Rediscover Feast of Sacred Heart, John Paul II Tells Youth

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 5, 2002 (Zenit.org).- John Paul II called on youth to rediscover one of the Church´s most profound feasts, that of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which will be celebrated Friday.

The Holy Father said it is a special occasion to penetrate "the mystery of divine love for people of all times."

At the end of today´s general audience, held in St. Peter´s Square in the presence of 12,000 faithful, the Pope addressed youth in particular, with an invitation: "Prepare yourselves in the school of the Heart of Christ to face with confidence the commitments that await you."

The "Directory on Popular Piety and Liturgy," published this year by the Vatican Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, presents in No. 166 the expression "Heart of Christ" with reference to the "mystery of Christ himself, to the totality of his being, of his person considered in its profound and essential nucleus."

The document suggests as forms of devotion "personal consecration" so that the Heart of Jesus will reign in one´s own heart; the "consecration of the family"; the Litanies of the Heart of Jesus (approved for the whole Church in 1891); the "act of reparation" (prayer to implore mercy for offenses to Jesus); and the practice of the "nine first Fridays of the month."

This custom, promoted by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, also counsels frequent reception of the sacraments.

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying Thee. This is my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to Thee, and to do all for Thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease Thee.

I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and insconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. Be Thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my justification before God Thy Father, and screen me from His anger which I have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from Thine infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee. Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or be separated from Thee.
I beseech Thee, through Thine infinite Goodness, grant that my name be engraved upon Thy Heart, for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted servants.

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