Catholic Activity: Enthronement to the Sacred Heart
The Sacred Heart is King of individuals, of families and of the human race. The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in the family is the recognition of the Sacred Heart as King of the Family. He is King of the family by divine appointment, conquest and excellence, but He desires to be such by our own personal choice. The Enthronement is more than a mere blessing of a Sacred Heart picture or the mere dedication of a family to the Divine Heart; it is a way of life; a covenant of love with our God. It is the recognition of the Royal Power of Jesus Christ over the family which pledges to live in union with the Sacred Heart by love, grace and obedience to His Commandments. In this way the Enthronement brings countless graces and blessings on the family, sanctifies it and through the family, society.
DIRECTIONS
Who Is Its Apostle?
Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey, SS.CC., a South American priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Upon his instantaneous cure at Paray-le-Monial, he was inspired by God to preach everywhere the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart to verify this promise of the Saviour: "I will bless every dwelling where an image of My Heart is both exposed and honoured."
Where Is the Enthronement to Take Place?
It is intended for homes, schools, convents, institutions, parishes, dioceses, cities, states and nations. We especially invite newly weds as well as established families to place their homes in the Heart of Christ in this manner, thereby assuring themselves of special graces in their everyday problems and difficulties.
On Whose Approval?
It began with an oral command from Pope Pius X (St. Pius X) in 1907. In 1915, Pope Benedict the XV wrote a letter of approval. All subsequent popes have supported the need for honouring the Heart of Jesus.
Why Is It So Vital?
It stabilizes the family, the foundation of the Church and state; whoever rules the family rules society. It sanctifies the family, creates in the home the Catholic atmosphere and a spirit of piety, fosters vocations to the higher life, brings back wayward members, helps and consoles the members of families in times of trial or mourning. In short, it makes the home thoroughly Christian.
How Is It Carried Out?
The family makes arrangements with a priest, a qualified lay promoter of the Enthronment Apostolate or engages in self study from instruction materials to get prepared for the Enthronement. If possible, Holy Mass is offered that day in the parish or in the home as an act of love and reparation. The family is encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in preparation for Mass and Communion. Preparation may also include the daily Rosary, a Litany of the Sacred Heart and reflection on Scriptures. A statue or picture of the Sacred Heart is procured and a place of honour or "throne" is prepared in the home representing an altar in the home. There should be room for a Crucifix, candles, flowers and the Bible.
The steps in the ceremony are:
- The Blessing of the home (optional)
- The Blessing of the Sacred Heart image (this could be done ahead of time if no priest can be present)
- The placement of the image of the Sacred Heart and the Bible in the place of honour
- The recitation of the Apostles Creed
- An explanation of the Enthronement
- The Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart, a prayer of Thanksgiving and an Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by the family,
- The signing of the covenant certificate by the family.
Immediately, because family life needs the help of the Sacred Heart during these times of assault upon Christian values and Catholic doctrine. Zealous efforts to establish the Social Reign of the King of Love will merit superabundant blessings on the undertakings of all involved, will make priests' ministry most fruitful in the salvation of souls and all promoters will have their names inscribed indelibly and forever in the Heart of Jesus.
Where Can We Order Materials?
The National Enthronement Center, Box 111, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Tel. (508) 999-2680. Ask for an Enthronement kit.
Activity Source: National Enthronement Center
