Special Mass to mark consecration of the US to the Sacred Heart
US bishops are consecrating the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In prayer and unity with this event, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, will celebrate a special Mass of Thanksgiving on Friday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ. All are invited to attend this special celebration which coincides with the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
During the Thanksgiving Mass, representatives from parishes across the archdiocese will process with flags and banners honoring their American heritage and parish communities.
In preparation for the consecration, the faithful are also invited to participate in a Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from June 3-11, 2026.
An image of Christ’s love for us
In a video message about the consecration, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon explained how the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has grown over the last three centuries, following a series of visions experienced by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 17th century. The Lord asked that his Sacred Heart, which invites us to encounter his love and compassion, be celebrated each year with a feast day.
Since then, “Popes have lauded the practice of consecration of the self, home, and even whole nations to the Sacred Heart,” Archbishop Sample said. He added that the consecration of the US to the Sacred Heart provides “a special opportunity to promote the beautiful devotion to the Sacred Heart,” and will encourage lay people “to offer their lives in service to God and their country.”
To learn more about the consecration and to find the novena prayers in English and Spanish, CLICK HERE.
Featured image: The American and Vatican flags wave outside the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ. (Photo: Archdiocese of Newark)
