The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or Sacred Heart Day is observed in Colombia 10 weeks and a day after Easter Sunday and is all about highlighting the perfect, immeasurable love of Jesus Christ for all humanity. This year, it falls on June 10. This day originally falls 19 days after Pentecost, which is always a Friday, but like other Catholic celebrations in Colombia, it is celebrated on the Monday after the actual date.
History of Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart Day is devoted to the physical heart of Jesus Christ, which symbolizes his boundless love for all of humanity. The Sacred Heart is a practice that gained popularity in the 1600s and has become one of the most widely-known Catholic devotions. It originated as the worship of the sacred wounds Jesus Christ received during his crucifixion, and later evolved into the celebration of Christ’s divine love.
There were early devotees of the Sacred Heart, such as Mechtilde of Helfta and Gertrude The Great; however, it gained popularity as more passionate devotees began springing forth. One of the first and most well-known devotees was a nun named Margaret Mary Alacoque. Margaret claimed to receive apparitions of Jesus Christ, one where she claimed he requested to be honored under the figure of his heart, and the other where he asked for a feast to be observed on the second Friday after Corpus Christi, which is 19 days after Pentecost. This paved the way for other passionate devotees like Estelle Faguette and Mary of the Divine Heart, who brought the consecration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to the entire world.
Sacred Heart Day is a day dedicated to the Sacred Heart. Its celebration can be traced back to the 1600s through the efforts of French Roman Catholic priest John Eudes. It became established as a mandatory observance in 1856 under Pope Pius IX.
In Colombia, the day is always observed on a Monday, 10 weeks, and a day after Easter Sunday. It is a public holiday across the nation. This means there is no work and school for the day, and citizens are instead encouraged to spend the day spreading and sharing a love for each other and Jesus Christ.
Sacred Heart timeline
The first Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or Sacred Heart Day is celebrated on August 31 in the Grand Seminary of Rennes.
The nun Margaret Mary Alacoque receives an apparition on June 16 of Jesus requesting for the feast on the second Friday after Corpus Christi.
Sacred Heart Day is raised to the highest rank of Catholic feasts by Pope Pius XI.
Estelle Faguette receives permission to distribute the Scapular of the Sacred Heart.
Sacred Heart FAQs
What is the symbol of The Sacred Heart?
The sacred heart is depicted as a flaming heart. Illustrations of it often show a shining, flaming heart, enclosed in a ring or crown of thorns, surmounted by a cross, and bleeding. Some depictions include Christ himself pointing at his heart with wounded hands.
Why do Colombians celebrate Sacred Heart on Monday?
Culturally, the people of Colombia always celebrate Catholic holidays on the Monday after the actual date of the holiday. It is a cultural reason and cannot be pinpointed to anything in particular.
Where was the first place Sacred Heart Day celebrated?
Sacred Heart Day was first celebrated in France in 1670 and then spread to other parts of Europe, beginning with Poland.
How to Observe Sacred Heart
Organize a feast
This day is all about sharing and spreading love in all forms. It represents the eternal love of Jesus Christ for all humankind, and we are encouraged to show love in any way we can. The majority of Colombians spend the day dining with friends and family, so take the opportunity to get together with friends and family and enjoy a feast.
Attend a church service
On this day, Catholic churches organize feasts and church services. This is the perfect time to spend some time fellowshipping with other believers and spreading love. Visit your local Catholic church today, and if you aren’t Catholic, call up your Catholic friends and see how you can get involved in the spirit of today.
Say a prayer
Today also presents the best opportunity to spend some quiet time with the one who this day is all about — Jesus Christ. Take a few minutes of your time to express your love for him just as he does endlessly for you. A great way to do that is to take a moment to just chat with him and tell him how grateful you are for his immense sacrifice and love.
5 Interesting Facts About The Sacred Heart
It holds 12 promises
When Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque he made 12 promises to those who honor the Sacred Heart.
It was once in a Saint
When St. Lutgarde was visited by Christ in the 1200s, she asked to be given Christ’s heart, and he granted her wish.
You can consecrate your life to it
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque wrote a prayer of consecration that allows people to dedicate their lives to the heart of Christ.
St. Margaret got a dedication tattoo
In1681, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque felt compelled to dedicate her life completely to Christ by carving his name on her chest with a knife.
St. Estelle Faguette almost died
The main distributor of the Scapular of the Sacred Heart almost passed away from pulmonary tuberculosis until miraculously being healed after seeing the Virgin Mary.
Why Sacred Heart is Important
It’s all about love
Who doesn’t love a day about love? Today is all about embracing and sharing goodwill, and as usual, we are here for it. With the chaos that goes on in the world now and then, it’s nice to have another day to remind us there is still so much love to give in the world.
It reminds us that we are loved
One of the greatest love stories ever told is the story of Jesus Christ and his immense sacrifice for us. This day celebrates his pure, loving, kind heart, and reminds us of just how much we are loved and how much we mean to him.
It encourages family time
One of the ways the people of Colombia celebrate this day is by spending time with family and friends. It is an opportunity to get together with our loved ones and share the warmth amongst them.
Sacred Heart dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | June 27 | Monday |
| 2023 | June 19 | Monday |
| 2024 | June 10 | Monday |
| 2025 | June 30 | Monday |
| 2026 | June 15 | Monday |
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