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| The Sacred Heart by Michael O'Brien |
Catholic devotions: why do they matter, what are they made of, what are they are not. In a strong and prescriptive phrase in his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote “we ought to praise not only the building and adornment of churches, but also the images and veneration of them according to what they represent.” He seemed to press the point further, writing “we should show our esteem for the relics of the saints by venerating them and praying to the saints. We should praise visits to Station Churches, pilgrimages, indulgences, jubilees, crusade insults, and the lighting of candles in churches.” He was a man for devotions.
For some, these devotions are the spiritual life-blood of the believing Church; for others they may seem simplistic or quaint. But in the spirit of our founder, we too seek to explore and understand the powerful role of devotions in Church life today.
There is no Catholic devotional image more widespread world-wide today than the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Statues, holy cards, even graffiti and tattoos – the iconic representation of a pierced heart on fire has captured the religious imagination of all strata of society and cultures. And with reason. The burning heart of Christ is an aptly powerful symbol of the God who is Love, the Christian God.
Ever since St. Claude la Columbière, S.J. counselled St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th Century, Jesuits have continuously promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This continues today through the Apostleship of Prayer and the Eucharistic Youth Movement. They promote discovery of the heart of God as an essential part of the mission of the Church and of Christian spirituality. Here’s why:
There is no Catholic devotional image more widespread world-wide today than the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Statues, holy cards, even graffiti and tattoos – the iconic representation of a pierced heart on fire has captured the religious imagination of all strata of society and cultures. And with reason. The burning heart of Christ is an aptly powerful symbol of the God who is Love, the Christian God.
Ever since St. Claude la Columbière, S.J. counselled St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th Century, Jesuits have continuously promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This continues today through the Apostleship of Prayer and the Eucharistic Youth Movement. They promote discovery of the heart of God as an essential part of the mission of the Church and of Christian spirituality. Here’s why:
