Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

For me, one of the great wonders of the Catholic Church is that there is so much to learn.  Today is the feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a 17^th century Sister of the Visitation who is especially devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  She is known for spreading this devotion throughout the church.  As a mystic she had many encounters with the risen Christ.

            Today’s reading in the Liturgy of the Hours includes a letter from St. Margaret Mary.  She says,  In the course of every activity pray as follows: “My God, I do this or I endure this in the heart of your Son and according to his holy counsels. I offer it to you in reparation for anything blameworthy or imperfect in my actions.” Continue to do this in every circumstance of life.  And every time that some punishment affliction or injustice come you way, say to yourself: “Accept this as sent to you by the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ in order to unite yourself to him.”  But above all preserve peace of heart.  This is more valuable than any treasure. In order to preserve it there is nothing more useful than renouncing your own will and substituting for it the will of the divine heart. In this way his will can carry out for us whatever contributes to his glory, and we will be happy to be his subjects and to trust in him”

            In the apparitions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Jesus gives these twelve promises for those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart.

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death.
5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
9. I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.
10. I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

"Look at this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men do not want to love Me in return. Through you My divine Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth."

For more information about Saint Margaret Mary and her life, you can click on http://www.piercedhearts.org/theology_heart/life_saints/margaret_mary.htm.