BY Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey, SS.CC.
What is the Enthronement?
It is a crusade to establish the Social Reign of the Sacred Heart in society through the family, the social cell. It is based on Our Lord’s statement to St. Margaret Mary: “I will reign through My Heart!”
It is an organized campaign to restore Christ to the family, and the family to Christ. It is the answer to the question: “What can we do to save the family?”
How Does the Enthronement Restore Christ to the Family?
The Enthronement begins with a beautiful and impressive ceremony. In the home itself, in the presence of the priest, or the head of the family, the family publicly and solemnly acknowledges that Christ is the King and Loving Master of its home. This is done by having the head of the family install a picture or statue of the Sacred Heart in the place of honor, in the principal room of the home as on a throne. (Hence the word “Enthronement.”) After this solemn acknowledgment of the sovereign rights of Christ the King over the family, the members consecrate themselves to the Sacred Heart. Thereby they pledge themselves to live as though the Sacred Heart were actually dwelling in their midst as He did at Nazareth, treating Him as an intimate member of the family, as a Friend and Brother.
Is this All there is to the Enthronement?
No, the ceremony is only the beginning of a new life, a life of love: of loving obedience to all the commandments of Christ and His Church; a life of prayer: especially of family prayers before the image of the Enthroned King, evening prayers and rosary in common; (No obligation to do any of these practices.) a Eucharistic life: of frequent and even daily Mass and Communion, thereby linking up the sanctuary of the Church and the sanctuary of the home; finally a life of Christian penance, especially by refusing to give in to pagan customs and ideas which are slowly destroying the Christian home; and by making reparation for the terrible crimes of divorce, birth control, and sensuality through night adoration in the home itself.
Why Will the Enthronement Restore the Family to Christ?
Because in the Enthronement the family is putting Our Lord and His interests first. In return the Sacred Heart takes over the interests of the family Our Lord Himself has promised that He will bless and sanctify those families who Enthrone Him as King. He asked St. Margaret Mary, to whom He revealed His Sacred Heart, that He be allowed to reign over the homes of the rich and the poor; that he be solemnly received as King and Friend, and that His Sacred Heart be honored and loved. “I will bless every place where an image of My Sacred Heart shall be set up and honored.” “I will establish peace in their homes; I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life; I will comfort them in all their afflictions; I will bless all their undertakings.” Hence we may safely say that this is the means Our Lord Himself has selected to restore His sovereign rights over the family, and through the family, over over society itself.
Has This Work Been Approved?
Yes, first by the Sacred Heart Himself, as evidenced by the countless conversions, both of individuals and families, where the Sacred Heart has been Enthroned; secondly by the last four Popes: Pius X called it “A work of social salvation”; Benedict XV wrote to Father Mateo, its founder: “Nothing is more opportune than your undertaking”; Pius XI blessed this work many times both publicity and privately, and Pius XII recently wrote to Father Mateo praising him for his work and encouraging him to continue the work of “the Enthronement, which is so well suited to foster the reign of love and mercy of the Sacred Heart in the family.” In the United States, the work of the Enthronement has been officially approved by a number of Archbishops and Bishops.
What Must I Do to Enthrone the Sacred Heart in My Home?
Read carefully what follows.
CEREMONIAL
For the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in the Home
BEFORE THE CEREMONY
Prepare for the Enthronement:
1. Learn what it is and how important it is. Procure explanatory literature. Prepare well.
2. Set a date for the Enthronement in agreement with the Pastor or other priest.* (* If no priest is available the head of the family presides.)
3. If possible have the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered that morning for the reign of the Sacred Heart in your home, and as an act of love and reparation to the Sacred Heart. The entire family should try to receive Communion at this Mass, or at another Mass.
4. Obtain as beautiful a picture or statue of the Sacred Heart as possible. If you already have a picture, use that one.
5. Below the place of honor reserved for the statue or picture, prepare a “throne” or “altar,” that is to say, a table (or perhaps the mantle-piece), covered with a white cloth, beautifully decorated with flowers and candles. The picture or statue should be placed on a small table near this “throne” before the ceremony, and not on the throne itself. Put photographs of deceased and absent members of family around the “throne”. Have Holy Water on the small table.
6. Invite your relatives and friends to be present, thus you will already begin to be an “apostle of the Sacred Heart.” Have a family party after the ceremony, with a special treat for the children, who of course, should be present at the ceremony, even the smallest.
7. -Make this day one of the outstanding events of the family life — one long to be remembered. The greater the solemnity, the better.
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O Lord Sacred Heart
Please make our home Thy throne
Our humble service take to_ Thee
To spread Thy love’s renown
Until the whole world yields
All earth and heaven take
Thy sway o’er all hearts comforting
Thy right eternal reign.
Note: Even though your home has been consecrated to the Sacred Heart, you may still have the Enthronement, as the two are not the same.
THE CEREMONY *
(*If the family so desires,
the blessing of the picture
precede the ceremony.)
1. All gather around the “throne” of the King. father, mother, and children nearest to the Priest-— who stands facing the picture of the Sacred Heart.
2. Priest, in surplice and white stole, blesses the picture.*
The Blessing of the Picture or Statue
| V Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini. | V Our help is in the name of the Lord. |
| R Qui fecit coelum et terram. | R Who hath made heaven and earth. |
| V Dominus vobiscum. | V The Lord be with you. |
| R Et cum spiritu tuo. | R And with thy spirit. |
| Orermus. Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui Sanctorum tuorum imagines pingi non reprobas, ut quoties illas oculis corporis intuemur, toties eorum actus et sanctitatem ad imitandum memoriae oculis meditemur, hanc quaesumus, imaginem in honorem et memoriam Sacratissimi Cordis Unigeniti Filii tui Domini Nostri Jesu Christi adaptatam bene ✠ dicere et sancti ✠ ficare digneris; et praesta ut quicumque coram illa, Cor Sacratissimum Unigeniti Filii tui suppliciter colere et honorare studuerit, illius meritis et obtentu a te gratiam in praesenti, et aeternam gloriam obtineat in futurum. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen. | Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, who dost approve the painting and sculpturing of the images of Thy saints, so that as often as we gaze upon them we are reminded to imitate their deeds and sanctity: vouchsafe, we implore Thee, to bless and sanctify this image made in honor and in memory of the most Sacred Heart of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; and grant, that whosoever, in its presence will suppliantly worship and honor the most Sacred Heart of Thy only-begotten Son, may obtain through His merits and intercession grace in this life and everlasting glory in the world to come. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. |
(The priest here sprinkles the picture with holy water.)
3. Then the father (or in his absence the mother) solemnly installs this picture or statue in the place of honor prepared for it. This is the symbolic act of Enthronement.
4. All stand while the APOSTLES’ CREED is recited as an act of faith on the part of the family.
5. Everyone is seated while the priest* addresses a few words to those present, reminding the members of the family of what the Sacred Heart expects from families which have acknowledged Him as King; recalling the magnificent promises of the Sacred Heart; urging the family to live its Enthronement, and frequently to renew the act of consecration which it is about to make.
6. All kneel, while the priest* (*or Father.) recites the official ACT OF CONSECRATION of the family to the Sacred Heart. NOTE: This is the official text composed- by Fr. Ladislas, SS.CC,, and approved by Pius X, at the request of the Procurator General of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart, by Rescript of May 19, 1908. It was made obligatory to gain the indulgences of the Enthronement by a decision of the Sacred Penitentiary on March 1, 1918. (A.A.S. April 1, 1918, p. 154)
Act of Consecration of the Family to the Sacred Heart
(Recited by the priest or Father)
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Who didst make known to St. Margaret Mary Thine ardent desire to reign over Christian families, behold us assembled here today to proclaim Thine absolute dominion over our Home.
Henceforth we purpose to lead a life like unto Thine so that amongst us may flourish the virtues for which Thou didst promise peace on earth, and for this end we will banish from our midst the spirit of the world which Thou dost abhor so much.
Thou wilt reign over our understanding by the simplicity of our faith. Thou wilt reign over our hearts by an ardent love for Thee; and may the flame of this love be ever kept burning in our hearts by the frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist.
Deign, O Divine Heart, to preside over our meetings, to bless our undertakings both spiritual and temporal, to banish all worry and care, to sanctify our joys and soothe our sorrows. If any of us should ever have the misfortune to grieve Thy Sacred Heart, remind him of Thy goodness and mercy towards the repentant sinner.
Lastly when the hour of separation will sound and death will plunge our home into mourning, then shall we all and every one of us be resigned to Thy eternal decrees, and seek consolation in the thought that we shall all one day be reunited in heaven, where we shall sing the praises and blessings of Thy Sacred Heart for all eternity.
May the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the glorious Patriarch St. Joseph offer Thee this our Consecration and remind us of the same all the days of our life.
Glory to the Divine Heart of Jesus, our king and our Father!
7. The priest here asks those present to say with him ONE OUR FATHER AND HAIL MARY for all the absent members, both living and dead.
8. All recite with the priest the following:
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Glory be to Thee, * O Sacred Heart of Jesus, * for the infinite mercy * Thou hast bestowed * upon the privileged members * of this family.
* Thou hast chosen it * from thousands of others, * as a recipient of Thy love * and a sanctuary of reparation * wherein Thy most loving Heart * shall find consolation * for the ingratitude of men. * How great, O Lord Jesus, * is the confusion * of this portion of Thy faithful flock * as we accept the unmerited honor * of seeing Thee preside over our family! * Silently we adore Thee, * overjoyed to see Thee sharing * under the same roof * the toils, cares and joys * of Thy innocent children! * It is true * we are not worthy * that Thou shouldst enter our humble abode, * but Thou hast already reassured us, * when Thou didst reveal Thy Sacred Heart to us, * teaching us to find in the wound of Thy Sacred Side * the source of grace and life everlasting. *
In this loving and trusting spirit * we give ourselves to Thee, * Thou Who art unchanging Life. * Remain with us, Most Sacred Heart, * for we feel an irresistible desire * to love Thee and make Thee loved.
May our home be for Thee * a heaven as sweet as that of Bethany, * where Thou canst find rest * in the midst of loving friends, * who like Mary * have chosen the better part * in the loving intimacy of Thy Heart! * May this home be for Thee, * O beloved Saviour, * a humble but hospitable refuge * during the exile * imposed on Thee by Thine enemies.*
Come, then Lord Jesus, come, * for here as at Nazareth, * we have a tender love * for the Virgin Mary * Thy sweet Mother * Whom Thou hast given us to be our Mother. * Come, * to fill with Thy sweet presence * the vacancies * which misfortune and death * have wrought in our midst. *
O most faithful Friend, * hadst Thou been here * in the midst or sorrow, * our tears would have been less bitter; * the comforting balm of peace * would then have soothed these hidden wounds, * which are known to Thee alone. * Come, for even now perhaps, * there is drawing near for us * the twilight of tribulation, * and the decline of the passing days * of our youth and our illusions. * Stay with us, * for already it is late, * and a perverted world * seeks to envelop us * in the darkness of its denials * while we wish to adhere to Thee * Who alone art the Way * the Truth * and the Life. * Repeat for us those words * Thou didst utter of old * “This day I must abide in this home.”
Yes, dear Lord, * take up Thy abode with us, * so that we may live in Thy love * and in Thy presence, * we who proclaim Thee as our King * and wish no other! * May Thy triumphant Heart, O Jesus, * be forever loved, * blessed, * and glorified * in this home! * Thy Kingdom Come! Amen!
9. As an act of homage to the Immaculate .Heart of Mary all stand and recite the HAIL HOLY QUEEN.
10. EJACULATIONS:
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us! (3 times)
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us.
St. Joseph, Pray for us.
St. Margaret Mary, Pray for us.
{ALL) Glory to the most Sacred Heart of Jesus forever and ever! Amen.
11. The priest gives his blessing: Benedictio Dei omnipotent, Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti,. descendat super vos et maneat semper. Amen. — May the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, descend upon you and remain forever. Amen. (Said by father, if priest is absent. )
12. Then the members of the family and the priest sing the Certificate of the Enthronement, which should be framed and hung near the picture of the Sacred Heart or kept in the family archives. At this point a hymn to the Sacred Heart may be sung.
13. The priest or Father announces the following indulgences to be gained by the members of the family (Raccolta 1943, page 536):
1. A plenary indulgence under the usual conditions, on the day of the Enthronement.
2. An indulgence of 7 years for all the members of the family who, at least contrite of heart assist at the ceremony of the Enthronement in their home.
3. An indulgence of 3 years — once a year, on the day they renew the official act of consecration before the likeness of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
4. A plenary indulgence on the same day under the usual conditions.
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Hymn for Enthronement – Postlude
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O, Sacred Heart, enthroned within our homes,
Thou art our Sovereign Lord and Master;
We want to please Thee every moment forward,
We want to be Thy faithful servants;
Thou add’st our pain and suf’fring to Thine own,
Limitless meritorious off’ring,
To God the Father, on His throne of Glory,
From where Thou reign’st over our homes every day.
NOTE: The CEREMONY of the Enthronement is only the beginning: the following practices of devotion will help you LIVE the Enthronement. This is the TRUE reign of the Sacred Heart in your family.
SUGGESTED PRACTICES OF DEVOTION
1. Frequent and even daily attendance at Mass by at least one member of family, and Communion of Reparation. Recite the “Mass of St. John”* (* Leaflet sent on request.) during the day.
2. Observance of the First Friday of each month. (Holy Mass, Communion of Reparation; renewal of act of consecration before enthroned image.)
3. Daily Family Rosary before the enthroned image of the Sacred Heart, with renewal of the act of consecration. (Short form. See page 000.) After each decade say the prayers taught to the children at Fatima by the Immaculate Heart of Mary: O Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of Hell and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of Your mercy! At the end of the Rosary say three Hail Marys for the Holy Father.
4. Celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart by the entire family; attendance at Mass, Communion for the extension of the Reign of the Sacred Heart through the Enthronement; family gathering and celebration at home, with renewal of Enthronement; special party for the children.
5. Observe the month of June, the month of the Sacred Heart; keep flowers before “throne.” Mass and Communion as often as possible.
6. Assist at Holy Hour in Church.
7. Night Adoration in the home. Any hour between 9 and 6, by any one or all the members of the family at least once a month.
8. Celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the 22nd of August. Mass, Communion; Consecration of family to Immaculate Heart. (Sent on request.)
9. Make the five First Saturdays in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and for the conversion of Russia: Holy Mass and Communion of reparation; five decades of the Rosary plus a fifteen minute meditation on one of the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. The Rosary and meditation may be carried out at any hour on the First Saturday; a sermon in church will satisfy the obligation of the meditation. (Send for pamphlet on Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima.)
10. Practice devotion to the Holy Ghost. Recite “Rosary of the Holy Ghost.” (Leaflet sent on request.)
Special Occasions On Which the Family
Should Renew the Act of Consecration
(LONG FORM)
1. Feast of Sacred Heart; Christ the King.
2. Anniversary of the Enthronement.
3. Anniversary of parents and children.
4. At births; after Baptism in the Church consecrate the children to the Sacred Heart before the “throne” in the home.
5. At First Communion: prepare the children before the image of the Sacred Heart in the home. When they return from Church, let the children renew the act of consecration made for them by parents at birth.
6. Before a departure from home: to join army, convent, seminary; before marriage, etc.
7. On the return of an absent member of family.
8. On days of great family joys: in times of sorrow, sickness and death.
NOTE: There is no more appropriate way for a young couple to begin their married life, than to enthrone the Sacred Heart in their new home.
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Send in name and address of family after the ceremony to a Local Secretariate or to the National Center. Give date of ceremony, name of officiating priest and parish. Copies of ceremonials, pictures, shrines, Certificates of Enthronement and all necessary information may be obtained from these Centers.
RENEWAL OF THE CONSECRATION
OF THE FAMILY TO THE
SACRED HEART OF JESUS
(To be said at night in union with all families in which the Sacred Heart has been enthroned.)
Most Sweet Jesus, * humbly kneeling at Thy feet, * we renew the consecration of our family to Thy Divine Heart. * Be Thou our King forever. * In Thee we have full and entire confidence. * May Thy spirit penetrate our thoughts, * our desires, * our words and our deeds. * Bless our undertakings, * share our joys,* in our trials * and in our labors. * Grant us to know Thee better, * to love Thee more, * to serve Thee without faltering.
By the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Peace, * set up Thy Kingdom in our country. * Enter closely into the midst of our families * and make them Thine own * through the solemn Enthronement of Thy Sacred Heart, * so that soon one cry may resound from home to home:* May the triumphant Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved, * blessed and glorified forever! * To the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary * be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.
“Sacred Heart of Jesus, protect our families.” (300 days indulgence. Raccolta, p. 143)
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