The Catholic Church in Ireland has announced the All-Ireland Sacred Heart Crusade, during which the Emerald Isle will be reconsecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, in 2025. The re-consecration will be preceded by a tour of the nation by four statues of the Sacred Heart, each blessed by Pope Francis, which will be displayed at various parishes and Catholic sites.
The Crusade was launched by famed singer and former politician Dana during a ceremony at the Sacred Heart Concert in Abbeyleix, Co Laois. There, she sang several of her most esteemed songs, including “Saint Brigid’s Song,” before formally launching the All-Ireland Sacred Heart Crusade.
Afterward, according to the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Dana commented on the significance of the Sacred Heart:
“I was raised in a home where there was always a Sacred Heart picture with a red light in front of it,” Dana recalled. “When Damien and I were married we were given a wedding gift of a picture of the Sacred Heart. The picture is in our kitchen and it’s amazing how the Sacred Heart is linking the generations.”
The report notes that the event was attended by four priests who will travel with the statues. Father Shane Gallagher, Father John Mockler, Dom Basil Mary McCabe and Father Shane Sullivan will each accompany one of the statues as it makes its way through the Irish dioceses for display.
Loading
In his welcome speech, Father John Mockler spoke on the transformative power of the Sacred Heart:
“The Sacred Heart has brought us all together in His love. My prayer is that the flames of love of the Sacred Heart will penetrate our country and the heart of every person.” Fr. Mockler added, "The Sacred Heart is calling everyone to be part of His mission of love. Pope Francis tells us in his recent encyclical that ‘His love alone can bring about a new humanity.'”
The All-Ireland Sacred Heart Crusade will formally begin on February 7, with a Mass to honor the Sacred Heart at St. Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny. It will be celebrated by Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Raphoe, who invites all of the faithful to attend.
Then, on June 22, a special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Eamon Martin will re-consecrate Ireland to the Sacred Heart. More information will soon be available on the Sacred Heart Crusade’s official website.
