This summer will be a memorable celebration as Americans prepare to celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4. For the 50 million Catholics in the U.S. — one-fifth of the population — the 250th anniversary comes with a special and powerful move from the nation’s bishops.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will consecrate the entire nation to Jesus’ Sacred Heart on June 11, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. This act of consecration dedicates its people to God, asking a flood of God’s grace and mercy.
Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart. Here is a guide for priests to join their local celebrations to this great act of consecration.
Why consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus? Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample, Archbishop of Portland, explains why the bishops are consecrating the nation in a video, which you can see here.
In the video, Archbishop Sample explains the history of this practice and the opportunity it offers for ordinary men and women to “offer their lives in service to God and their country.” He said:
On November 11, the bishops of the United States voted to consecrate this nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The consecration will take place in 2026 to celebrate America's Semiquincentennial, that is, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
What does this mean? Why consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart?
Devotion to the Sacred Heart has developed over the centuries following the experiences of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque and the apparitions she witnessed in the seventeenth century. Popes have lauded the practice of consecration of the self, home, and even whole nations to the Sacred Heart.
This anniversary and consecration gives us a special opportunity to promote the beautiful devotion to the Sacred Heart and to encourage the laity to offer their lives in service to God and their country.
How can you be involved?
All members of the Catholic Church are encouraged to take part in this great Consecration. Here’s how you can get ready.
1Join the Novena starting June 3
Join the U.S. Church from June 3-11 in praying this Novena to the Sacred Heart, which will conclude with the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
2Enthrone the Sacred Heart in your home
The custom of enthroning the Sacred Heart goes back to the 1600s and St. Margaret Mary’s visions. The USCCB offers this guide to bring this beautiful practice into your home.
3Offer an hour of Adoration and a work of mercy
One way the Church is commemorating America 250 is with the opportunity for parishes and individuals to contribute to a collective 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy in local areas. You can find a guide here, with instructions for how to report your community’s contribution as well as suggested works of mercy, suggested prayer intentions, links for local service organizations, and other resources.
A consecration is “an act by which a person or thing is dedicated to the service and worship of God,” so all Catholics have a exceptional opportunity this June to join with the bishops and the whole nation in dedicating ourselves to God’s service.
Don’t miss the rest of the USCCB’s Semiquincentennial Anniversary resources, which include articles, podcasts, and fascinating information on the history of Catholics in the U.S.
