Appendix to Enthronement of the Sacred Heart

↑ Return to ‘Enthronement of the Sacred Heart’

I. Ceremonials for the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
II. Consecration of the Family to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
III. Regulations and Indulgences

  1. For Night Adoration in the Home
  2. Statutes of the League of the Tarcisians of the Sacred Heart
  3. The Apostolate of Suffering

IV. Some Suggestions for Priests
V. Sacred Heart Encyclical

Related Resources


I
CEREMONIALS FOR THE ENTHRONEMENT OF
THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

1. In the Home

Before the Ceremony

Prepare for the Enthronement:

Related: Ceremonial of the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in the Home, by Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey, SS.CC.1. Learn what it is and how important it is.
–Details from alternative book source, “Jesus King of Love, Chapter 1 – What the Enthronement Is – Its Importance ⧉

2. Set a date for the Enthronement in agreement with the pastor. It is desirable to have a priest preside at the ceremony, but it is not essential to gain the indulgences. For serious reasons, the father or someone else may preside and lead the prayers. In any case, please consult your parish priest.

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 in this Mass or another Mass.

4. Obtain as beautiful a picture or statue of the Sacred Heart as possible. If you already have a picture or statue, use that one.

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(Suitable pictures and shrines may be obtained reasonably at your local center or at the national center.) [Enthronement Center, Washington, D.C.])


5. Below the place of honor reserved for the statue or picture, prepare a “throne” or “altar,” that is, a table (or perhaps the mantelpiece), 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.

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 children who—even the smallest—should, of course, be present at the ceremony.

7. Make this day one of the outstanding events of the family life—one long to be remembered. The greater the solemnity, the better.

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.

Hymn Appropriate Prior to the Enthronement

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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.

The Ceremony

1. All gather around the image of the Sacred Heart; father, mother, and children nearest to the priest.

2. The priest, in surplice and white stole, blesses the image. (If the priest is not present, have the image blessed beforehand.)

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 image with holy water.)

3. Then the father (or in his absence, the mother or some other member of the family) enthrones the image of the Sacred Heart in the place of honor. 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 they are about to make.

6. All kneel while the priest and the father (or the father alone, or his representative) recite the official Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart.

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart

(Recited by the priest and the father together, or the father alone—or his representative—if the priest is absent. This formula is required for the indulgences and may not be changed.)

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 / toward 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 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!

  1. The priest here asks those present to say one Our Father and Hail Mary for all the absent members, both living and dead, so that all may share in the graces of the Enthronement.
  2. All recite with the priest (or head of the family) 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 haven 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 Savior, / 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 of 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.

  1. (All stand) To thank the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the grace of the Enthronement, and to proclaim this loving Mother as the Queen of the home, all recite the Hail, Holy Queen. If so desired, an Act of Consecration to the Heart of Mary may be added, and her image may be installed near the Sacred Heart.
10.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Have mercy on us!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Have mercy on us!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Have mercy on us!
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.

  1. The priest gives his blessing: Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, 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.

Hymn Appropriate for the
Conclusion of the Enthronement (Postlude)

(Pieter de Grebber – God Inviting Christ to Sit on the Throne at His Right Hand) Christ Jesus … Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man. He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause God also hath exalted him, and hath given him a name which is above all names: That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth: And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father. — Philippians 2:5-11

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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.

(See The Apostolate of Suffering)

  1. Then the members of the family and the priest sign the certificate of the Enthronement, which should be framed and hung near the image of the Sacred Heart or kept in the family archives.
  2. Then are announced 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 seven 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 three years–once a year, on the day they renew their 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.

When a king is to visit any of his subjects, it is customary to make sure beforehand that the prescribed etiquette will be observed, otherwise the reception might be unworthy of so great a guest. In the same way where the Enthronement is not understood and where the members of the family are ignorant of the obligations it entails — however light and pleasant these may be — the King of Love may be exposed to a certain want of respect and reverence. The ceremony may, to a certain degree, be compared to the reception of the Holy Eucharist. — Jesus King of Love, Chapter 2 – Four Finishing Touches to the Picture of Bethany>
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 the family, and Communion of reparation. Recite the Mass of St. John 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 short act of consecration.
  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 the “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 the Immaculate Heart.
  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 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.
  10. Practice devotion to the Holy Ghost. Recite the Chaplet of the Holy Ghost.

Special Occasions on Which
the Family Should  Renew the Act of Consecration

  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 the armed services, enter a convent or 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.

Renewal of the Consecration of the Family

(To be said at night prayers 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 works. Bless our undertakings; share in 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!” Honor and glory to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary!

Sacred Heart of Jesus, protect our families.

300 days

2. In a School

Before the Ceremony

  1. Prepare the students by explaining in simple language the meaning of the Enthronement, e.g.: We are going to tell the Sacred Heart He is our King; we are inviting Him to come to our school and our classrooms, and we are going to prepare a throne for Him in our rooms and in our hearts, etc. Urge the students to pray each day that they may prepare as worthily as possible. We suggest these prayers:Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we love You.
    Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come.
    Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. (3 times each)
    These prayers may be said as a private novena or at the beginning of each day in the classroom.
  2. Prepare a “throne” or shrine in the front of each classroom with the help of the students. Decorate it as beautifully as possible with flowers and candles. The more elaborate it is the more honor is given to the King of Love and the greater is the impression on the children. If the ceremony begins in the church, decorate the Sacred Heart altar as richly as possible; if there is no Sacred Heart altar, set up a statue in the sanctuary on the Gospel side with flowers and lights. If the ceremony starts in the auditorium, prepare a beautiful shrine in the center of the stage. If there is a Sacred Heart statue or picture in some central point of the school where the Act of Consecration is read, decorate that one too.
  3. Encourage the students to purchase their own pictures or statues out of their “sacrifice” money. We recommend the use of the all-metal Sacred Heart shrine for the classroom as it makes a splendid throne with vigil light; or the official picture “Jesus, King of Love,” which can be purchased framed or unframed at very low cost. This picture is ideal for the Enthronement as it symbolizes the Kingship of the Sacred Heart.

  1. If possible begin the day with attendance at Holy Mass. Try to have this Mass offered for the honor and glory of the Sacred Heart and suggest that the students contribute their pennies for the stipend. Ask them to receive Communion in reparation to the Sacred Heart for those students who do not love Him.
  2. Place the pictures or statues for each room upright in the sanctuary (or on the auditorium stage), facing the students, in front of the Sacred Heart shrine. Have Holy Water nearby for the blessing.
  3. Appoint a picture bearer from each room, together with two escorts. Appoint a cross-bearer and two candle-bearers for the procession. Appoint two acolytes to accompany the priest.
  4. Learn the Enthronement Hymn, or the Hymn of the Tarcisians….
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… both of which will be sent gratis on request. If possible, have photographs taken and send copies, with description of the ceremony to The King’s Reign, the official Tarcisian newspaper, for publication.


Prepare other Sacred Heart hymns to last during the procession.

Note: We suggest the following impressive practice: Appoint 12 children to carry red roses (or vigil lights), symbolizing the 12 promises. At some time during the ceremony (before leaving the church or auditorium, or at the main statue in the school), the priest will say a word about the importance of the promises and then announce each promise in turn; as the promise is named, the students will say: We believe in Your promises, O Sacred Heart! The student representing that promise then places the rose or vigil light at the feet of the Sacred Heart.

The Ceremony

  1. Assembly in church or auditorium (or in other place if necessary).
  2. (Stand) Singing of the Enthronement or Tarcisian Hymn.
  3. (Stand) Blessing of the statues or pictures by the priest.
  4. (Stand) Recitation of the Apostles’ Creed by all as an act of faith and reparation for schools that exclude the truths of our Faith.
  5. (Sit) Talk by the priest on the meaning of the Enthronement-what the Sacred Heart expects from the children (prayers, sacrifices, love for the Eucharist)-urging them to be apostles of the Enthronement in their own homes.
  6. (All stand) Procession. Cross-bearer and candle-bearers go to rear of church, to lead procession. Picture bearers come to front and receive picture from priest. As they return to the aisle, the escorts take their place on either side. In the meantime, a Sacred Heart hymn is started. (Try to keep the singing continuous during the procession, in order to maintain the interest of the students). When all is ready the children file out of their places and follow the cross-bearer. The picture bearers may accompany their own classmates, or may follow them, just before the priest or ln front of the sisters. The procession proceeds to the main statue. If the 12 roses are carried, the bearers could precede the priest.
  7. When all have arrived, the priest will announce the reading of the Act of Consecration of the School to the Sacred Heart. The students do not join in. (Note: the indulgences are attached to the reading of this Act of Consecration.) At some point in the ceremony it is suggested that one of the students read the list of indulgences to be gained on that day and the conditions for gaining them.

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart
(Read by the Priest)

 O Sacred Heart of Jesus, who told St. Margaret Mary about Your desire to rule over the entire world, we have come here today to tell You publicly that You are the only King of our school. From now on we resolve to study out of love for You and to be everything You want us to be as children of Your Sacred Heart. You will be King of our minds by our faith in all Your teachings. You will be King of our hearts by our un-selfish love for You, and we will keep this love burning in our hearts by frequent attendance at Mass, by receiving You often in Holy Communion, and by visiting You in the Blessed Sacrament.

We ask You, O Sacred Heart, to watch over and bless our studies; to sanctify our joys and soothe our sorrows.

If any of us should ever have the unhappiness of hurting You by sin, remind them of Your goodness and mercy toward Your repentant children.

We also promise You, O Jesus, always to be faithful to Your commandments, to obey our parents and our teachers, to be always pure in thought, word and deed, at home, in school and at play. By our purity we will console Your Heart and the Heart of Your Mother for so many students who offend You by sin.

And now we ask the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, and Saint Joseph, faithful friend of the Sacred Heart, to present to You this our Act of Consecration and to remind us of it every day of our lives!

Glory to the Heart of Jesus, our King and our Father!

  1. One Our Father and Hail Mary for absent students, living and dead, for former students, for the sick, for all their families, etc.
  2. At this point the Prayer of Thanksgiving is said, or the priest may read the 12 promises. After each promise the children say: We believe in Your promises, O Sacred Heart!

If the 12 roses or vigil lights have been carried in procession, they should be placed at the feet of the statue after the naming of each promise.

Act of Thanksgiving

We thank You, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, / for Your goodness and mercy, / in having chosen our school from among so many others, / as a place where You are honored as King / and where You are loved as a Friend. / We are grateful for the great happiness You have given to us / by coming to our school, / to watch over our studies / and to share in our work, our sorrows and even our joys.

In gratitude for this great honor, / which we do not deserve, / we promise You to try each day to know You better, / to love You more fervently / and to obey You more faithfully.

We ask the Immaculate Heart of Mary / to help us show our gratitude to You, / for all You have done for us, / not only today but every day of our lives. / And to make sure that everything we say or do will be pleasing to You /  we consecrate once more our bodies and souls, / our words and deeds, / to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Your Mother and our Mother.

Once more we thank You dear Jesus, / for the wonderful gifts You have showered upon us: / the gift of our Faith and the Sacraments, / our parents, our priests, / our sisters and teachers, / but especially for the three great Gifts of Your loving Heart to Your Church and Your children: / The Gift of knowing and loving Your Father; / the Gift of Yourself in the crib, on the cross and on the altar, / and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. / We thank You now with all our hearts / and we ask You to help us to remain faithful to You here below / so that our entire school can thank You for all eternity / together with our Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph / and all the angels and saints in our heavenly home. / Amen.

  1. (Stand) Hail, Holy Queen in honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in reparation for sins of impurity.

Ejaculations

Priest All
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Thy kingdom come!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Be King of our hearts!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Be King of our schools I
Most Sacred Heart of  Jesus: Be King of our homes!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Be King of America!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary: Pray for us!
Saint Joseph: Pray for us!
Saint Margaret Mary: Pray for us!
  1. Hymn to the Sacred Heart and procession to the rooms. The cross-bearer and candle-bearers conduct priest and two acolytes to the first room. In the mean-time, the other students could be singing hymns, saying the Litany of the Sacred Heart, or the rosary while waiting for the priest to arrive. If there are many rooms, two or more priests could visit the rooms.

Important: Do not allow the picture or statue to be placed on the throne until the priest arrives. The following procedure is observed: the priest might first remind the students that the Sacred Heart wants to be King of their room as well as of the whole school. Then he asks the sister to place the image on the throne. Next, everyone kneels and recites the short Act of Consecration of the room to the Sacred Heart. Then the certificate is signed by a student, the sister and the priest. The priest then gives his blessing and moves on to the next room.

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart for the Classroom
(For grades 4-9)* (*For Act of Consecration for high schools, see below)

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, / we the pupils of (the … grade, class or room) / are gathered here to tell You / that You are the King of our hearts. / Other boys and girls may not love You, / but we want to tell You that we really love You / and want You to be our King of Love.

We promise You today / in the presence of our Guardian Angels, / that because of our love for You / we will not be afraid to make sacrifices for You; / and especially do we promise to be always very obedient to our teachers and our parents, / who work so hard for us, / as You were obedient to Your parents / when You were a Boy at Nazareth.

We also promise You / that we will try to be Your missionaries, / especially in our homes, / and we will try to save many souls for You / by earning Golden Pennies of Prayers, Sacrifices, Masses / (Holy Communions) and visits to the Blessed Sacrament.

In return, dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, / we ask You to bless our Holy Father the Pope, / our bishops, our priests, our teachers, / our relatives, our friends, our enemies / and all poor sinners. / But especially we ask You to bless us, Your faithful friends, / and make us love You more and more.

ALL: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we love You!
ALL: Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come!
ALL: Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
ALL: St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.

Note: For Grades 1 to 3 inclusive, the ejaculatory prayers may be substituted for the Act of Consecration.

  1. The Ceremony terminates in one or two ways: it may end in the classroom or the students may return to the church for Benediction, if permission has been granted.

Note: We cannot stress too strongly the importance of the procession and the Enthronement ceremony in each room. The impression made on the children will be more lasting and at the same time a splendid opportunity for follow-up is given to the sister in charge of each room.

After the Ceremony

  1. Renew the short Act of Consecration each day and the longer form on First Fridays. Be sure to have a solemn renewal of the entire ceremony at the beginning of each school year for the benefit of newcomers and to honor the Sacred Heart in a solemn way. This is a source of many graces and blessings for the children and the school.
  2. Keep the Sacred Heart shrine decorated each day and add something special for First Fridays and other feast days of our Lord.
  3. Encourage the students to become apostles of the Sacred Heart. One way to do this is to tell them about the Tarcisian Club and/or the story of the Three Golden Pennies that is accomplishing so much good in schools and homes everywhere. Urge them to have the Sacred Heart enthroned in their own homes. Perhaps on the day of the School Enthronement a leaflet on the Enthronement might be given to each child to take home.

Indulgences

  1. On the day of the Enthronement:

A plenary indulgence for all the members of the school present at the ceremony; to be gained under the usual conditions: confession, Communion, visit to church or public oratory and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father.
An indulgence of seven years for every member of the school who with contrite heart assists at the ceremony of the Enthronement.

  1. On the day of the annual renewal of the Act of Consecration:

A plenary indulgence/or renewing the Act of Consecration before the enthroned picture or statue. To be gained  if the usual conditions are fulfilled.
An indulgence of 300 days for renewing the Act of Consecration. (Raccolta, p. 538, Note.)

Act of Consecration for the Classroom
(For high schools)

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, / this day, / we, the students of (room … or of the  … class) / consecrate ourselves, / our room, / our work, / our future / to Thy loving Heart. / In humble adoration / we kneel before Thee / to offer our homage, / our thanks, / our sacrifices, / our prayers, / our every thought and word and deed. / Come, dear Jesus, / come into our hearts, / our homes, / our schools, / and be our King of Love.

Assist us to lead good lives, / and to remain faithful to Thee until death. / Strengthen us against temptations / that we may not hurt Thy loving Heart by willful sin. / Help us to love our fellow students / and to spread Thy kingdom among men. / The greatest joy of our lives / shall be to make Thee known / and loved / and served! / Most Sacred Heart of Jesus hear our loving prayer, / accept our consecration. Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come!

3. In a Religious Community

Preliminary Remarks

The Enthronement in a religious community is a solemn recognition of the kingship of the Sacred Heart and a loving act of reparation for the coldness of so many consecrated souls. Therefore great solemnity should mark the occasion. To this end we make the following suggestions:

  1. Arrange a procession from the chapel to the community room. Hymns should be sung during entire procession (hymns to the Sacred Heart, or in honor of the Blessed Sacrament, in Latin or English).
  2. If possible a picture or statue of the Sacred Heart should be carried in procession, even though the one to be enthroned is too large to carry. These pictures and statues should be displayed in a prominent place in the sanctuary, with lights and ample decorations (drapes, flowers). Picture bearers and escorts should be appointed from among the religious.
  3. The procession should be led by a cross-bearer and two acolytes bearing lighted candles. These may be religious. The presiding priest should be accompanied by two acolytes.
  4. In the community room a richly decorated shrine should be prepared where the picture or statue will be enthroned by the superior.
  5. If at all possible, the picture or statue to be enthroned should be carried in procession and should be placed on the throne by the superior.

Note: If the Sacred Heart is to be enthroned in the novitiate, suitable change may be made in the following ceremonial. It is suggested that the novices compose their own Act of Consecration.

Ceremony of the Enthronement
(All stand until IV)

I. Assembly in the chapel. Hymn to the Sacred Heart.
II. Blessing of the image by priest, who is accompanied by two acolytes (if available).
III. Credo, recited or sung by all.
IV. Sermon.
V. Procession from chapel to place of Enthronement.

  1. Cross-bearer and acolytes go to rear of chapel.
  2. Picture or statue bearers advance to Communion rail for picture.
  3. Escorts take place on either side of picture or statue bearers.
  4. Procession starts with hymn. Order of procession: religious (youngest in profession first); picture bearers; clergy.

VI. Enthronement

  1. When all are present, superior enthrones the image.
  2. All kneel while priest recites Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart.

Act of Consecration of the Community to the Sacred Heart
(Recited by the priest)

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, who revealed to St. Margaret Mary Thine ardent desire to reign over the whole world, behold us assembled here today to proclaim Thine absolute dominion over our Community. Henceforth we desire to live Thy life so that among 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 shalt reign over our understanding by the simplicity of our faith. Thou shalt 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 fervent offering of Mass and devout reception of the Holy Eucharist.

Be pleased, 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 toward the repentant sinner.

And when the hour of separation strikes and death enters our family circle, whether we go or whether we stay, we shall all bow humbly before Thine eternal decrees. This shall be our consolation, to remember that the day will come, when our entire community once more united in heaven, shall be able to sing of Thy glory and Thy goodness forever. May the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the glorious Patriarch Saint Joseph vouchsafe to offer Thee this our act of consecration, and to keep the memory thereof alive in us all the days of our lives.

Glory to the Heart of Jesus, our King and our Father!

VII. 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.

VIII. All recite with the priest the Prayer of Thanksgiving.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

O Divine Heart of Jesus / we thank Thee for Thy great grace and mercy / in choosing our community / to receive the legacy of thy love / by transforming it into a sanctuary / of reparation and atonement.

Divine Savior, / we, the least among Thy children, / bow down in silent adoration before Thee. / We thank Thee for dwelling in our midst; / we salute Thee, / we thirst after Thee, / the everlasting Fount of living waters. / Humbly we beg of Thee, / “Stay with us, Lord.” / May this house be to Thee a second Bethany / where Thou mayest rest among those / who have chosen the better part.

Stay with us Lord, / for as in Nazareth’s lowly home, / we too honor the holy Mother / Thou Thyself hast given us. / Dispel from our hearts, / through Thy holy Presence, / all sorrow and discouragement.

Stay with us, / for perhaps the darkness of trial / is about to come upon us. / Stay with us, for night cometh! / The world strives to envelop us / in the shadows of unbelief, / but we want to be faithful to Thee, / for Thou alone art the Way, / the Truth and the Life! / O Divine Jesus, we beg Thee let Thy Word be fulfilled, / “Today salvation has come to this house!”

Stay with us, / O Thou our Lord and Master, / take up Thy abode with us / that we may grow in Thy love. / Thou art our King / and we would serve Thee alone. / Help us to become saints / and through sanctity, / spread love for Thee among all those entrusted to our care.

May the triumphant, loving Heart of Jesus, / be praised, loved and glorified in this house, / now and always. / Amen!

IX. All stand and recite or sing the Hail, Holy Queen as an act of homage to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Priest All
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Have mercy on us!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Have mercy on us!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary Pray for us!
St. Joseph Pray for us!
St. Margaret Mary Pray for us!
St. (founder or patron) Pray for us!

X. The Signing of the Certificate of the Enthronement: first by the superior, then by the presiding priest. Certificate should be framed and hung in a prominent place.

XI. The priest gives his blessing and announces indulgences (same as for home).

XII. Recession to chapel, with hymns or Litany to the Sacred Heart.

XIII. Benediction (if permitted), followed by suitable hymn to the Sacred Heart.

After the Ceremony

  1. This day should be a family feast day, to be renewed yearly.
  2. Renew the Act of Consecration on: First Fridays Feast of the Sacred Heart Principal feast days On the occasion of the death of a member of the Community.
  3. Keep vigil lights and flowers before the enthroned picture of the Sacred Heart.
  4. Be apostles of the Enthronement to other communities; to the laity; to students. Enroll the latter in the League of Tarcisians. ( League of the Tarcisians of The Sacred Heart )
  5. If possible, begin Nocturnal Adoration and spread it in homes. ( nationalnocturnaladorationsociety.org )
  6. Above all: Live the Enthronement by generous fidelity to duty in a spirit of loving reparation.

4. In a Parish

Note: A parish Enthronement is a social act of homage to the Sacred Heart, by which the parish, as a social unit, publicly acknowledges the sovereign rights of Christ the King over each and every member. It is a solemn act of adoration and reparation on the part of the parish for those Catholics who refuse to submit to the sweet yoke of the Sacred Heart, the King of Love. Therefore, it should be carried out with great solemnity, on one outstanding feast day or Sunday in the evening, before Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, or at the end of a mission or triduum. Families should be invited to receive Holy Communion as a group in the morning for the reign of the Sacred Heart in their homes and in the parish. Families who have had the Enthronement in their homes may be invited to renew their Act of Consecration at home after the parish Enthronement.

The Enthronement should be an outstanding event in the life of the parish. Children should be impressed with this idea and perhaps a procession in the church could be arranged, for greater solemnity, in which an image of the Sacred Heart is carried, and hymns sung.

Note: The parish Enthronement does not take the place of the Enthronement in the home.

The Ceremony

A. Preparation.

If there is a statue of the Sacred Heart in the sanctuary or on a side altar, it should be decorated as beautifully as possible with flowers and lighted candles. If there is no statue, a large picture of the Sacred Heart may be set up in the sanctuary or on a side altar. A prie-dieu is placed in front of the statue.

B. Ceremonial.

  1. While the congregation sings , the clergy, preceded by the cross-bearer and two acolytes carrying lighted candles, proceed to the sanctuary. After the procession (if held) the pastor (or other priest) goes to the statue, preceded by the cross-beaner, etc. Another priest mounts the pulpit (or goes to the Communion rail) and announces and explains the steps in the ceremony.
  2. Blessing of the statue. (All stand)
  3. Apostles’ Creed, as an act of faith, by congregation. (Stand)
  4. Address by the priest on the significance of the Enthronement. (All sit)
  5. Act of Consecration, read by the pastor. (All kneel)

Act of Consecration
(Recited by the pastor)

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, it is my privilege, as pastor of this parish to consecrate to Thee my entire flock.

I begin with the clergy of this parish, whom Thou hast chosen to continue Thy mission of teaching, governing and sanctifying the faithful. In consecrating ourselves to Thee we wish to enter into the spirit of expiation and reparation which characterized Thee, the Eternal High Priest, and Redeemer of men; and which has characterized every true pastor of souls, so that like Thee they are willing to give their life for their sheep. It shall be our constant endeavor to preach the compassion, the mercy, and the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to our people, to lead them to the fountains of living water in the Holy Eucharist, to kindle in their hearts the burning desire to spread Thy kingdom, and to unite their sacrifices and sorrows with Thine own in reparation for their sins and the sins of others.

I consecrate to Thee the religious of this parish, to whose care are entrusted in a special way the lambs of the flock. They have long since renounced the world, the flesh, and the devil, that they might serve Thee with all their hearts. This consecration of their lives they repeat today, firmly determined by word and example to turn the eyes and the hearts of our children to Thee, the true Friend and Protector of youth.

I consecrate to Thee the fathers and mothers of this parish, the creators of our families and the founders of our homes. It is our hope that they will enthrone Thee as the Head of their family, whose divine authority they will always respect, whose law they will observe and under whose powerful protection they will find, amid a world of difficulties and trials, that security and peace which Thou alone canst give.

I consecrate to Thee the youth of this parish, whose inexperience and buoyant spirits make them an easy prey to the fascinations and the allurements of the world. May they, illuminated by Thy light, see with a clearer vision the wisdom of Thy ways, rather than by the light of bitter experience and remorse.

And then, that no one be forgotten, I consecrate to Thee the members of this parish who are serving in the armed forces of our country. Grant them all the graces they need to serve Thee faithfully amid the dangers of soul and body, and keep them ever close to Thy Sacred Heart.

Lastly, I consecrate to Thee the lost sheep of the flock who have wandered from their Father’s house. Pour out upon them the torrents of Thy mercy and grace, that in Thy Heart, always burning with charity, they may find a saving refuge.

And now, dear Lord, on this memorable occasion, bless our parish, watch over it with Thy loving care, and make this church a favored sanctuary in which Thou wilt dispense with a lavish hand, the spiritual treasures which enrich and gladden the hearts of men. We beg it of Thee in the name of Thy Blessed Mother, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the friend and patroness of the homes of this parish. Amen.

  1. Our Father and Hail Mary for absent parishioners, living and dead.
  2. Hail, Holy Queen-act of homage to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. (Stand)
  3. Ejaculations.
Priest Congregation
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Be King of our hearts!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Be King of our homes!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Be King of our schools!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Be King of our parish!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Be King of America!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Thy kingdom come!
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary Pray for us!
St. Joseph Pray for us!
St. (name of patron) Pray for us!
  1. Benediction

5. For Miscellaneous Groups

Naturally, it is not possible to give special ceremonials for each and every group. As a matter of fact it is not necessary, for the basic steps in every Enthronement ceremony are always the same. They are as follows:

  1. Blessing of the image.
  2. Installation of the image in the Place of honor
  3. Apostles’ Creed
  4. Sermon
  5. Act of Consecration
  6. Our Father and Hail Mary
  7. Act of Thanksgiving
  8. Hail, Holy Queen
  9. Ejaculatory Prayers
  10. Blessing by the priest
  11. Signing of the Enthronement certificate

If the above procedure is followed, it will be easy to adapt one or other of the ceremonials to the particular group or institution desiring the ceremony. We might point out that the indulgences are attached to the act of consecration, which must be approved by a bishop. The prayer of thanksgiving may be composed for the occasion, or adapted from one contained in this book.

We suggest the use of the following ceremonial for these particular groups:

  1. For a seminary, novitiate, or any religious community: the ceremony for religious communities.
  2. For rectories, hotels, boarding houses: ceremonial for the home.
  3. For hospitals: ceremonial for religious communities.
  4. For orphanages: ceremonial for schools.
  5. Factories and business establishments: ceremonial for the home, with necessary adaptations.
  6. Prisons: adapt basic steps to circumstances and use special Act of Consecration for prisons.
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Note: The following Enthronement certificates are available: homes, schools, hospitals, schools of nursing (combined), and institutions.

It is requested that all Enthronement ceremonies be reported to the local Enthronement Secretariate or to the National Center so that a record may be kept. Photographs and write-ups of Enthronements may be sent to the official Enthronement magazine, The Preservation of the Home. (Enthronement Center, Washington, D. C.) for publication.


Enthronement in a Publishing House,
Bookstore, or Printing Plant

The steps in the ceremony are the same as for
the Enthronement in the home.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, this day, we, the editor and staff of … are gathered here to enthrone You as our King, and to consecrate ourselves, our work, our publications, our entire plant to Your Sacred Heart.

In humble adoration we kneel before You to make amends for so many publications that ignore You or deny Your rights by open attacks against You and the Church You founded.

In reparation for these insults against Your divine majesty, we openly and fearlessly acknowledge You as our Sovereign Master in all things, not only in the domain of our private lives but in our public and professional life as well.

We who are engaged in the important task of spreading the truths of our faith by means of the printed word, recall today that You openly acknowledged Your divine kingship before Pilate, adding that it was for this You had come into the world “to bear witness to the truth.” You sealed this testimony with Your precious blood, dying on the cross to prove the truth of Your claims to be the Son of God.

As we witness the denial or the ignoring of Your divine rights by so many modern pilates, leaders of nations, and the editors of secular publications, we promise today ever to defend these rights with our pens and our presses and always to bear witness to the truth even though it might mean incurring the wrath of Your enemies and the very shedding of our blood.

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the glorious Patriarch St. Joseph, and St. Francis de Sales, patron of the Catholic Press, present to You this our consecration and remind us of it all the days of our lives. Glory to the Heart of Jesus, our King and our Father!

(Indulgences: same as for schools.)

II
CONSECRATION OF THE FAMILY TO
THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

If possible, try to carry out the following suggestions: If you have an image of the Sacred Heart in the place of honor, put the Immaculate Heart of Mary picture close to it. Decorate the shrine as beautifully as possible. Have the entire family present. Place lighted candles or vigil lights on the shrine (they need not be blessed candles). If you know a Marian hymn, begin with that, otherwise start with the Act of Consecration. Say the rosary, or proceed with the Hail, Holy Queen. End with a family party or a treat for all. We suggest you renew the Act of Consecration to Mary on the First Saturday of the month.

  1. Hymn to Our Lady (Optional-stand).
  2. Act of Consecration of the family to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

(Begun by the father or mother, said by all)

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and tender Mother of men, / to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart, / and the request of the Vicar of your Son on earth, / we consecrate ourselves to you, and to your Immaculate Heart, / and recommend to you / all the families of our nation and of all the world.

Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, / and use us and all families as you wish, / to accomplish your designs upon the world.

O Immaculate Heart of Mary, / Queen of heaven and earth, and of our family, / rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, our King. / Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism, / kindle in our hearts and homes, the love of purity, / the practice of the Christian life, / and an ardent zeal for souls, and for the holiness of family life.

We come with confidence to you, / O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love; / inflame us with the same divine fire / which has inflamed your own Immaculate Heart.

Make our hearts and homes your shrine, / and through us make the Heart of Jesus / rule and triumph in every family in the world. Amen.

  1. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, for the intentions of the Holy Father.
  2. The family rosary (Optional)-Glorious Mysteries: Resurrection, Ascension, Descent of the Holy Ghost, Assumption, Coronation. (Stand or sit after the first decade.)
  3. Hail, Holy Queen (All stand).
  4. Renewal of the consecration of the family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. (Kneel.)

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 in 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

III
REGULATIONS AND INDULGENCES

1. For Night Adoration in the Home ⧉

Spirit
Regulations Conditions for Membership
1. Individuals 2. Families
3. Parishes 4. Schools, Societies, etc.
5. Priests 6. Religious
7. Seminarians 8. Nurses
9. Sick and Aged 10. Service Men
General Observations Indulgences

 

Spirit

Let it be clearly understood, however, that it is not necessary to form a group but that the individual is free to make a separate hour at any time selected. Let the individual adorer “pay the ransom” for his relatives and friends.Night adoration in the home is made in a spirit of reparation, especially for the sins of pride and sensuality of so many so-called “Christian” families, so many of which are committed during the night. Since sins are being committed every hour of the day and night, reparation should also be perpetual. Therefore, night adoration in the home is organized in such a way that at every hour of the night throughout the year, reparation is being made by the sacrifice of an hour of sleep, offered to the Sacred Heart as an act of homage and love during His mystical agony.

Regulations

  1. The night adorer promises to make one hour of adoration once a month during the night. The night begins at 9 p.m. and ends with the hour from 5 to 6 a.m. Adoration made at any other time is meritorious but is not sufficient to gain the indulgences.
  2. As an act of generosity, night adorers are encouraged to leave the choice of their date and hour of adoration to the director, but are perfectly free to choose their own date and hour for any reasonable motive. Any date and hour of the month may be selected, either a fixed date, such as the 15th of the month or a movable date such as the First Friday.
  3. In order to keep accurate records, and to maintain continuous nights of adoration, deaths and withdrawals of members, as well as changes of address, should be made known to the promoter or to the center where your name is registered.
  4. It is not necessary to renew the enrollment each year. Once enrolled, you continue to be a member until death or voluntary withdrawal.
  5. The promise you make does not bind under pain of sin, even venial. Night adoration is an act of loving homage and reparation to the Sacred Heart. Accordingly, its success and duration will depend upon the extent of the faithfulness and generosity of the members. This fidelity will be proved when through sickness or otherwise prevented you make your hour of adoration some other night. It is not necessary to notify the director of temporary change of date or hour.

Conditions for Membership.

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1. To become a member of the League, one’s name should be inscribed at a local center or at the National Center. This may be done through a promoter or directly by mail. There is no charge for inscription. A donation of ten cents will be welcome to cover cost of membership card, postage, and handling.


To be a true member of the League, the night adorer should pledge himself to give the example of a true Christian life which does not contradict the spirit of reparation, particularly by conforming to Catholic standards of decency in dress, reading, recreation, language and morals.

Individuals. As stated above, individuals are free to select any date and hour. However, they may try to organize groups of adorers, arranging the hours in such a way that a complete night is filled. This is being done on a wide scale. It is an incentive to the individual to know that his hour of adoration is one of a series that is continuing through the night. Let it be clearly understood, however, that it is not necessary to form a group but that the individual is free to make a separate hour at any time selected. Let the individual adorer “pay the ransom” for his relatives and friends.

Families. In large families, the adoration may be arranged in such a way that each member of the family watches in turn before a picture of the Sacred Heart. This is already being done in many families in the United States. If the Sacred Heart has been enthroned in the home, then the adoration should take place before the enthroned image of the Sacred Heart, around which lighted candles and flowers have been placed, whenever this is possible. (This is not essential.) The hours are assigned to each member of the family by the father or mother. If the family is large enough (nine members) then the adoration may begin at 9 and continue to 6; in smaller families, it may begin at 9 and continue until all the members have made their adoration. At the end of each hour the next adorer is called by the preceding one. If it is not practical to make the adoration successively as described above, then the entire family may make it together at one determined hour. Again the father and mother may desire to make it alone or even one member of the family. The family is free to arrange this matter according to circumstances. If the family makes adoration at the same hour, then the father or mother might lead the prayers and the others join in the responses, as is done during the Holy Hour in church. This will make the hour pass quickly and pleasantly, especially for the children. Let one family “pay the ransom” for other families.

Let it be clearly understood, however, that it is not necessary to form a group but that the individual is free to make a separate hour at any time selected. Let the individual adorer “pay the ransom” for his relatives and friends.Parishes. It should be the goal of those promoting night adoration in the parish to have perpetual adoration. This means that eventually at every hour of the night from 9 to 6, for every night of the month, some member of the parish is making adoration in his own home. The immediate aim should be to fill as many nights as possible, using a chart for this purpose, which will enable the priest or promoter in charge to see at a glance what hours are taken and which ones are open. In this way, when a person applies for an hour, leaving the choice to the priest or promoter, the gaps may be filled. Thus night by night the month will be filled, and consequently the entire year, as the monthly adoration is repeated for the twelve months of the year. As soon as an adorer’s name is withdrawn for any reason, another name should be assigned to his hour. In some parishes, night adoration is 100 per cent filled. What an avalanche of graces descends on those parishes in which so many fervent parishioners are “paying the ransom” for other and less fervent parishioners!

Schools, Societies, etc. Catholics schools, societies, etc., may also aim at perpetual adoration within their own groups. Thus a school may strive to have enough pupils making adoration in their homes so that every night of the month is taken. The same is true of Catholic societies and groups, many of which are city-wide as far as membership is concerned.

Priests. It is not necessary for priests to send in a specific date and hour to become members of the League. To gain the indulgences, it is sufficient that they be enrolled at an authorized secretariate. They may, of course, select a fixed date and hour, if they so desire, or have one assigned to them. However, due to the fact that a priest’s time is not always his own, he is free to change his date and hour according to circumstances. Let priests “pay the ransom” for other priests.

Religious. Individual religious may enroll, or entire communities. In the latter case, the arrangement and assignment of the hours of adoration are left up to the, religious superior. In a religious house where nocturnal adoration in the chapel already exists, in order to gain the indulgences and share in the merits of the League, it is sufficient that the names of the religious be sent to a center for enrollment. This is also true in the case of those who make the “Holy Hour” as a group in the chapel. It is not necessary to make night adoration in the chapel, but it may be made in one’s room or cell. This is especially true when adoration in the chapel might disturb the rest of the community. The superior may change the hours of adoration for any reasonable motive, as may the individual religious. It goes without saying that religious should consult their superiors and spiritual directors before undertaking this work of reparation. Let religious “pay the ransom” for other religious.

Seminarians. What has been said of religious applies also to seminarians. Hundreds of seminarians are making night adoration, “paying the ransom” for other Seminarians.

Nurses. Nurses may make their hour of adoration while on night duty, even while watching beside the bed of a patient. Already outstanding conversions have resulted from this practice: one nurse  “paid the ransom” for a lost sheep who returned to the fold at the last moment.

Sick and Aged. The sick and aged are permitted to make their hour of adoration in bed, if they are unable to get up. They need have no scruples of conscience about this, but let them offer their sufferings to the Sacred Heart, “paying the ransom” for sinners.

[See The Apostolate of Suffering]

Service Men. Many service men have been making night adoration in various parts of the world. In barracks, in hospitals, in chapels, and under the open sky, our soldiers and sailors are making reparation to the Sacred Heart for some of the crimes being committed under the guise of war. In some camps, during World War II, night adoration was well organized and was carried on throughout the night. Many graces and blessings have already been obtained through this practice, groups of generous soldiers “paying the ransom” or the others.

General Observations. Father Mateo strongly urges the night adorers to begin their hour of adoration by uniting themselves in spirit with the priests who at that moment are offering the holy sacrifice of the Mass in some part of the world. Let them “pray the Mass” by using their missals and reciting the Canon of the Mass with the priest. It is also suggested that the night adorer obtain a copy of the booklet Night Adoration in the Home [this links to the full content], written by Father Mateo especially for the hour of adoration in the home. To vary the prayers, Father Mateo has written a series of 21 Holy Hours for every month of the year and special occasions.

Indulgences

By decree of April 27, 1929, the Very Reverend Father General of the Franciscan Fathers affiliated the League of Night Adoration to this Order, and granted all night adorers participation in its merits. On the 17th of May, 1929, the League of Night Adoration was affiliated to the Franciscan Confraternity of Nocturnal Reparation in Italy. This was ratified by the Sacred Congregation of the Council by a rescript of April 14, 1930. By virtue of this affiliation, the members of the League can gain the following indulgences.

Note: To gain these indulgences it is necessary that the name of the night adorer be inscribed at a duly authorized secretariate; that the adoration be made between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to local time, and in the home. Religious, seminarians, boarding students, inmates of institutions are eligible to gain these indulgences.

a) A plenary indulgence on the ordinary conditions (confession, Communion, visit to a church or public oratory, prayers for the Holy Father’s intentions).

l. On the day of their admission as members of the League. (The day they hand in their enrollment to a promoter or send it to a secretariate.)

2. Every time members make their hour of adoration according to the regulations given above.

b) A plenary indulgence at the hour of death if the members, having received the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist, or at least, being contrite, invoke the Holy Name of Jesus, if possible with their lips or at least in their heart, and patiently accept death as coming from the hand of God and as the wages of sin.

c) A partial indulgence of 7 years for every extra hour of adoration made with a contrite heart.

2. Statutes of the League of
the Tarcisians of the Sacred Heart

Aim and Nature of the League

(Short account of St. Thacisius, First Martyr of the Holy Eucharist)

Article 1—The aim of the League of the Tarcisians of the Sacred Heart, is to group boys and girls of the entire world into a band of apostles of the social reign of the Sacred Heart, especially by means of the Enthronement of His Divine Heart in families and in all Catholic institutions.

Article 2—This pious league is, therefore, essentially and in the first place, an apostolic league and one which is an auxiliary to the work of the Enthronement.

Article 3—The members of this League are called Tarcisians, because after the example of the holy martyr St. Tarcisius, who carried the Blessed Sacrament to the early Christians in prison, they desire to carry the knowledge and love of the Heart of Jesus to other souls and to make Him known all over the world.

Article 4—The spirit of this league is, therefore, identical with the spirit of devotion to the Sacred Heart:
(a) A spirit of love by which the members aim at greater knowledge and love of the Heart of Jesus, particularly in the Holy Eucharist;
(b) A spirit of reparation by which they strive as far as they can to make reparation for the sins of the world, by acts of self-denial;
(c) A spirit of apostolate which urges them to promote the reign of the Sacred Heart in families and in society.

Organization, Patrons, and Feasts of the League

Article 5–The general direction of this league belongs, like that of the work of the Enthronement of which it is an auxiliary league, to the superior general of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, or to one appointed by him.

Article 6—

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In each diocese, the diocesan director of the league shall be named by the bishop of the diocese. The diocesan director of the Enthronement may also act as director of the league. [It is not necessary to wait for the appointment of a  director to start the Tarcisians.]


Article 7—The director (or other) must:
(a) Take care that the names of the members be registered at a secretariate.
(b) Foster the spirit of the league in the members.
(c) Urge the members to take part in the general Communions, meetings, and feasts of the league.

Article 8—In order to gain the indulgences, it is necessary according to Canons 692 and 694 that the inscription into the league be valid. Therefore, the director will take great care that the names be inscribed clearly, to be able to distinguish one member from another.

Article 9—At the solemn admission into the league, the director will give each new member a copy of these statutes containing a list of the indulgences.

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[To be found in the Tarcisian adoration manual My Half-Hour with Jesus. National Enthronement Center, P.O. Box 111, Fairhaven, MA 02719-0111, USA. Tel. (508) 999-2680. Fax (508) 993-8233. Email: necenter@juno.com]

Article 10—Before admitting candidates solemnly, care must be taken to prove their fidelity for a time, by a period of probation.

Article 11—As far as possible, the director will call a meeting of the members of the league-every month, in order to maintain their fervor and also in order to remind them of the indulgences to be gained during the month and of the means they can employ for their apostolate.

Reliquary of St. Tarcisius

Article 12—The patron of the league is St. Tarcisius, martyr, whose feast is on August 15th.

Article 13—On the feast of the patron all the members should be urged to make a general Communion.

Article 14—Wherever possible, a general reunion of all the Tarcisians of a school, region, or diocese shall be held once a year, principally to ensure a general Communion and an act of reparation said in common before the Blessed Sacrament. Care should be taken however to have an inspirational and recreational program on this occasion.

Article 15–The solemn reception of members shall always be according to the official ceremonial. It should take place on the Feast of the Sacred Heart, on that of Christ the King, on that of the Patron Saint, or on any other suitable occasion.

Article 16—As far as possible the diocesan director of the league will preside at the solemn reception and give a discourse suitable to the occasion.

Obligations of the League

Article 17—The obligations of this league, as such, do not bind under pain of sin.

Article 18—The obligations of the Tarcisians are:

(a) To recite frequently the invocations in honor of the Sacred Heart:

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I love You!

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come!

(b) To make a half hour’s adoration in reparation once a week or once a month;
(c) To offer Holy Communion for the extension of the social reign of the Sacred Heart, once a week or once a month;
(d) To make some small sacrifice for the same intention from time to time, especially on Fridays.

Article 19—Besides this, the Tarcisians will assist faithfully at the meetings and celebrate the feasts of the league.

Practices Recommended to the Members

Article 20—The Tarcisians are earnestly recommended:

(a) To repeat, even daily, the various practices in honor of the Sacred Heart given in article 18;
(b) To recruit new members for the league;
(c) If the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart has not yet been made in their own homes, or in those of their relatives, to do all they can, prudently and perseveringly, to obtain its accomplishment as soon as possible;
(d) If the Enthronement has already taken place, to try to have the consecration to the Sacred Heart renewed daily at night prayers, and to do all they can to ensure that the other obligations of the Enthronement are faithfully fulfilled;
(e) To make the nine First Fridays as soon as possible, so as to participate in the promise of the Sacred Heart; and to propagate this devotion as far as they can.

Article 21—The members are encouraged to have a Mass said at their own expense once a month, for the extension of the social reign of the Sacred Heart.

Article 22—The members are earnestly urged to adopt a foreign or home mission, in order to introduce or develop the social reign of the Sacred Heart by means of the Enthronement, by furnishing the missionaries with spiritual and material help.

Article 23—The older members are also urged to make the Holy Hour in private, in church or at home, or in common, at least on the eve of the First Friday or on the First Friday, and to encourage this practice in others.

Article 24—As far as possible, the director will arrange for a yearly retreat for the members of the league.

Indulgences for the League

Article 25—
(A) A plenary indulgence on the ordinary conditions:

  1. On the day of solemn admission into the league for those who are that day received.
  2. For all the members:
    (a) The day on which they make their monthly Communion.
    (b) The First Friday of every month.
    (c) Once a month, if they have received Holy Communion at least four times a week.
    (d) On the following feasts: Christmas, Easter, the Ascension, Corpus Christi, the Feast of the Sacred Heart, the Feast of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus (Thursday in the octave of the Feast of the Sacred Heart), Feast of Christ the King, Pentecost, The Immaculate Conception, The Annunciation, the Assumption, the Feast of St. Joseph (March 19th), of St. John the Evangelist (27th December), St. Thomas Aquinas (March 7th), St. Pascal Baylon (May 17th), St. Tarcisius (August 15th), St. Therese of the Child Jesus (October 3rd), St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (October 17th), All Saints (November 1st).

(B) Partial indulgence that may be gained by the members on the condition of being sorry for their sins:
(a) 7 years, each time they make a half-hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
(b) 300 days, each time they offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, praying for the intentions of the league,
(c) 100 days, each time they perform an act of devotion, obedience or mortification in honor of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

Article 26—In order to gain these indulgences, it is necessary and sufficient that the names of the members be validly inscribed in the register and that they fulfill the conditions required for each indulgence.

2. The Apostolate of Suffering

No one is nearer the Crucified King than the friend He crucifies in His mercy. (Prayer to the Most Holy Indwelling Trinity)The Apostolate of Suffering was founded by Father Mateo as an auxiliary league to the work of the Enthronement. From the very inception of his crusade he has tried to find hidden souls, bearing heavy crosses of physical pain and mental sufferings, who would offer their trials for the success of his work. So great was his conviction that these auxiliary apostles were indispensable for the blessings of God on his crusade in a given locality that he would not be content until he had found someone who would promise to back him in his preaching by offering sufferings to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. To these hidden apostles he at tributes much of the remarkable success that has accompanied his work.

Here, in his own words, is the appeal he makes to these souls:

“Let those who are ill, those who suffer, those whose hearts are breaking under the cross, listen to the words of life, of comfort and of hope that I address to them in the name and for the glory of the Heart of Jesus.

“The world is going astray along a path of unbridled sensuality. You who are suffering and ill can stop thousands of souls on this downward path; you can rescue sinners and be apostles in your pain and weariness. You can purify, make reparation, and save souls by offering your sufferings us an apostolate of love.

“Vanity, frivolity, forgetfulness of God, and outrages against His Law daily threaten to fill hell with souls. In pity for Jesus, I beg you who are in anguish of soul to give as a missionary apostolate, your family troubles, your sorrows and mental anguish. Give them all to Him.

“Priests and religious need help in their sublime mission; you whose hearts are torn with sorrow and trouble of every kind, you who are misunderstood, families in mourning, orphans, do not waste your precious tears—perhaps a father, a husband, a brother or a son is in danger of eternal death. Offer your sufferings in the chalice of Mary’s Heart to Jesus who thirsts for souls.

“All you who suffer, do not forget that sorrow, sanctified by love, becomes the holiest of missions, the most persuasive of sermons, the most fruitful of apostolates. So preach the social reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, even while you are nailed to the cross.”

Why Should There Be an Apostolate of Suffering

“I have been redeemed by the cross. Therefore, I must co-operate in the salvation of souls. I can be and I desire to be an apostle by my sufferings.

“Tears shed without love are wasted and embitter the soul. To weep with love consoles, sanctifies, and redeems. No one is nearer the Crucified King than the friend He crucifies in His mercy. Let us hasten to open heaven to many souls and to our own soul, let us glorify the Heart of Jesus by this supreme proof of love. Let us extend and confirm His reign by the wonderful fruitfulness of this apostolate which is within the reach of all.”

How Must I Exercise This Apostolate?

(1) Offer every day and if possible many times a day, sufferings, disappointments, contradictions, etc., so as to increase the treasures of the apostolate which is to purchase souls and families for the glory of the Heart of Jesus.

(2) Recite this act of oblation with great love:

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the immaculate and sorrowful Heart of Mary, I offer Thee the treasure of all my physical and mental sufferings, and I praise and thank Thee, O King of Love, in all my sorrows, asking in exchange the extension of Thy social reign.

May Thy kingdom come by Thy cross and my crosses!
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come!

300 days

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy love for me.

300 days

Heart of Jesus, I put my trust in Thee!

300 days

How Shall I Join This Apostolate?

Make the following offering:

By suffering borne with love and peace of soul, I promise to become an apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I offer all my sufferings in union with the sufferings of Christ for the conversion of souls in my own family, in the Holy Father’s missions, and for the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in families.

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To enroll send in name and address to National Center of the Enthronement, Washington 17, D. C. or to a local secretariate. There are no dues. Please send self-addressed stamped envelope. [National Enthronement Center, P.O. Box 111, Fairhaven, MA 02719-0111, USA. Tel. (508) 999-2680. Fax (508) 993-8233. Email: necenter@juno.com]


A Hymn with the Joyful Fruits of Suffering (Click/Expand or Bypass)

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See the Enthronement Hymn (Postlude) with reference to Colossians 1:24: “I Paul…now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church.”


All the pain and sorrow of the Members of the Body of Christ have already been suffered by the most benign Heart of Jesus (Click/Expand or Bypass)

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St. John Eudes – The Sacred Heart of Jesus
EIGHTH MEDITATION
THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS IS THE KING OF MARTYRS
SECOND POINT
SUFFERINGS OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS BECAUSE OF THE TRIALS AND TORMENTS OF THE MARTYRS AND CHRISTIANS

Recall to your minds all the sufferings, the agony, the trials and the torments of so many millions of martyrs and of all true Christians. All these afflictions are so many bleeding wounds for the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. His most benign Heart could suffer more than the tenderest of hearts because it was filled with an infinite charity for His beloved children. He had before His eyes all their crosses and sufferings. In the hour of affliction each one sought consolation from His adorable Heart. No human mind can understand the agonizing martyrdom suffered by this all-paternal Heart in union with His heroic martyrs. This is expressed most remarkably in the words of the Prophet Isaias: Vere dolores nostros ipse tulit!, Surely he hath borne our infirmities and carried our sorrows: and we have thought him as it were a leper, and as one struck by God and afflicted. – Is. 53:4. and also in the words of Saint Matthew: Ipse nostras infirmitates accepit, et aegrotationes nostras portavit?, That it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophet Isaias, saying: He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases. – Matt. 8:17. Truly we can call the Sacred Heart the King of martyrs and the Glory of the Cross! How consoling it is for the afflicted to know that all their pain and sorrow have already been suffered by the most benign Heart of Jesus! He has borne all sufferings first out of love for His martyrs! Let us give ourselves also to Him to bear all our afflictions in union with immeasurable love with which He first suffered them. – St. John Eudes – The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Eighth Meditation: The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the King of Martyrs



See 21 Holy Hours by Fr. Mateo Crawley-Boevey – Chapter 6 – For the the First Friday of June, specially dedicated to suffering souls

SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR PRIESTS

1. Letter of the Apostolic Delegate to Priests

APOSTOLIC DELEGATION
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
No. 194/46

3339 Massachusetts Avenue
Washington, D. C.
July 4, 1951

Reverend Francis Larkin, SS. CC.
National Director
Center of the Enthronement
Washington, D. C.

Reverend and dear Father:

I am pleased to inform you that on the occasion of the Enthronement Congress, our Most Holy Father, Pope Pius XII, has very graciously deigned to bestow his special Apostolic Benediction upon all who participate in this meeting. This Blessing is granted as a token of the paternal affection of His Holiness in appreciation of the work being accomplished for the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart and as a pledge of heavenly favors for those who have dedicated themselves to this apostolate.

May I take this occasion to direct a few words to the Priest Delegates attending the Congress? The Divine Master is most anxious that we priests understand clearly that fundamental truth of the spiritual life, “the reign of Christ is within you” (Luke XVII, 21), for He longs to reign among souls. With similitudes and parables He illustrated and reiterated this truth; the treasure hidden in the field, the pearl of great price, the seed planted in the ground are some of the examples He used. His conquest for souls is well underway for He already reigns in the army of the blessed in heaven and in the souls or the just on earth. But this conquest must continue; and we, His priests, are the ones dedicated to the work of increasing the number of souls serving under the banner of Christ, which is the cross.

By opening a path into the hearts of individuals we priests can prepare a way for the entry of Jesus and thus expand His reign in the life of the individual, the life of the family and in social life as well. Since His reign is not of this world, our work is a work of purification, of cleansing hearts from attachments to sin. By our preaching, through our ministry, by the fervent and careful administration of the sacraments, we can labor for the liberation of souls from the domination of evil and the slavery of sin. Freed from these malicious shackles the human heart will be open to Christ.

If Christ is enthroned in the home, His picture will be there to capture attention and to inspire strength and virtue. As the members of the household gaze on His image, Christ will know how to touch their hearts, to suggest self-abnegation, humility, purity, the spirit of sacrifice, fidelity to His precepts, faith in the doctrine of His Gospel and above all an intense love of God. The enthroned picture may be but an external symbol but it is often the occasion of the beginning of an internal union of intimate love between Jesus and the souls over whom He longs to reign.

Incessantly the Sovereign Pontiff, Pope Pius XII, gloriously reigning, in his appeals to the clergy, has invited us priests to aspire to high personal sanctity and to work zealously for the sanctification of the souls with whom we come in contact. The means he has indicated are both sublime and simple. They are found in the faithful exorcise of the sacred ministry. In his encyclicals, like the one on the Mystical Body and Menti Nostrae he has pointed this out very clearly. In the program for the enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the home, we have a very effective way to bring Christ closer to men and men to God. Let us include it in our ministry whenever possible, so that we may do our part to satisfy the desire of Jesus to reign among the souls He 1oves so dearly.

With assurance of prayers and best wishes for a most successful and blessed Congress, I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,
(Signed) A. G. Cieognani
Archbishop of Laodicea
Apostolic Delegate

2. How to Get an Enthronement Started

We are frequently asked, “What is the best way to start the work of the Enthronement in a parish?” The answers which follow are based on the experience of priests who have tried various methods in their parishes. If it be kept in mind that the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in the home is a way of life and not an organization and that like all organisms it is capable of adaptation to circumstances, the practical priest will have no difficulty in finding the best way to enthrone the Sacred Heart in the homes of his parishioners. He will distinguish between what is essential in this work (e.g., the recognition of the kingship of the Sacred Heart by the family in their daily lives and the loving invitation to the King to remain as its best Friend) and what is accidental (e.g., size of picture, number of flowers, etc.). He will also keep in mind that the principal thing is to give the Sacred Heart an opportunity to come in contact with the family: the priest will trust the Sacred Heart to do the rest.

The Enthronement is the answer to our Lord’s request made to St. Margaret Mary: “I will reign through the merciful omnipotence of My Sacred Heart. … I will reign despite my enemies.” Its success depends on two things: the good will of the family and the priest; the fidelity of the Sacred Heart to His promises. Hence, it is not dependent on clever technique. However, we should do all we can to help open the door to the King of Love. This is the reason for these explanations.

What is the first thing to be done? Acquaint yourself and your parishioners with the meaning of the Enthronement. This can be done through study clubs, sermons, special talks to parish groups, distribution of leaflets, parish bulletin articles, etc.

What is the best way to proceed? Devise a way to reach every family in your parish, not only the good but the lukewarm and the lapsed Catholics. Here is what other priests have done: visit families block by block, street by street, reaching a certain number each week. This is a long range program but one that will pay off in the end. Each week an announcement is made from the pulpit and in the bulletin, that the families on such and such a street had the Enthronement the previous week, and that the “following families” will be visited by the priest during the coming week. The “excuse” for the visit may be to bless the house, or take up the census. On the occasion of the visit the family is told the priest would be happy to enthrone the Sacred Heart. This leaves the family free to have it or not. Very few families will refuse. Each week a given number of families can be visited and in due time the whole parish will have been covered. Once the work starts, neighboring families will be looking forward to their turn.

Must these families be prepared? The better the preparation, the better the results. If the families are prepared by the priest, by the visit of a member of the Legion of Mary, or another prudent lay person, who will explain the significance of the ceremony and point out what must be prepared, there is no doubt the ceremony will have a deeper meaning and the fruits will be more lasting. In one parish, over 300 families were visited and prepared by a school teacher. Prudent questioning gave her the background of each family and these facts were filed and turned over to the pastor, who used them to good advantage when he came to the home.

Suggest another system. In some parishes, the priests prefer to enthrone the Sacred Heart in the families which invite them. These invitations are obtained through the activity of lay apostles, who visit the homes, e.g., the Legion of Mary, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Holy Name Society, the League of the Sacred Heart, etc.

Requests for Enthronements may also be obtained through pulpit announcements. However, the drawback of this system is that only the best families will invite the priest. Those who need the Sacred Heart most will often hesitate for various reasons.

How can we use children? A parish with a parochial school possesses an ideal apostolic organism. A happy experience has proven that the most effective apostles are boys and girls living in those families the priest wants to win for the Sacred Heart. Where everyone else may fail, the children often conquer their parents, sometimes by the very persistence with which they ask for the Enthronement. The League of Tarcisians of the Sacred Heart whose purpose is to make boys and girls apostles of the Enthronement in their own homes, is an apostolate which is working wonders throughout the United States.

When the children in your parish start earning “Golden Pennies,” (prayers, sacrifices, eucharistic devotions), for the reign of the Sacred Heart, you can expect an avalanche of graces which will sweep away many obstacles. Working for the goal of 100 per cent Enthronements in each classroom, the children obtain their parents’ request for the ceremony. These requests are turned in to the sisters, who in turn inform the priest. Other means may be used, according to circumstances. Through this system, one large city parish or over 1,000 families has had the Enthronement in every home.

Is there any other system? Yes. We know priests who, on the occasion of the annual census, furnish each family with a picture of the Sacred Heart, a ceremonial and explanation of the Enthronement and a suggestion that they be invited back for the ceremony. This has proved to be a very effective method.

What literature is available for the Enthronement? For propaganda: explanatory leaflets, booklets for the pamphlet rack. For the ceremony: ceremonials, certificates of the Enthronement, report blank (to be sent to the national or local secretariate by the priest or the family), souvenir picture with the twelve promises of the Sacred Heart or renewal of consecration.

Is there special literature for children? Yes, The King’s Reign, leaflets, prayers for adoration, etc.

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Where can I obtain this material? At one of the secretariates of the work throughout the country, or at the National Center of the Enthronement, <strikethrough>4930 South Dakota Avenue, N.E., Washington 17, D. C.</strikethrough>. Update: from the National Enthronement Center, P.O. Box 111
Fairhaven, MA 02719-0111, USA, Tel. (508) 999-2680, Fax (508) 993-8233,
Email: necenter@juno.com
https://www.nationalenthronementcenter.com/


Do I need special faculties for the Enthronement? No, any priest may preside at the ceremony.

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Where can I obtain an inexpensive yet appealing picture? <strikethrough>The National Center can furnish an artistic gold-framed or laminated picture, oil-painting finish (no glass required); this is the “official” Enthronement picture, the so-called “Garcia Moreno” version. </strikethrough> [ https://tinyurl.com/2p862phv ] <strikethrough>It is also available unframed. Prices sent on request. </strikethrough>


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Is it advisable to provide pictures for the families? Yes, unless they already have one. The high price of the Sacred Heart pictures and statues is a great obstacle to many families. <strikethrough>That is why the National Center furnishes an artistic, inexpensive picture.</strikethrough>


May statues be used? By all means. In fact, they are often more impressive than pictures.

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Where may I obtain a truly beautiful Enthronement shrine?

<strikethrough>A replica of the wayside shrines of the Sacred Heart may be obtained from the National Center. The statue is 7 inches high, pure white, “Montmartre” version (arms outstretched} against a natural stone-colored shrine background, with a place for a vigil light in front. The shrine is 10 inches high. It is ideal for the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart. The offering for this replica is $5.00, plus postage. </strikethrough>


After the Enthronement, may another picture or statue be substituted? Yes. They may also be moved to another place. They should not be taken down and placed in the bedroom. There should be a picture in each bedroom but the enthroned image should have a prominent place as a reminder that the Sacred Heart is the King of the home.

If the family moves, must the Enthronement be made over again? No, but we do suggest that families renew the Enthronement (privately) when they enter their new home.

Should priests enthrone the Sacred Heart in their rectories?

By all means! Reasons: the recognition of the social reign of the Sacred Heart by a priest must be pleasing to Him; it is an act of reparation for the indifference of some clerics; it is the most powerful example to the parish. Fitting occasions are the Forty Hours, at the closing of missions, tridua, etc., when many confreres are present. Tell your people about your rectory Enthronement as an encouragement to them.

Is it necessary to have the entire family present? Sometimes this is very difficult. The ideal is to have the entire family present but if this is impossible, do what you can. Ad impossibile nemo tenetur.

Is the family obliged to invite guests for the ceremony? No, they are free in this matter, but it is strongly recommended to bring out the social character of the ceremony, for greater solemnity, and to spread the Enthronement.

Is the presence of a priest necessary for the validity of the Enthronement? No. His presence is desirable and important, but not indispensable. In certain cases, a lay person could preside. In this case, the picture or statue should be blessed in advance (cf. Ceremonial).

Some Difficulties

“My parish is too big—I’d never get through.” Do what you can. If you visit just three families each week, in the course of the year 150 families will have been won for the King. In extremely large parishes, prudent laymen can represent the priest at the ceremony, or the family may have it without the priest.

“Why should I be present at the Enthronement?” The presence of the priest in a home is a blessing and a grace for the family; it’s a grand opportunity for the zealous priest to contact the entire family (including backsliders); it makes the Enthronement more productive of results; the priest gets to know the families of the parish, and they him; it means converts.

“The Enthronement is all right, but we need to preach the Eucharist to our people.” The Sacred Heart appeared to Saint Margaret Mary as she knelt before the Blessed Sacrament exposed. He complained that He was neglected in the Sacrament of His Love. Devotion to His Sacred Heart would be the remedy, drawing souls to the Eucharist wherein His Sacred Heart beats with love. The first fruits of the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in the home is an increase of eucharistic fervor in the parish. “Devotion to the Sacred Heart in the home will lead to devotion to the Sacred Heart in the tabernacle.”

“The Pope wants all families consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” So do we. The Church and the Pope (and we might add, our Lord, too) also want all families to enthrone the Sacred Heart in their homes. There is no reason why families may not do both. Moreover, in the Enthronement ceremony itself the Immaculate Heart of Mary has her proper place. However, it is not permitted to enthrone the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Reason: The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart is an act of social adoration due to God alone. Therefore, it is a cultus latriae. In this sense, it has been approved by the Church. Hence, to speak of “the Enthronement of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” in the same sense as the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart, is to misunderstand the real meaning of the latter.

“What about night adoration in the home? I could never ask my people to do that. That’s why I’ve never started the Enthronement.” The Enthronement and Night Adoration in the homes are two distinct things-a family can do one without the other. The Enthronement is for all families; Night Adoration is for more generous and fervent souls. On the other hand, many families are more generous than we think. To be convinced, start Night Adoration in your parish and you will be surprised. Thousands of souls are still waiting to be told about this work of reparation. And after all, once a month isn’t going to hurt anyone. Try it yourself!

“Before I ask people to get up at night to pray, I want them to get to Mass on Sunday morning.” You don’t ask this type of Catholic to be a Night Adorer. But if you ask more generous souls to make reparation for these lukewarm Catholics, you will soon be having pleasant surprises in the Confessional and at the Communion rail.

“If we have our people making Holy Hours in the home, we won’t have them in the Church.” Do you have a full church now? Experience proves that families making the Holy Hour in their homes won’t miss going to church. Watch the attendance grow after you’ve started Night Adoration in the home. If many Catholics don’t go to church anymore, it certainly isn’t due to praying and making reparation in the home!

“We have Nocturnal Adoration in the Church–why multiply devotions?” There is no more conflict between nocturnal adoration in the church and in the home than there is between the rosary in the church and in the family circle. There is plenty of room for both. As a matter of fact, how many parishes have nocturnal adoration societies? How many parishioners belong? What about the many who cannot get to church at night, e.g., women, the old and feeble, men who are prevented for one reason or another? Moreover, with the attack against the home, what better place to make reparation than in the home itself? What a consolation to the Sacred Heart to have men make adoration in the church while their wives make it at home! In many parishes night adoration in the home is perpetual–every night in the month. There are over 250,000 in this country; among them, thousands of high school boys and girls. Their generosity surprises many a priest and sister.

Sample Talk for the Enthronement Ceremony

This gathering here tonight reminds us of the statement made by St. John Chrysostom: “The home is a domestic church.”

How true that is! A church is a place where God is worshipped, where He is loved and adored; a place where prayers are said; where Jesus in the Eucharist is its heart and center. It is His dwelling place, day and night.

That’s what the home is supposed to be: a place where Jesus dwells, where He is the heart and center of family life. It should be a place where He is loved, adored and worshipped; where prayers to Him are said by its members. The home should be a “house of God.”

When you go into a Catholic Church, the first thing that catches your eye is the sanctuary lamp, reminding you that Jesus dwells in this place. Then in the very center of the sanctuary you see an altar, and on the altar a tabernacle. Our faith teaches us that in that tabernacle dwells the King of Love, Jesus, our Friend and our Brother.

If anyone should enter this home at this moment, they would indeed think they were in a little church. Here in the most important room in this home, you have erected an altar. On it is an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We would like to have the privilege of keeping the Blessed Sacrament right in our own home, as did the early Christians. But since that is not possible, we display an image of His Heart, the symbol of the love that keeps Him in our churches day and night.

Before this image you should try to keep a light burning or at least some flowers or a plant so that when you pass by, or visitors enter, they will be reminded that you have here a shrine and that Jesus occupies the place of honor in your home.

Just as in church, we are gathered here to adore and honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It isn’t very often that you see the priest presiding at a gathering such as this; in a private home. Again, the presence of the priest here today reminds us of the importance of the home in the eyes of Holy Mother Church.…

Let us do everything we can to make our home from now on a real church. Make it a holy place, a place of prayer. Gather often around this home altar to pray together, as, for instance when you say your family rosary. Renew your Act of Consecration daily if possible and on family celebrations. Share your joys with your King as well as your sorrows. Isn’t this what we do in church? How often we go to church to offer Mass in thanksgiving or to celebrate some great feast day. Carry this over into your family life. When you have a birthday party, first renew your Enthronement before the shrine. Then celebrate.

A church is a sacred place. No sin should enter therein. There should be no offenses against purity or charity in this little church. Remember, it is the dwelling place of Jesus, even though you can’t see Him. He is the unseen Guest at every meal, the silent Listener at every conversation.

You may think these are ideals impossible of attainment. But nothing is impossible with the help of grace. And you are going to receive many special graces from now on, particularly if you try to live your Enthronement. How do I know this? Because the Sacred Heart of Jesus promised that He would give families that honor Him “all the graces necessary for their state of life,” that He would “bless all their undertakings,” and that He would “console them in all their difficulties.”

These blessings will be yours especially if you remember that the best way to honor the Sacred Heart is to be faithful in going to Mass as often as you possibly can–over and beyond your Sunday Mass–and to receive the King and Friend of your home in Holy Communion every time you go to Mass. The image of the Sacred Heart is merely a reminder of the Reality, Jesus Himself, whom we find in the nearest tabernacle. Try to unite the eucharistic tabernacle and the tabernacle of the home by frequent Communion; console the Sacred Heart by Communions of reparation, especially on First Fridays, and you will witness the fidelity of your King and Friend to His promise. (Note: For another talk, see pp. 127 .ff.)


Related Resources

Book of the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Prayers and Devotions in Honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Fr. Francis Larkin)

Mass of St. John (Private Commemoration of the Canon of the Holy Mass) after Fr. Mateo Crawley-Boevey

Night Adoration in the Home, by Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey, SS.CC.

21 Holy Hours by Fr. Mateo Crawley-Boevey, SS.CC.

Jesus, King of Love, by Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey, SS.CC.

The Holy Hour by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

Devotions for Holy Hour (in the Church or Chapel, with the Blessed Sacrament Exposed)

Prayer Books of Fr. Lasance

Readings and reflections for the Holy Hour — 52 weekly holy hours for a full year (1917)

Manual of Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament (1897 — Table of Contents ⧉)

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