26 Marian Helper • Spring 2026 • Marian.org “One hundred years ago, in 1925, in his encyclical instituting the feast of Christ the King, Pope Pius XI — drawing on the teaching of Pope Leo XIII — referred to the pious custom of consecrating oneself, families, and even nations to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a way to recognize the kingship of Christ,” explained Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of Fort WayneSouth Bend, Indiana, chair of the Committee for Religious Liberty of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Bishop Rhoades added that Pope Francis’ final encyclical, Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us), “brought devotion to the Sacred Heart to the forefront of Catholic life as the ultimate symbol of both human and divine love, calling it a wellspring of peace and unity” and how “the Sacred Heart teaches us to build up in this world God’s kingdom of love and justice.” In his first apostolic exhortation, Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You), Pope Leo XIV follows in his predecessor’s footsteps. He echoed his predecessor’s teaching, reminding the faithful that “in the poor and the suffering, we see revealed the very heart of Christ, his deepest feelings and choices, which every saint seeks to imitate.” God bless the USA Father Donald Calloway, MIC, author of Sacred Heart Gems: Daily Wisdom on the Heart of Jesus, was delighted by the news. His book offers reflections across the ages from popes, saints, blesseds, and venerable mystics about the Sacred Heart — an ideal primer for Catholics of all ages. “This news brings joy to my heart,” Fr. Calloway said. “I love the USA! I see this consecration as a way of praying for our country, exercising patriotism, and asking God to bless the USA, even as we pray in reparation for any offenses we as a nation have committed against the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “Many Catholics know that the Marian Fathers promote the Divine Mercy message and devotion, but not many know that the Marian Fathers are also very devoted to the Sacred Heart,” he continued, as evidenced in the promotion of the First Fridays devotion, for example. “My hope is that parishes and Catholic schools across the USA participate in the consecration and become more devoted to the Sacred Heart.” Prayer resources The USCCB is preparing prayer resources, including a novena, for dioceses and parishes to engage Catholics in the run-up to the June consecration. Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, chairman of the USCCB Committee for Religious Liberty, is heading the initiative. A dedicated website is active now: usccb.org/we-hold-these-truths. “As we reflect with gratitude on the blessings God has bestowed on our country, our devotion to the Sacred Heart demands that we consider how we might foster truth, justice, and charity in American life,” Archbishop Sample noted. “We are called to bring our faith into the actions we take and the lives we lead in our communities.” Sacred Heart & the USA To order (Product code: B69-SHGM), visit ShopMercy.org or call 1-800-462-7426. As part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Catholic bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The consecration will take place on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 12.
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