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Devotion to the Sacred Heart has its roots in the Bible and has developed over the centuries. It was never a popular devotion until the the private revelations given to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century.
After that it became very popular among the faithful and the Church began to speak directly about this devotion, instituting a universal feast honoring the Sacred Heart.
When reflecting on this devotion in his encyclical, Miserentissimus Redemptor, Pope Pius XI wrote that it was a potent summary of the spiritual life.
Pius XI explains how the devotion leads the faithful to an "intimate knowledge" and "love" of Jesus Christ.
The devotion highlights how "the creature’s love should be given in return for the love of the Creator."
The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms this central duty of all people, responding to the love of our Creator.
While not everyone is drawn closer to God in the Sacred Heart devotion, it remains a beautiful expression of a fundamental truth.
God loves us so much that he offers his love to us and invites us to love him in return.
