The Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most beloved devotions in the Catholic Church. Rooted in centuries of tradition, this devotion highlights the immense love, mercy, and compassion that Jesus Christ has for humanity. Whether you are preparing to celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart or seeking to deepen your prayer life through the Litany of the Sacred Heart, this guide answers the most frequently asked questions about this beautiful devotion—why it matters, when it is celebrated, and how to embrace it fully.

Feast of the Sacred Heart: When and Why We Celebrate

1. When is the Feast of the Sacred Heart Celebrated?

The Feast of the Sacred Heart is celebrated annually on the Friday after the second Sunday of Pentecost. This usually falls in the month of June, making it a special summer devotion for Catholics worldwide.

• In 2025, the Feast will be observed on Friday, June 27.

This timing emphasizes the connection between the Holy Spirit’s outpouring at Pentecost and the love of Christ symbolized by his Sacred Heart.

2. What is the Origin of the Feast of the Sacred Heart?

The devotion to the Sacred Heart has deep historical roots, but the feast was officially established by Pope Pius IX in 1856. The devotion itself began to take shape in the 17th century through the mystical experiences of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French Visitation nun.

Between 1673 and 1675, St. Margaret Mary received several visions of Jesus, in which He revealed His Sacred Heart as a symbol of His burning love for humanity. Jesus expressed His desire that the Church honor His Heart publicly and make reparations for the indifference and offenses committed against him.

3. Why Do Catholics Venerate the Sacred Heart of Jesus?

The Sacred Heart is the ultimate symbol of Christ’s love—both human and divine, wounded and merciful, passionate and compassionate. Catholics venerate the Sacred Heart to:

• Acknowledge Jesus’ immense love and suffering for humanity’s salvation.
• Offer love, trust, and reparation in return for his mercy.
• Unite themselves with Christ’s mission of redemption and mercy.
• Find spiritual comfort and strength in times of trial and suffering.

This devotion invites believers to enter into a deeper relationship with Jesus, recognizing his heart as the source of all grace.

4. What Are the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart?

Jesus gave 12 special promises to St. Margaret Mary for those who honor his Sacred Heart faithfully. These promises encourage Catholics to develop a consistent devotion to Jesus' Sacred Heart. Here are all 12 promises of the Sacred Heart:

(1) "I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.

(2) I will establish peace in their homes.

(3) I will comfort them in all their afflictions.

(4) I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.

(5) I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.

(6) Sinners will find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

(7) Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.

(8) Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.

(9) I will bless every place in which an image of my Heart is exposed and honored.

10) I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.

(11) Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart.

(12) I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."

These promises have inspired many to practice the Nine First Fridays devotion, which involves receiving Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months in reparation to the Sacred Heart.

5. What Are the Special Customs for the Feast of the Sacred Heart?

Catholics observe the Feast of the Sacred Heart with various meaningful practices, including:

• Attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion as an act of reparation.
• Praying the Litany of the Sacred Heart to meditate on Jesus’ love.
• Consecrating their homes, families, or themselves to the Sacred Heart.
• Displaying or enthroning an image of the Sacred Heart in their homes.
• Participating in Eucharistic Adoration, processions, or special prayers organized by parishes.
• Beginning or continuing the Nine First Fridays devotion.

These customs deepen the faithful’s connection to Christ’s love and mercy.

The Litany of the Sacred Heart: A Prayer of Love and Mercy

6. What is the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus?

The Litany of the Sacred Heart is a beautiful and meditative prayer consisting of 33 invocations, each reflecting a title or attribute of Jesus’ Heart. Each invocation is followed by the response:

“Have mercy on us.”

This prayer honors the virtues, mysteries, and love found in the Heart of Jesus and helps the faithful unite their hearts with His divine love and suffering.

7. What Are Some Key Invocations in the Litany of the Sacred Heart?

The Litany includes many poetic and meaningful titles, such as:

• Heart of Jesus, obedient unto death
• Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful
• Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation
• Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance
• Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity
• Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts

These invocations invite reflection on Jesus’ sacrifice, mercy, and eternal love.

8. What is the History of the Litany of the Sacred Heart?

The Litany was officially approved for public use by Pope Leo XIII in 1899, coinciding with his consecration of the entire world to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. However, the devotion and many of the titles in the Litany trace back to the revelations received by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century.

9. Can the Litany of the Sacred Heart be prayed individually or only in groups?

The Litany of the Sacred Heart can be prayed both individually and in groups. While it is often prayed during communal devotions such as Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, or parish gatherings, many people also find great spiritual benefit in praying the Litany alone as a personal prayer.

Praying it individually allows for quiet meditation on each invocation, fostering a deeper personal connection with the love and mercy of Jesus’ Heart. So whether you join others or pray by yourself, the Litany remains a powerful way to honor the Sacred Heart and seek his grace.

10. When Should the Litany of the Sacred Heart be Prayed?

The Litany can be prayed at any time but is especially meaningful:

• On the Feast of the Sacred Heart
• During the Nine First Fridays devotion
• In Eucharistic Adoration
• During times of personal suffering, spiritual dryness, or trials
• As a daily prayer to grow closer to Jesus’ love

Embracing the Love of the Sacred Heart

Whether you are celebrating the Feast of the Sacred Heart or quietly praying the Litany during a challenging season, this devotion invites you to experience the unfailing, sacrificial love of Jesus. The Sacred Heart longs to be known, trusted, and loved in return. By embracing this devotion, Catholics worldwide find hope, healing, and a deeper intimacy with Christ.