In a powerful gesture of unity and devotion, the Knights of Columbus have invited Catholics and all people of goodwill to join a special novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the intentions of Pope Leo XIV. This nine-day prayer begins on June 19 — marking the anniversary of the Holy Father’s ordination to the priesthood — and concludes on June 27, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart.
“This novena is an expression of love and loyalty to our Holy Father,” said Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly. “We stand with him in his mission to bring the light of Christ to the world.”
Participants can sign up online, submit personal prayer intentions, and download the novena prayers. These intentions will be carried to Rome by Kelly later this Jubilee Year.
Families are also encouraged to enthrone an image of the Sacred Heart in their homes — an act of consecration symbolizing Christ’s reign over family life.
The timing of the novena is especially meaningful: This June marks the 350th anniversary of the final revelation received by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. In her visions, Jesus revealed His heart, ablaze with love and wounded by indifference.
“Behold this Heart which has so loved men,” He said, “that it has spared nothing ... in order to testify its love.”
Renew and deepen
The Sacred Heart devotion, once a private revelation, has since become one of the most beloved spiritual traditions in Catholic life. It speaks universally to the human desire for mercy, healing, and faithful love. Pope Francis' last encyclical was dedicated to the Sacred Heart.
This novena is also part of the Knights’ broader efforts to renew and deepen faith across communities. Earlier this year, they launched the Pilgrim Icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus during a Holy Hour at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven — the birthplace of the organization founded by Blessed Michael McGivney in 1882.
The featured image is a reproduction of Pompeo Batoni’s 1767 painting, widely recognized as the most iconic representation of the Sacred Heart.
In a world often marked by division and distraction, the novena invites all to pause, pray, and rediscover a faith rooted in charity and courage.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “The prayer of the Church, nourished by the Word of God and the celebration of the liturgy, teaches us to pray with hearts attuned to the compassion of Christ” (CCC 2664).
The Knights’ invitation is not only a call to prayer, but a call to communion — with the Pope, with the Sacred Heart, and with one another.
To join the novena and learn more, visit kofc.org.
