By Marion Hausmann
Ireland was reconsecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus last Sunday by Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh during Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Ireland in Knock.
Pope Leo XIV sent his blessings from the Vatican, praying, “that this solemn occasion will provide a grace-filled opportunity for all participating to deepen their devotion to the merciful heart of Christ, and to grow in zeal for spreading the saving message of the Gospel and promoting Christian charity among their brothers and sisters.”
Thousands of people marched through the streets to the Knock Basilica, where Archbishop Martin took the podium alongside a portrait of Jesus Christ and four pilgrim Sacred Heart statues blessed by Pope Francis, representing Ireland’s historic four provinces.
This follows Ireland’s previous consecration in 1873, marking the many decades of Ireland’s commitment to faith and refuge, as Archbishop Martin highlighted the “many weighty evils pressing on the Church of God throughout the world today.”
In his homily, Archbishop Martin said, “We realise of course that the consecration is not some kind of miraculous panacea for all of the ills and struggles of Church and society… Consecration to the Sacred Heart asks for our cooperation – it demands our personal commitment to spread Faith, Hope and Love.”
He echoed the confidence in the promises made known to St Margaret Mary Alacoque 350 years ago, and hopes this consecration “will spark a renewal of faith and unleash a powerful rejuvenation of mission to proclaim the good news in our country and beyond.”
“Do not be afraid,” urged Archbishop Martin, acknowledging the struggles of those in the Catholic faith around the world. “The consecration will give you a new heart – a heart of love that can in turn give fresh heart to our troubled world.”
Archbishop Martin encouraged everyone to recite the Prayer for the Consecration of Ireland to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus during Mass or at home, especially during this month of June, the month of the Most Sacred Heart.
