June 12, 2026, marks the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. Today we venerate the Sacred Heart of Jesus to grow closer to his Divine presence. Every year, this solemnity takes place on the Friday after the Corpus Christi Octave.
But what is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart? We’ve answered frequently asked questions below to aid in your meditation on this special feast day.
Why do Catholics Venerate the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
Every day Catholics are encouraged to work towards a closer relationship with God. This can be done in several ways, but observing the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart is a key way to grow closer to Jesus and gain a deeper understanding of his Glory and humble sacrifice on the cross.
Where did this feast day stem from?
On December 27, 1673, Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque had a vision of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She continued to have visions over the course of the next 18 months and during this period found new ways to venerate the Sacred Heart.
At first, many of her peers and superiors were skeptical of her visions, but they soon came to accompany Sister Margaret in her venerations.
Sister Margaret created the concept of a holy hour on Thursdays, as well as a day of veneration to the Sacred Heart after the Corpus Christi Octave. Both venerations are now accepted by the whole of the Catholic Church as a practice that brings you closer to Jesus.
What promises did the Sacred Heart of Jesus make to Sister Margaret?
- I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will give peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. I will be their refuge in life and especially in death.
5. I will abundantly bless all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in my heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall rise speedily to great perfection.
9. I will bless those places wherein the image of my Sacred Heart shall be exposed and venerated.
10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
11. Persons who propagate this devotion shall have their names eternally written in my heart.
12. In the excess of the mercy of my heart, I promise you that my all powerful love will grant to all those who will receive Communion on the first Fridays, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: They will not die in my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and my heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour.