St Margaret Mary Alecoque and the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Celebrating St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

A Heart Full of Love and Promise

As the warmth of spring blooms across Australia, Catholics around the world and Down Under celebrate the feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque on October 16th. This beloved saint's life and legacy are deeply intertwined with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, symbolising divine love and mercy. Her story is one of profound devotion, mystic visions, and the transformative power of Christ's love.

The Origin and Life of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Born on July 22, 1647, in a small village in Burgundy, France, Margaret Mary Alacoque faced numerous hardships from an early age, including the death of her father and subsequent poverty. Despite these challenges, she exhibited a deep spirituality and devotion to prayer from a young age.

At 24, Margaret Mary joined the Visitation Convent at Paray-le-Monial. It was here, in the quiet of the cloister, that she began experiencing mystical visions of Jesus. Over a period of 18 months, starting in 1673, she received several apparitions in which Jesus revealed His Sacred Heart to her, expressing His profound love for humanity and His sorrow over the world's indifference to His love.

The Significance and Purpose of Her Revelations

The heart of St. Margaret Mary’s mission was to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Through her visions, Jesus shared with her the depth of His love and His desire for humanity to return that love through repentance, devotion, and trust. This devotion emphasised the boundless love and mercy of Christ, calling people to deepen their relationship with Him.

One of the key purposes of her revelations was to combat the Jansenist movement, which had fostered a strict and fear-based approach to faith. The messages received by St. Margaret Mary highlighted God's immense love and mercy, encouraging a more heartfelt and compassionate spirituality.

The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Among the most enduring aspects of St. Margaret Mary’s legacy are the 12 promises Jesus made to those who would practice devotion to His Sacred Heart. These promises include:

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their homes.
3. I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
4. I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.
5. I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
9. I will bless every place in which an image of My Heart is exposed and honoured.
10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
12. I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments; My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

These promises reflect Jesus' profound love and His desire to bless and protect those devoted to His Sacred Heart.

Celebrating the Feast Day

October 16th is a day of joyous celebration and reflection. In Australia, this feast day can be a special time to gather with family and friends, participating in church services that highlight the loving messages St. Margaret Mary received. Special prayers, hymns, and Eucharistic adoration are common ways to honour this day.

Consider celebrating St. Margaret Mary’s feast day by reflecting on the promises of the Sacred Heart and seeking ways to embody the love and mercy of Christ in your daily life. Acts of kindness, attending Mass, and spending time in prayer can help deepen your connection to the Sacred Heart taking up the promises of the Sacred Heart Devotion and acting upon them.

A Time for Love and Devotion

As we celebrate St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, we are reminded of the transformative power of divine love and the importance of fostering a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. Her life challenges us to embrace the love and mercy of the Sacred Heart, to trust in His promises, and to spread this devotion within our communities.

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, taking a moment to celebrate this feast can rejuvenate our faith and inspire us to live with the same devotion and love that St. Margaret Mary exemplified. Let us embrace this day with joy and gratitude, striving to be conduits of Christ's love and mercy.

Happy Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque! May this joyous day fill your hearts with the love and promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.