A new audio reflection series, "The Litany of the Sacred Heart: Introducing the Person of Jesus," features 33 reflections on the approved titles of Jesus Christ. The series is available on the Ascension App and was released on June 23, 2025, before the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The reflections are provided by various individuals, including Jeff Cavins, Jackie and Bobby Angel, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Fr. Patrick Riviere, and Sr. Alicia Torres, FE. Fr. Riviere, who contributed reflections, emphasizes the Sacred Heart as a symbol of Christ's love for humanity and the Litany's reminder of Jesus' desire to unite with us. Fr. Riviere recommends against listening to all 33 reflections at once, suggesting a more reflective approach.
9 days ago
A new audio reflection series titled "The Litany of the Sacred Heart: Introducing the Person of Jesus" has been launched on the Ascension App 1. The series, released on June 23, 2025, consists of 33 audio reflections, each focusing on one of the approved titles of Jesus Christ found in the Litany of the Sacred Heart 1.
The Litany of the Sacred Heart, officially approved by Pope Leo XIII in 1899, is a devotion that dates back centuries 1. Fr. Riviere describes the Sacred Heart as "a symbol of love" representing Christ's love for humanity 1. The Litany serves as a reminder that Jesus had a heart that loved and desires to show us that love 1. Jesus took on human flesh to unite Himself to humanity, and His heart is on fire with the desire for union and reception of love 1.
The reflection series features contributions from various individuals, including Jeff Cavins, Jackie and Bobby Angel, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Fr. Patrick Riviere, and Sr. Alicia Torres, FE 1. Fr. Riviere contributed reflections on "Our peace and reconciliation" and "Overwhelmed with insults" 1. He advises listeners to approach the reflections slowly and meditatively, suggesting one reflection per day to fully appreciate the beauty of the prayer 1. Fr. Riviere's favorite title, "Overwhelmed with insults," speaks to how Jesus took all of our struggles upon Himself, so we never carry a single thing alone 1.
The Sacred Heart devotion reveals Christ's love and union.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a notable expression of the Church's piety for Christ . It emphasizes conversion, reparation, love, gratitude, apostolic commitment, and dedication to Christ and His saving work . The Sacred Heart of Jesus signifies the entire mystery of Christ, His total being, and His person in its most intimate essence: Son of God, uncreated wisdom, and infinite charity .
The Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Friday following the second Sunday after Pentecost . This devotion has been one of the most widespread and popular in the Church . The Sacred Heart is Christ, the Word Incarnate and Savior, intrinsically containing infinite divine-human love for the Father and His brothers in the Spirit .
The revelations to St. Margaret Mary did not introduce new Catholic doctrine but emphasized Christ's desire to invite people to contemplate and devote themselves to God's merciful love for humanity . Christ presented His Heart as a symbol to attract people to the knowledge and recognition of His love, establishing it as a sign of mercy and grace for the Church's needs . The Sacred Heart is adored as a natural symbol of the enduring love of the divine Redeemer for mankind . It is united with the Person of the divine Word and, through Him, with the divine Will, being the source of charity that the Spirit pours forth on the members of His Mystical Body .
There are numerous devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus explicitly approved and recommended by the Apostolic See , such as:
These devotions encourage a renewed use of the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist, fostering an active faith and commitment to the Gospel .