The month of the Sacred Heart refers to the Catholic devotion of dedicating the month of June to the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Ahead of this and beginning today, Thursday 2 May, Catholics are invited to unite in a powerful journey of prayer for the start of the annual Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This beloved devotion, steeped in tradition and tenderness, will guide the faithful toward the Feast of the Sacred Heart on Friday, 27 June.
The novena opens in the Church of the Holy Child, Whitehall, Dublin, and will conclude in Malahide, where Archbishop Dermot Farrell will celebrate the closing Mass. As part of this Jubilee Year of Hope, each Friday will feature special Masses and prayers led by bishops and clergy from across the country.
Speaking ahead of the novena, Bishop Fintan Monahan offered a heartfelt invitation: “All are welcome, as we pray this special Novena together – especially in this Jubilee Year, a time of grace and renewal. The Sacred Heart of Jesus burns with love for each of us. As we lift our prayers together, let us entrust our hopes, wounds, and needs to His Heart, full of mercy and peace.”
The novena will serve as a spiritual thread weaving through the heart of Ireland, from Ennis to Belfast, Newry to Galway, calling individuals, families, and communities to rediscover Christ’s love and mercy. Among those leading this national prayer effort are Bishop Paul Dempsey (Dublin), Bishop Fintan Monahan (Ennis), Bishop Phonsie Cullinan (Waterford). A significant highlight will be the national consecration to the Sacred Heart by Archbishop Eamon Martin at Knock Shrine on 22 June.
As Ireland prepares to enter this time of reflection and renewal, the invitation stands open: come, and entrust your heart to the One who loves without end.
Whether participating in person or online, the faithful can join each novena day via livestream at www.sacredheartcrusade.ie. For additional information, please visit Shalom World.
ENDS