Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has its origins in the revelations received by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in Paray-le-Monial between 1673 and 1675. Jesus showed her his Heart, burning with love for mankind, and asked her to spread this devotion throughout the Church.
Over the centuries, many prayers have been composed in honour of the Sacred Heart. Among these is the Chaplet of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, intended to help us meditate on the love, mercy and sacrifice of Christ.
Unlike the traditional Rosary, whose origins are traditionally attributed to Saint Dominic, the Chaplet of the Sacred Heart is a more recent devotion. It developed particularly in the 19th century thanks to spiritual movements centred on the Heart of Jesus and the efforts of many men and women religious who wished to spread its message of love.
The Chaplet of the Sacred Heart usually consists of 33 beads, recalling the 33 years of Jesus’ earthly life. On each bead, the faithful recite short invocations such as:
“Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.”
or
“Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.” ”
This simple prayer allows one to remain in the presence of Christ throughout the day and to entrust to him one’s joys, sorrows, family and intentions.
A devotion that remains relevant today
Even today, the Rosary of the Sacred Heart is used throughout the world. It reminds us that the Heart of Jesus remains open to all, a source of consolation for the suffering, of forgiveness for sinners and of hope for those who seek God.
By meditating on this rosary, the faithful respond to Christ’s call:
“Behold this Heart which has loved mankind so much. ”
A phrase that sums up the whole spirituality of the Sacred Heart: an infinite love, offered to everyone unconditionally. ❤️?
How do you pray the Rosary to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
There are several forms of the Rosary to the Sacred Heart. The most common consists of 33 beads, in memory of the 33 years of Jesus’ earthly life.
Beginning
Make the Sign of the Cross and then recite:
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, source of all love and mercy, I consecrate myself to You and place all my trust in You.
On each bead
Recite:
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.
(33 times)
At the end of each decade (or group of beads)
You may add:
Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, set our hearts ablaze with your love.
Closing prayer
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I offer You all my thoughts, my words, my actions, my joys and my sorrows. Keep me in your love and lead me on the path to holiness. Amen.
A very simple version
Many of the faithful simply recite:
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.
33 times in succession, meditating on Christ’s love, His sufferings for the salvation of the world, and His infinite mercy.
❤️ Spiritual promise of this devotion: the more we draw near to the Heart of Jesus with trust, the more we discover his peace, his consolation and his love for each one of us.
