The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the Ultimate Patron of PAPA. When we consecrated ourselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we promised to devote our time and life to Him.
The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has been around since the 11th century. However, most of it was private devotion. It is encouraged that we pray the Acts of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus daily for the mission of PAPA which is "Go and make disciples of all nations; behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Page 6, PAPA Handbook)
The first feast of the Sacred Heart was celebrated on August 31, 1670, in Rennes, France, through the efforts of Fr. Jean Eudes (1602-1680).
Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. The "great apparition," took place on June 16, 1675, during the octave of the Feast of Corpus Christi. Christ asked St. Margaret Mary to request that the Feast of the Sacred Heart be celebrated on the Friday after the octave (or eighth day) of the Feast of Corpus Christi, in reparation for the ingratitude of men for the sacrifice that Christ had made for them.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus not only is the physical Divine and human heart of Jesus but it is the ultimate love of Jesus for all mankind.
The devotion became official in 1765. The feast was celebrated officially in France. Almost 100 years later, in 1856, Pope Pius IX, at the request of the French bishops, extended the feast to the universal Church. It is celebrated on the day requested by our Lord-the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi, or 19 days after Pentecost Sunday.
There are twelve promises of Jesus associated with the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
I will establish peace in their homes.
I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death
I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
Sinners will find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
I will bless every place in which an image of my Heart is exposed and honored.
I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart.
I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in y disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
