Catholic World News News Feature

Pope urges Jesuits to spread Sacred Heart devotion May 23, 2006

Pope Benedict XVI strongly encouraged devotion to the Sacred Heart, as a safeguard against self-absorption, in a message to the Society of Jesus.

The Holy Father's letter of Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, the superior general of the Jesuit order, marked the 50th anniversary of Haurietis Aquas, the encyclical by Pope Pius XII extolling devotion to the Sacred Heart. Pope Benedict noted that Jesuits "have always been very active in promoting this fundamental form of devotion," and encouraged renewed efforts today.

Contemplation of the "pierced side of the Redeemer," the Pope wrote, is an apt way of "fixing our gaze on Him," and recognizing his love. The mystery of Christ's love, he continued, is "the content of all true Christian spirituality and devotion." Pope Benedict added: "In fact, being Christian is only possible with our gaze fixed on the cross of our Redeemer."

Recognizing and accepting God's love, the Pontiff continued, leads to an inner transformation. "The experience of God's love is lived by man as a 'call' to which he must respond." Thus contemplation of the Sacred heart "safeguards us from the risk of closing in on ourselves, and makes us open to a life lived for others." Devotion to the Sacred Heart, the Pope concluded, "cannot then be considered as a passing form of veneration or devotion." Rather, it is "irreplaceable for a living relationship with God."

In 1883, the Society of Jesus adopted the task of promoting devotion to the Sacred Heart, and in 1915 the 26th general congregation of the religious order formally linked that devotion to the Jesuits' mission. Pope Benedict's message to the Jesuits follows one month after he spoke to members of the Society of Jesus who had attended a Mass on April 22 at the Vatican basilica. During audience the Pope had reminded the Jesuits of their vow to support the Pope, and their special commitment to answer the most urgent needs of the Church.

Father Kolvenbach, the 29th superior general of the order, has led the Jesuits since 1983. On February 2, 2006, he announced that the 35th general congregation of the Society of Jesus would be held in 2008, with the approval of Pope Benedict, to select his successor.