Pray the National Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: June 3-11, 2026
America at 250: Also tune in to consecration Masses on EWTN.
Several countries have been consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Historically, Ecuador and Ireland were the first, in the 1870s.
Poland was consecrated in 1920: The country’s Catholic bishops first consecrated the country to the Sacred Heart on July 27, 1920, at Jasna Góra, the monastery dedicated to Our Lady of Częstochowa.
Other consecrated countries include Colombia, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Portugal and Spain.
“There could be no more beautiful and simple program of evangelization and mission for your country: to help everyone discover the tender and devoted love that Jesus has for them, to the point of transforming their lives,” Pope Leo XIV reminded the French bishops last year.
The U.S. bishops are heeding that advice: The Sacred Heart of Jesus, which the Church celebrates each June, symbolizes Christ’s love for humanity. This year’s celebration coincides with the consecration of America to the Sacred Heart.
The bishops invite the faithful to pray a Novena to the Sacred Heart, starting June 3; the novena will conclude with the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Themes for the 9 Days:
Day 1 – Heart of Jesus, aflame with love for us
Day 2 – Heart of Jesus, source of justice and love
Day 3 – Heart of Jesus, worthy of all praise
Day 4 – Heart of Jesus, patient and full of mercy
Day 5 – Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness
Day 6 – Heart of Jesus, atonement for our sins
Day 7 – Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation
Day 8 – Jesus, gentle and humble of heart
Day 9 – Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Unite in Prayer
Join the U.S. Catholic bishops in prayer, beginning with this “Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus”:
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.
From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst.
Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you.
We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.
May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.
May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love.
O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
WATCH CONSECRATION MASSES ON EWTN
- June 11, 4 p.m. ET, live, from the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, in Orlando; reairs 11 p.m. ET.
- June 12, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart:
- 6:30 p.m. ET, Mass of Enthronement of the Sacred Heart & Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus from the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin
- 9:30 p.m. ET, from Mary’s Shrine in Washington
Online: EWTN.com/live/tv
TO AID YOUR PRAYER TIME: A POEM BY THE LITTLE FLOWER
St. Thérèse wrote this poem, excerpted below, either in June 1895 or in October 1895 at the request of her sister, Marie of the Sacred Heart.
‘To the Sacred Heart of Jesus’
I need a heart burning with tenderness
Who will be my support forever,
Who loves everything in me, even my weakness ...
And who never leaves me day or night. ...
You heard me, only Friend whom I love. ...
And you still live for me on the Altar.
If I cannot see the brilliance of your Face
Or hear your sweet voice,
O my God, I can live by your grace,
I can rest on your Sacred Heart!
O Heart of Jesus, treasure of tenderness,
You Yourself are my happiness, my only hope.
You who knew how to charm my tender youth,
Stay near me till the last night.
Lord, to you alone I’ve given my life,
And all my desires are well known to you.
It’s in your ever-infinite goodness
That I want to lose myself, O Heart of Jesus! ...
I hide myself in your Sacred Heart, Jesus.
- Keywords:
- sacred heart devotion
- u.s. catholics
Amy Smith Amy Smith is a Register senior editor who edits devotions and features for print and online. Fueled by prayer and coffee, she enjoys writing about everything from Jane Austen to saints for the Register. She is the author of The Plans God Has for You: Hopeful Lessons for Young Women (Emmaus Road Publishing). Her writing has also appeared in various other Catholic publications. She has a master’s degree in journalism and a B.A. in English.
