LITURGY MATTERS: Pious Devotions – a treasure of the Church
By Michael McKenna, Archdiocesan Master of Ceremonies
Some who would question the value of pious devotions in modern faith practice will tell you that these relics of our past, these cringe worthy superstitions, are out of step with modern expressions of Church.
The truth is that popular piety and devotions are without a doubt a treasure of the Church.
Celebrated on the Friday after the Corpus Christi octave, or the Friday after the second Sunday after Pentecost, is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Established for the universal Church in 1856 by Pope Pius IX it evidences the effect of one of the most widespread and historically popular pious devotions in the Church.
Endorsed through the Middle Ages by the likes of St Bernard and St Bonaventure, the devotion is embedded deeply in the spirituality of St France de Sales and a French religious of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary (Visitandines), St Margaret Mary Alacoque, who experienced visions of the Sacred Heart persisting for some eighteen months.
Our Lord appeared to her with his heart visible outside his chest, on fire, and surrounded by a crown of thorns.
Describing his immense love for humanity, Jesus revealed to St Margaret Mary certain pious devotions through which he hoped humanity might encounter Him in his Sacred Heart including a holy hour on Thursdays, reception of the Eucharist on the first Friday of every month and observance of the Feast.
He also presented her with 12 promises made to all who would respond to the pleading of His Heart and make an effort to return His love.
Among the Church’s treasury of pious devotions are the many to the Sacred Heart including the pious practice of the nine First Fridays which derives directly from the “great promise” made by Jesus to St Margaret Mary.
Many Catholic homes today still display, enthroned in a place of prominence, an image of the Sacred Heart responding to the Lord’s promise: “I will bless every dwelling where an image of My Heart is both exposed and honoured.”
This is not mere superstition, but a devout trust in a promise made by Christ our saviour.
The month of June is dedicated in a special way to the veneration of the Sacred Heart, not just the liturgical feast, but each and every day.
May we seek in earnest to return His love and mind well our treasures from those who would deprive us of them.