10 Things to Know About the Historic Consecration of the U.S.A. to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Announced by the US Bishops!
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The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at their Plenary Assembly voted to Consecrate the Unites States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. They recently released a video with Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, of Portland, Oregon, and chairman of the Committee for Religious Liberty, explaining the consecration:
10 Things to Know About the Historic Consecration of the U.S.A. to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Announced by the US Bishops!
On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart.
1. The United States will be formally consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Christ in 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding.
2. U.S. Bishops approved this dedication at their General Assembly on November 11, with an overwhelming vote of 215 to 8.
3. Prayer Released by the USCCB -On the Occasion of the U.S. Bishops Consecrating the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you. From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst. Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you. We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation. May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed. May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love. O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us! (More Resources for the Consecration: https://www.usccb.org/consecration-united-states-sacred-heart-jesus )
3. Prayer Released by the USCCB -On the Occasion of the U.S. Bishops Consecrating the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you. From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst. Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you. We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation. May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed. May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love. O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us! (More Resources for the Consecration: https://www.usccb.org/consecration-united-states-sacred-heart-jesus )
4. The consecration is scheduled for June 11, 2026 (the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart), during the bishops' spring meeting in Orlando.
5. This date (June 11) falls just a few weeks before the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776).
6. The United States has been formally consecrated to Mary (its patroness is the Immaculate Conception) several times, this will be the first time the nation is formally consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
7. The USCCB announced the act seeks to renew devotion to the Sacred Heart and "recognize the kingship of Christ, perfecting the temporal order with the spirit of the Gospel.”
8. National consecrations are common; many countries have been dedicated to the Sacred Heart. For instance, Irish bishops recently renewed their country's consecration, which first occurred 152 years prior.
9. USCCB's Bishop Kevin Rhodes, citing Pope Pius XII’s encyclical "On Devotion to the Sacred Heart," noted that consecration is a way to recognize Christ’s kingship and is a "source and symbol of unity, salvation and peace."
10. Pope Francis's last encyclical, "Dilexit nos" (He Loved Us), was also about the Sacred Heart, which he described as the "very core" of the Gospel and a "wellspring" for Christian beliefs.
BONUS - 11. In preparation for the 2026 consecration, the bishops plan to hold a novena and provide catechetical resources for local engagement through "adoration and works of mercy."
The U.S. Bishops explain - Why did the United States bishops vote to consecrate our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus? Learn about this historic decision, the deep spiritual tradition behind it, and what it means for American Catholics as we approach our country's 250th anniversary in 2026. Drawing on centuries of devotion to the Sacred Heart, including the teaching of Pope Pius XI and Pope Pius XII, Archbishop Sample explores how this consecration calls us to infuse the Gospel into our communities and to see the face of Christ in each sister and brother, especially those who are marginalized and vulnerable.
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