Archdiocese gives thanks as nation is consecrated to Sacred Heart (Photos)
On June 11, the bishops of the United States concluded their spring assembly by consecrating the nation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Bishops described the consecration as an opportunity for renewal, reconciliation, and conversion.
The next day, June 12, on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, over a thousand worshippers gathered in Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart to express their prayers and gratitude for the historic consecration. The Mass of Thanksgiving was celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark. He was joined by his auxiliary bishops and dozens of priests from across the archdiocese.
Cardinal Tobin thanked the large number of people who had turned out “on a Friday night when there were storms in the neighborhood.” Referring to the magnificent cathedral basilica, he called it “a permanent witness to God’s boundless love for the people of Northern New Jersey.”
Prior to the Mass, the Knights of Columbus and a troop of Boy Scouts led a procession in which representatives from across the archdiocese bore American flags and colorful parish banners. The congregation then joined the Cathedral Choir in a booming rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Immersing ourselves in Christ’s love
In his homily, Cardinal Tobin said that the feast of the Sacred Heart was a day “to immerse ourselves in the living breathing, pulsing love that transforms who we are and dictates how we live.”
He then referred to the We Are His Witnesses pastoral planning initiative, saying that “the landscape of our Church is changing as the landscape of this state has changed.”
“We cannot be witnesses to the Lord unless we first let ourselves be moved, changed, and renewed by the love that flows from His Sacred Heart,” Cardinal Tobin said.
He urged everyone to read his pastoral letter about the We Are His Witnesses initiative, released earlier in the day. The cardinal also encouraged people to attend listening sessions, to “honestly and humbly” share their feedback and remain open to the input of others, and to “support your pastors when new models are proposed.”
“Do not fear the future or the change of structures,” Cardinal Tobin said. “Fear only a heart that has grown cold to the love of Christ, and His desire to be loved even as He loves.”
Prayer of Consecration
Later, those gathered joined Cardinal Tobin in the Prayer of Consecration, thanking the Sacred Heart of Jesus “for the abundant gifts you have given this nation,” and offering “reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.”
“May you holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love,” people prayed.
Cardinal Tobin also imparted a special apostolic blessing at the close of Mass upon those who attended the Thanksgiving Mass or participated via the cathedral’s livestream.
Shortly before the celebration began, a summer storm moved through Newark and when it cleared, a vivid rainbow appeared in the sky. Viewed from Branch Brook Park, it appeared to touch the cathedral dedicated to Jesus’s Sacred Heart – another hopeful sign as America celebrates 250 years and the archdiocese continues the We Are His Witnesses initiative.
To view more images from the Mass of Thanksgiving for the Consecration of the US to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, CLICK HERE.
You can watch a video with highlights from the Thanksgiving Mass below:
Featured image: Parishioners paraded with American flags and parish banners prior to the Thanksgiving Mass for the Consecration of the US to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 12 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ. (Photos by Julio Eduardo Herrera / Archdiocese of Newark)
