The honor given to the image of the
Sacred Heart as we know it today began after the apparitions to St. Margaret
Mary Alacoque in 1673. She explained that Jesus allowed her to rest her head
against his chest, as he revealed to her the image of his heart with flames
coming from it and a crown of thorns around it, surmounted by a cross. She
could clearly see the wound he had received on the cross. He revealed to her
that he desired the image to be honored and that those who did as he asked
would receive twelve promises:
1. I will give them all the graces
necessary in their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their
houses.
3. I will comfort them in all their
afflictions.
4. I will be their strength during
life, and above all, during death.
5. I will bestow large blessings upon
all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in my heart the
source and infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall grow fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to
high perfection.
9. I will bless every place where a
picture of my Heart shall be set up 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, never to be blotted out.
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
penitence; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their
sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.
Jesus asked St. Margaret Mary to
promote this devotion so that all mankind would know his burning love for his
children. He requested that homes display his image and people carry small
pictures.
(List of Promises from the Catholic Source Book)
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