Consecration to the Sacred Heart

Most sweet Jesus, redeemer of the human race, look down upon us, humbly prostrate before your altar. We are yours and yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with you, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to your Most Sacred Heart. 

Many, indeed, have never known you, many too, despising your precepts, have rejected you. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your Sacred Heart. Be you King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken you, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned you; grant that they may quickly return to their father's house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. 

Be you King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one shepherd. Be you King also of all those who sit in the ancient superstition of the Gentiles, and refuse not you to deliver them out of darkness into the light and kingdom of God. 

Grant, O Lord, to your Church, assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor forever. Amen.

Prayer of  Pope Leo XIII issued with the Encyclical Letter Annum Sacrum, May 25, 1899 

Miriam Teresa DemjanovichIs a Step Closer to Sainthood

Today we celebrate with the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth the beatification of  Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, a true friend in heaven. She died at a young age but had a profound effect on others during her life, and has brought to many the gift of faith since her death. Her spiritual writings are a testament to her knowledge of living a holy Christian life and striving for spiritual perfection. She has granted countless favors through her intercession. Pray to her for a deep love of Christ, and she will intercede!

She was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, in 1901, the youngest of seven children. After attending public schools, she entered the College of Saint Elizabeth and graduated with highest honors in 1923. Two years later she entered the community of Sisters of Charity at Convent Station in New Jersey. In June 1926, her spiritual director, Father Benedict Bradley OSB, asked her to write conferences for the novitiate. She wrote 26 conferences which, after her death, were published in a book, "Greater Perfection." After profession of vows as a Sister of Charity, Miriam died in Saint Elizabeth Hospital on May 8, 1927. She was 26 years old.

It was in May 2012 that Pope Benedict XVI decreed that Sister Miriam be called Venerable. In December 2013 a panel of cardinals and bishops agreed that a healing, the restoration of sight of a blind child, attributed to Sister Miriam had been accomplished through her intercession. On that same day Pope Francis declared it an authentic miracle.

It is most rare in the Catholic Church that a cause for beatification move so quickly through the approval process. Venerable Miriam Teresa was declared Blessed at a ceremony at Sacred Heart Basilica in Newark, New Jersey, today. Her feast day was set as May 8. The next step is Sainthood.

Read more about Blessed Miriam Teresa and join her League of Prayer. Founded in 1946, the League works to honor the Blessed Trinity through the Immaculate Heart of Mary by spreading the knowledge of Blessed Miriam Teresa’s life and mission, and by working for her cause for canonization.

Prayer for Canonization

Most Holy and Blessed Trinity, Whom Sister Miriam Teresa loved so ardently, grant that we, like her, may become ever more conscious of Thy Divine Presence within our souls. We implore Thee to show signs that Thy humble servant enjoys glory with Thee in Heaven, and to hasten the day when we may render her a public tribute of our veneration and love.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.