| History of the Devotion to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart |
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When our founder, Fr. Jules Chevalier was serving as a curate to a parish in Issoudun, France, he began planning to found a society whose mission it would be to address the evils of the time by bringing God’s compassionate and merciful love to all people. On November 30, 1854, he and a fellow priest at the parish, Fr. Maugenest, began a novena to ask for Our Lady’s light and help, and Fr. Chevalier promised Our Lady that he would venerate her in a special way. On December 8, 1854, the last day of the Novena and the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Fr. Chevalier received a gift from an anonymous benefactor and the Society of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart was founded. Fr. Chevalier fulfilled his promise to Mary, honoring her with the title: Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. The purpose of the devotion to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, according to Father Chevalier, is to honor Mary "in her relationship of ineffable love which exists between her and the Sacred Heart of Jesus." This is a very rich mystery with many aspects, for Mary was the Mother of Christ and also his partner in the work of redemption. Please explore this part of the website to find articles about Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, downloadable resources including a booklet and a look at how Mary has been portrayed in movies, reflections and more. |