Origin of the devotion to the Sacred Heart
While many consider the origin of the Sacred Heart devotion to be found in the private revelations of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17 th Century, the Church teaches that its true origin is to be found in Scripture itself.
Keeping in mind that the object of the devotion is the “infinite love of God for the human race” (HA, n.20), it is clear that this love was present from the beginning. While the writings of the Old Testament do not mention the Sacred Heart itself (and for obvious reasons), nevertheless, “it cannot cause us surprise nor in any way lead us to doubt the divine love for us which is the principal object of this devotion; since that love is proclaimed and insisted upon in the Old and New Testament…” (HA, n.23).
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The love of God for mankind was Enthronement Apostolate, or engages in self-study from instruction materials to prepare for the Enthronement. If possible, the family attends Mass in the parish as an act of love and reparation during the time of preparation and especially on the day of the enthronement. The family is encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Mass and Communion.
Preparation may also include the daily Rosary, a Litany of the Sacred Heart, or reflection on the Scriptures. A statue or picture of the Sacred Heart is procured and a place of honor or “throne” is prepared in the home representing an altar in the home. There should be room for a Crucifix, candles, flowers and the Bible.
The steps in the ceremony are: 1) an opening hymn (optional); 2) a brief introduction on the meaning of the Enthronement; 3) a reading from the Word of God; 4) intercessions on behalf of the world and the family; 5) the blessing of the image (if this has not been done prior to the ceremony); 6) the placement of the image of the Sacred Heart and the Bible in the place of honor; 4) the recitation of the Apostles’ Creed; 5) the Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart; 6) a closing prayer; 7) a final blessing and dismissal; 8) a closing hymn (optional).
In the days following the ceremony, the family renews its covenant daily, spends time as a family in prayer before the image of the Sacred Heart, and tries to have at least one person from the family Enthronement Apostolate, or engages in self-study from instruction materials to prepare for the Enthronement. If possible, the family attends Mass in the parish as an act of love and reparation during the time of preparation and especially on the day of the enthronement. The family is encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Mass and Communion.
Preparation may also include
the daily Rosary, a Litany of the Sacred Heart, or reflection on the
Scriptures. A statue or picture of the Sacred Heart is procured and a
place of honor or “throne” is prepared in the home representing an altar
in the home. There should be room for a Crucifix, candles, flowers and
the Bible.
The steps in the ceremony are: 1) an opening hymn (optional);
2) a brief introduction on the meaning of the Enthronement; 3) a
reading from the Word of God; 4) intercessi
ons on behalf of the world
and the family; 5) the blessing of the image (if this has not been done
prior to the ceremony); 6) the placement of the image of the Sacred
Heart and the Bible in the place of honor; 4) the recitation of the
Apostles’ Creed; 5) the Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart; 6) a
closing prayer; 7) a final blessing and dismissal; 8) a closing hymn
(optional).
In the days following the ceremony, the family renews its covenant daily, spends time as a family in prayer before the image of the Sacred Heart, and tries to have at least one person from the family.
