Bishop Olson to consecrate diocese to Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 21
Bishop Michael Olson celebrates the Liturgy of the Eucharist inside the new Sacred Heart Church in Comanche during the dedication Mass on February 26, 2024. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)
FORT WORTH — Bishop Michael Olson released a pastoral letter to priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth, announcing his intent to consecrate the diocese to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 21.
The consecration corresponds with a consecration by U.S. Catholic bishops of the entire country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Bishop Olson explained, “This year, our nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In conjunction with the Catholic Bishops of the United States of America, who are consecrating our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have decided to formally unite our local Church to this profound spiritual act.
“Therefore, it brings me great joy to announce that I will solemnly consecrate the Diocese of Fort Worth to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., at Sacred Heart Parish in Comanche.”
At its essence, consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a means to grow close to Jesus Christ.
He continued, in his letter, “Devotion to the Sacred Heart reminds us that at the center of our faith is not a set of abstract rules, but the burning, infinite love of a person: Jesus Christ. By consecrating our diocese to His Sacred Heart, we are publicly entrusting our parishes, our families, our clergy, and our civic communities to His merciful care.”
The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus dates to Dec. 27, 1673, at a French monastery, where Sister Margaret Mary Alacoque began experiencing visions of the Sacred Heart.
The feast of the Sacred Heart was celebrated privately at the monastery beginning in 1686, then spread throughout France. In 1856, Pope Pius IX designated the Friday after the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Bread of Christ as the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus for the entire Roman Catholic Church.
Sister Margaret Mary was canonized by Pope Benedict XV on May 13, 1920.
Many pastors in the diocese are consecrating their parishes to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, often on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 12 or at the Vigil Mass on June 11.
In his letter, Bishop Olson wrote, “I warmly invite all the faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth to join me in this act of consecration, whether in person at Sacred Heart Parish or spiritually united in prayer from your own homes and parish communities. I also ask my brother priests to echo this consecration in your parishes on that Sunday, so that the message of the Gospel and the charity of Christ may shine brightly before all people.
“May the Sacred Heart of Jesus abundantly bless our diocese, protect our nation, and grant us His enduring peace.”