The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a sign and symbol of Jesus’ burning love for each one of us. The Catechism of the Catholic Church 478 explains:

Jesus knew and loved us each and all during his life, his agony and his Passion, and gave himself up for each one of us: “The Son of God. . . loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20) He has loved us all with a human heart. For this reason, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced by our sins and for our salvation (see John 19:34), “is quite rightly considered the chief sign and symbol of that. . . love with which the divine Redeemer continually loves the eternal Father and all human beings” without exception.

Jesus himself invited us to learn from his Heart: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Matthew 11:28 - 29 NABRE).

Sacred Scripture, especially in the Gospel of John, points to Jesus’ pierced heart as the source of the Holy Spirit, who gives us eternal life. Jesus said to his followers, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” (John 7:37-38 RSVCE). After Jesus had died on the Cross, a soldier pierced his side with a spear, and “at once there came out blood and water” (John 19:34)– Jesus poured out his Heart, so that we might receive the new life of the Holy Spirit.

Although many saints, including St. Aloysius Gonzaga, had a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the modern devotion is especially rooted in the apparitions of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alocoque from 1673 to 1675. In his first apparition to St. Margaret Mary, on December 27, 1673, Jesus said to her:

My divine Heart, is so passionately fond of the human race, and of you in particular, that it cannot keep back the pent-up flames of it burning charity any longer. They must burst out through you and reveal my Heart to the world, so as to enrich mankind with my precious treasures.

The flames represent the burning love of Jesus for God the Father and for each one of us. The crown of thorns recalls the thorns that soldiers placed on Jesus’ head (John 19:1) and reminds us of the pain that our own sins caused Jesus during his crucifixion. The pierced side of the Sacred Heart is a reminder that all grace flows forth from Jesus’ wounded side. The cross is, of course, a reminder of Jesus' crucifixion for us.

The enthronement of the Sacred Heart is a ceremony in which Jesus is invited into your home and is given authority over your household. After all, the Gospel is the invitation to make Jesus the Lord of our lives and of the world - such conversion starts in our own families. The ceremony involves placing an image of our Lord’s Sacred Heart in a place of honor in your home. Jesus told St. Margaret Mary that He would bless every place where a picture of the Sacred Heart is honored.

First, you will need to obtain an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A variety of styles may be found at Heavenly Presents in Leonardtown.

Then, you'll need to have your image of the Sacred Heart blessed by a priest.

Next, you'll need to plan the Enthronement Ceremony at your home. The text of the Enthronement Ceremony can be downloaded here (foldable booklet | full-page document). Be sure to invite friends, family, and neighbors! The following hymns may be sung at your Enthronement Ceremony, if desired:

• Opening: To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King
• Closing: Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

A certificate of Enthronement is also traditionally signed by those present. One free version can be found here.

In the writings of St. Margaret Mary, Jesus offered these twelve promises to all who venerate his Sacred Heart:

1. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their homes.
3. I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
4. I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.
5. I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
6. Sinners will find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
9. I will bless every place in which an image of my Heart is exposed and honored.
10.  I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart.
12.  I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.