria, "but anyone who looks at the icon can see it has a personal touch."  

"According to the tradition, the icon is considered Scripture in color," Sister Mary Joseph said, "it is not so much pained as it is written, it is, in fact, the Gospel presented in a single image.  This is why the icon is kissed in Eastern churches because Christ is clearly manifested in the imagery of the icon--in much the same way he is in the stained glass of the medieval cathedrals and churches."

The image of the Sacred Heart originated in 1673 when Saint Margaret-Mary Alacoque introduced the devotion to the Church, after Christ asked her to venerate an image of his heart of flesh in reparation for the world's indifference or hostility to his love and mercy.  The devotion to the Sacred Heart can be the Catholic answer to having a personal allegiance to Jesus.  Bishop Burke would like the Sacred Heart to have an important place in our Diocese and in our homes.

One of the issues raised in the Fifth Diocesan Synod in the summer of 2000 was the need for strong families.  The promises of the Sacred Heart are just what is needed.  Bishop Burke will encourage us to consecrate our homes to Jesus Sacred Heart as well, and to enthrone an image of the Sacred Heart within them.  Parishes are encouraged to enthrone the Sacred Heart as well, and may use an image of the Sacred Heart already present in the Church building.

OFFERING.  My God, I offer You all my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, for the intentions for which He pleads and offers Himself in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in thanksgiving for Your favors, in reparation for my sins, and in humble supplication for my temporal and eternal welfare, for the needs of our holy Mother the Church, for the conversion of sinners, and for the relief of the poor souls in purgatory.

Bishop Burke announced the schedule for catechetical sessions regarding the enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Diocese of La Crosse.  The Sacred Heart Apostolate will deliver instruction both before and after the 26 November enthronement.  The catechetical sessions for clergy and laity alike will provide information on home and parish enthronement, and on the newly commissioned icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  There is more information at the Web Site of the Diocese of La Crosse.  Watch for renewal opportunities to help us learn more about this wonderful Consecration.  Coming this Fall!

Prints of the Icon to be enthroned at the Cathedral on 26 November are be available in Parish and Home sizes from the Diocese of La Crosse.  Here's an Order Form:

For more information:  

Sacred Heart Apostolate
4791 West Seneca Turnpike
Syracuse, NY 13215 1-800-851-5320
e-mail: sacredhc@dreamscape.com
Gloria Anson, Director
Pat Leo, Assistant

Consecration to the Sacred Heart  +  The Promises  +  Consecration of our Homes