Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus over the Declaration of Independence

In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The act of consecration will take place on June 11 at 4 p.m. from the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando, Florida. The event is being livestreamed on the USCCB's YouTube Channel.

Parishes and individual Catholics are invited to join in the celebration and prepare for the consecration by praying a novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus beginning on June 3, by participating in 250 hours of adoration, and/or by performing 250 works of mercy.

In reflecting on the decision to consecrate the country to Jesus' Sacred Heart, Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, chairman of the USCCB's Committee for Religious Liberty, explained, "Popes have lauded the practice of consecration of the self, home, and even whole nations to the Sacred Heart. In his encyclical instituting the Solemnity of Christ the King, Pope Pius XI, drawing on the teaching of Pope Leo XIII, commended the 'pious custom' of consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a way to recognize the kingship of Christ. By celebrating this important national anniversary with this devotion, we have the opportunity to encourage all Catholics to honor our Lord and to 'infuse the spirit of the Gospel into various communities and departments of life.'"

Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus draws its devotions from the Litany of the Sacred Heart. Each day reflects on the wisdom of saints and popes on the Sacred Heart and offers opportunities for prayer and action, framed by Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us) and Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You).

Download the Sacred Heart of Jesus Prayer Card here.

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage comes to Maine

Another way you can celebrate our Lord and our nation is by participating in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage. The Diocese of Portland was priviledged to be included in the route of the pilgrimage, which began in St. Augustine, Florida, and will conclude in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The pilgrimage will come to Maine June 23-26. Please consider walking with our Lord or participating in Masses or adoration. You will find a list of events and be able to register for them here. Email [email protected] with questions or to volunteer!