This Sunday (9), the Archdiocese of Olinda and Recife celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a date of great importance for the Catholic community. This year, the occasion is especially significant, as it marks the 150th anniversary of the Archdiocese's consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, carried out in 1874 by the then bishop Dom Frei Vital Maria Gonçalves de Oliveira (1871-1878).
The main celebration will be held at the Cathedral of the Holy Savior of the World, in Alto da Sé, Olinda, at 9 a.m., with a mass presided over by the Metropolitan Archbishop of Olinda and Recife, Dom Paulo Jackson. During the Mass, Dom Paulo will renew the consecration performed a century and a half ago, reinforcing the Archdiocese's spiritual commitment to the teachings and mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Rádio Olinda FM 105.3, allowing faithful who cannot be present to follow the celebration.
Devotion and Tradition of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has deep roots in the history of the Catholic Church. Initially celebrated by French priest John Eudes in 1672, the devotion gained strength with the revelations of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690), who received visions from Jesus himself, promoting a greater dissemination of the cult. From 1856, by decree of the Pope Pius IX, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus became an official celebration of the Church. In 1995, St. John Paul II instituted this date as the “World Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of the Clergy,” highlighting the importance of the Heart of Jesus in the protection and guidance of priests.
Pope Francis' Message
O Pope Francis, On several occasions, he has emphasized the importance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the lives of the faithful. He describes the Heart of Christ as “the compendium of Jesus” mercy," highlighting Christ's gratuitous and unconditional goodness, which does not depend on human actions, but which deeply moves and transforms those who trust in him.
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Located in the Boa Vista neighborhood, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the main places of worship within the Archdiocese of Olinda and Recife. Attached to the Salesian College, the basilica is a meeting place for the faithful, especially during the novena that precedes the solemnity. During this novena, masses, adorations, recitation of the rosary, and confessions take place, spiritually preparing the devotees for the great celebration.
On Sunday (9), the basilica's schedule includes Masses at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., and 5 p.m. At 6 p.m., there will be a procession with the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the streets of the Boa Vista neighborhood, culminating with a closing Mass at 7 p.m. This procession is a moment of great emotion and faith, bringing together devotees from different parts of the city in a public display of devotion and gratitude.
Meaning of Devotion
The rector of the Basilica, Father Délio Mota, emphasizes that although devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated monthly on the first Friday of each month, the annual solemnity is a special moment of great celebration and piety. “The heart of Jesus is the place where all Catholics wish to be,” says the rector, emphasizing that it is from him that divine Love, Mercy, and Forgiveness emanate.
Father Délio recalls that the Heart of Jesus, which beat on Earth at the same rhythm as human hearts, is unique in that it resonates with divinity and participates in the Trinity. “Only this heart was perfect and continues to be so, offering us the most beautiful example of boundless love,” added the priest.
A Celebration of Faith and Community
The celebration of the Sacred Heart of Jesus this Sunday will therefore be a moment of profound devotion and unity for the Catholic community of Olinda and Recife. The renewal of the Archdiocese's consecration to the Sacred Heart is a powerful reminder of the region's spiritual heritage and ongoing commitment to the values and teachings of Jesus Christ.
The faithful are invited to actively participate in the celebrations, either in person or through live broadcasts, reinforcing their faith and devotion to the Heart, which is the ultimate symbol of divine love and mercy.
Source: https://www.folhape.com.br/noticias/sagrado-coracao-de-jesus/341009/
