Entrusting Our Nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

This past weekend, at the request of our Bishop, together we prayed the “Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”  

On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of  the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops consecrated the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

In his homily for the Mass of Consecration, Bishop William Lori, Archbishop of  Baltimore, spoke in homily: “Why do we do this? Because consecration is an act of faith.  It is an acknowledgment that history is not simply the story of what human beings  accomplish; it is the story of God’s faithful love at work in the world. We give thanks for  the blessings of these past 250 years, but we do so with humility, recognizing in faith  that every nation stands in need of God’s mercy, wisdom, and guidance. We consecrate  our nation, not because it is perfect, but because it is beloved by God. We entrust to the  Heart of Christ our achievements and failures, our hopes and anxiety, our present  challenges and our future aspirations. We ask him to heal what is wounded, strengthen  what is good, and guide us towards a future marked by justice, peace, freedom, and  respect for the dignity of every human person.  

Consecration is also an act of hope. It is a declaration that the future does not belong  merely to political movements, economic forces, or human plans. The future belongs to  God. And so we place into His Heart, not only ourselves but generations yet unborn,  and all those who will inherit the Church and the nation we leave behind.” 

Here is the text of the prayer we offered at Mass. 

“O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you. From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst. Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you. We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation. 

May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed. May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love. O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America. 

Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.”