The U.S. Bishops and the Sacred Heart of Jesus

By Fr. Christopher Foeckler, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

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 will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in consecrating our nation to the Sacred Heart.

As faithful Catholics and patriotic American citizens, there are so many themes that we could focus on in our reflections this summer as regards true patriotism and love for our country which, in the July and August Updates, I will comment on, such as, “We hold these truths to be self-evident…”; “One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all…”; “Oh say does that banner still wave o’er the land of the free and home of the brave?”; “…a new nation, conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” And above all, “that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Abraham Lincoln 

The consecration of our country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus that the bishops of the United States have proposed is the most appropriate way to start our celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the birth of our country – praying for her and all her countrymen, new and old, of all levels and walks of life, of all backgrounds, ethnicities, faiths and origins who e pluribus unum make up our country now, 250 years after it’s founding in 1776. So, I include here the official prayer offered by the Bishops in consecrating the U.S. to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Let us Pray

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.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!