Molly Farinholt and her husband were on their sixth move in five years with two small children when they suffered a miscarriage. It was at this time that the couple decided to consecrate themselves, their new home, and their family to Jesus’ Sacred Heart.

“The Lord just brought us to this place of needing greater reliance on Him and being aware that we needed greater reliance on Him and the devotion to the Sacred Heart,” Farinholt said. “Seems like the perfect thing to bring about that greater trust and devotion to Him.”

The Farinholts practiced a tradition called enthronement to the Sacred Heart. The tradition, popular in the ’40s and ’50s, was formalized by Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey in 1907. An individual, couple or family can consecrate their home, apartment, or even dorm room to the Sacred Heart by displaying a picture of it in a prominent space.

There are a few ways to practice this devotion for the Month of the Sacred Heart or any time of year. Read on to learn more:

A Bible, rosary, flowers and candles can accompany the Sacred Heart image on a designated table or prayer space.

Traditionally, Catholics welcomed a priest to say a home Mass on that day and enthrone the image of the Sacred Heart. However, Emily Jaminet, national executive director of the Sacred Heart Enthronement Network, said a Mass is not entirely necessary. The Sacred Heart Enthronement Network is a global organization that aims to popularize the practice of enthronement.

“It used to be very predominant in the 1940s that there would be a home Mass. It was very somber and very reverent. Home Masses are less and less common today,” Jaminet said. “My brother is a Catholic priest and he said to me, ‘Emily, you can’t tell Catholics that to receive the love of Christ they have to have a priest present in their home.’ I think that was a really good piece of wisdom, and it was affirmed by our bishop, Earl Fernandes.”

Perhaps your priest can still come, or a deacon, or the father/head of household can lead the prayers, such as from this prayer guide via EWTN.

Farinholt said her family found solace in the enthronement and the 12 Promises of Christ in the devotion amid some of their toughest challenges.

“When we did the consecration, we were in this period of transition and turmoil, with the move and the miscarriage,” Farinholt said. “We just had waves of peace through all of that. Now, two years in, we can just look back and see that He certainly did establish so much peace in our family.”

Lisa Pellegrini, a business owner, farm wife and homeschooling mother of nine, said her family also reaps the benefits of the Sacred Heart consecration. The Pellegrinis heard about enthronement from a family friend who is a priest.

“He just said, ‘You know what? I think your family should consecrate yourself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,’” Pellegrini said. “I think he just knew that this would strengthen us.”

Pellegrini said that the graces they’ve received from the enthronement have drawn their entire family closer to Christ. Together, the family attends daily Mass and practices a “monastic” lifestyle.

“It has definitely given us the graces that help us persevere in this rigid lifestyle,” Pellegrini said.

Maria Troutman, a 33-year-old wife and mother of four, said enthronement to the Sacred Heart has been a daily reminder of Christ’s reign over her family.

“There have been many times in the last six years when we have been tried and tested by heavy crosses; and yet, we have never forgotten that the King of the Universe reigns here and that He loves us,” Troutman said.

Those interested in enthronement should seize the opportunity, according to Troutman.

“If you feel the pull to enthrone the Sacred Heart, do it. Remember that if we seek God, it is only because He has sought us out first,” she continued. “Do not be afraid!”

RELATED RESOURCES

Enthronement kits are available today to help families and individuals take part in this tradition. The Pellegrini family business, The Catholic Printing Press, offers resources for enthronement, as does The Sacred Heart Enthronement Network.