Devotion to the Sacred Heart is but a special form of devotion to Jesus. We shall know just what it is and what distinguishes it when we ascertain its object, its foundations, and its proper act.
In various appearances to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Jesus manifested his great love for human beings and made the following promises to those who gave particular honor to His Sacred Heart:
- I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
- I will establish peace in their home.
- 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 shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.
- Tepid souls shall become fervent.
- Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
- I will bless every place in which an image of My Heart shell be 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, never to be effaced.
- I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving their Sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.
The Catholic Encyclopedia
