Comment:
As always on our devotional threads, we may discuss any issues involved, and post favourite prayers, hymns, images, videos, stories etc. in order to pay tribute to, and spread, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This devotion to the merciful Sacred Heart of Jesus is of particular importance in these times when a false mercy is being preached, even within the Church. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place all our trust in Thee.
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Comments (52)
Lovely hymn beautifully sung. Thank you.
A beautiful hymn. I remember it well from the days when our parishes were Catholic.
This is my favourite, but it was written for English Catholics and so may not be known north of the border.
https://youtu.be/G2Ejipe3rVE
Sorry about the opening image which looks rather like the (to me) uncomfortable and rather disturbing Divine Mercy one.
On the subject of the Divine Mercy image (St Mary Faustyna), I have always been struck by the, to my mind, extraordinary similarity between its portrayal of the face of Jesus and those of the Holy Shroud and the apse of the Lateran Basilica in Rome.
Although the apse of the Basilica is modern–it was re-done I believe under Leo XIII–it is apparently a faithful reproduction of a much more ancient image which many experts believe goes back in time to those in the early Roman community who had actually seen the living Jesus.
It is true that the first photograph of the Shrould dates back to 1898, but I am not sure if Sr. Mary Faustyna would have had access to it, though I suspect not.
Prognosticum,
In case you miss it, there is an article in the current (June) edition of our newsletter, available to read on our website (Newsletter page). I’ve always been a “doubter” of the Divine Mercy devotion and that article reinforced my gut feeling about it.
Editor
I agree with you that the Divine Mercy image and devotion are dubious. I will need to read up on it again but if memory serves there was something about a promise that the devotion of individuals would save all their relatives, and other such things. This of course eradicates individual free will and replaces the Traditional devotion of the Sacred Heart (Mercy and Justice) with mercy absent of justice. There is a very good reason why the Sacred Heart image is depicted on fire with love but surrounded with thorns.
Athanasius,
I completely agree – this Divine Mercy devotion is just the “new” (i.e. replacement) for the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I am not attracted to is at all and all the quotes I have read suggest it’s not from God at all.
Nicky,
It’s a devotion, not a dogma. You may take it or leave it as you will.
Never heard of this. I would be grateful if you would verify this and get back to us.
I should have specified that my request for verification is directed at Athanasius.
Prognosticum
I haven’t yet been able to verify what I heard our priest say a few weeks back about the Divine Mercy devotion, but I thought you might find this article interesting.
http://www.traditioninaction.org/HotTopics/f072_DivMercy.htm
It leaves us in no doubt that the Divine Mercy devotion is highly suspicious to say the least.
I would be interested in having your thoughts on this once you’ve read the article.
Thank you for that Divine Mercy link, Athanasius. The paragraph listing all that Mgsr. Perez finds unpleasant about the image, and his finding it ‘creepy’ expresses perfectly my own feelings from the first time I set eyes on it – and additionally I find the image extremely effeminate. As I have never had any truck with this devotion I had no idea that there had been previous condemnations of it. That certainly reveals John Paul’s hubris, also evident in the ‘luminous mysteries’ and I think it is quite scandalous.
Christina
I agree.
I have just tried to access this site but my computer tells me that it is blocked by broadband as being a site that deals in weapons, violence, gore and hate!! What are you up to Athanasius?!!
Prognosticum
It was mentioned recently by an SSPX priest in his sermon. I knew I had heard it somewhere.
When I get time I’ll see if I can find an authoritative source somewhere, but that may be a while as I’m presently swamped with things that need doing!
I also find it odd. There’s a big emphasis on it in my local parish. I’ve never felt comfortable with it. Although, I do have the image displayed at home. My old Granny saw one on a stall at the Barras and bought it for me. I didn’t have the heart to express concern. I’ve had it up so se can see it. Maybe it’s time to take it down!
Petrus, Christina, Athanasius,
Maybe it’s time to take it down!
I agree entirely. I had two in my home which I’ve replaced today with images of the Sacred Heart.
Gerontius,
Wonderful! Month of the Sacred Heart, 2016 – a date for your diary!
Gerontius
Glad to hear that you have replaced the two Divine Mercy images with two of the Sacred Heart. But tell me, have you had the Sacred Heart enthroned in your home by a priest?
We had that great honour many years ago. An SSPX priest came to ur house and enthroned the Sacred Heart there. We bought oneof the Traditional images with space at the bottom for writing all the names of family living in the house. If you want it done in your house then just ask the priest. The SSPX greatly encourage this special devotion.
I have a 120 year old image of the Sacred Heart on my wall and it was enthroned by a SSPX priest. The Divine Mercy image hasnt replaced that. I also have a large image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Athanasius,
Thank you for comment. You ask:
But tell me, have you had the Sacred Heart enthroned in your home by a priest?
Unfortunately no. In my area the large catholic population is served by fewer and fewer priests. These good men are therefore genuinely overworked and in danger of facing burnout.
In these circumstances, I think it would be a very selfish act for me to ask for this. However, if foreign priests were to be invited by our Bishop to augment the number of priests available, then……. ?
Who Knows? I get the impression that Bishops Conferences rather than individual bishops “rule the roost” so for the foreseeable future, I’m inclined to be somewhat pessimistic.
Editor
I’ve just returned from Walsingham (I only go there when I’m assured of getting the TLM). The Divine Mercy devotion is all-pervasive there (as it is everywhere these days). I even saw a poster advertising a National Divine Mercy Pilgrimage for today, 4th June, which in the new calendar is the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. But where was the National Immaculate Heart of Mary Pilgrimage? Where was the National Sacred Heart of Jesus Pilgrimage the day before? Nowhere to be seen. It all seems so sad to me, so thank you for your timely piece in the newsletter about the Divine Mercy devotion.
When Sister Lucia asked Our Lord in 1936, why He would not convert Russia, why He would not bring about peace, except for the
Consecration of Russia, Our Lord said: “Because I want My whole Church to recognize that consecration as a triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, so that My Church will place devotion to the Immaculate Heart beside devotion to My Sacred Heart.” I think the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart devotions are the ones needed now more than ever – and sadly, it seems they are being pushed into the background.
WF,
That’s very interesting indeed. Yes, I agree, the two devotions specifically mentioned by Our Lord via Sr Lucia, the “two hearts” are being pushed aside to make room for the latest fashion in “devotions”. So, we need to add “new devotions” to our list of new Mass, new catechism, new rosary, new morality…we’re really at the “new you-name-it” stage. Tragic.
Christina,
We sing this in Scotland as well. It’s beautiful.
Christina/Nicky,
We actually sang this very hymn at the First Friday Mass last night in Glasgow. So, at last we’ve found something beautiful exported from south of the border… Kidding! Honest!
PS – however, we didn’t, you won’t be surprised to hear, Christina, sing about “England, our dear native land”… !
Not in the least you inbred lot of wearers of the fèileadh beag, lovers of the piob mhor, guzzlers of the sonsie taigeis, swiggers of the usquebaugh, prancers of the ghillie callum, woad-wearing Picts (also only kidding!), but you could have just sung ‘Scotland’ instead of ‘England’!! 😂😂😂😂
We’re even politically correct when singing Faith of our Fathers – we no longer pray that “Scotland will then indeed be free” but “this land will then indeed be free” – things are that bad, as you’ll see (or rather “hear”!) at the Conference!
Christina,
Having lived in the West Country (Somerset) many years ago, I remember this lovely hymn.
I also love the hymn Sweet Sacrament Divine.
All these hymns are indeed magnificent, thank you!
Oh yes, Theresa Rose, that one takes me out of this troubled world for a while into a place of complete rest, trust and peace. Thank you for including it.
Theresa Rose,
That’s heavenly!
A shame that traditional and beautiful Catholic hymns like this have gradually been phased out, in favour of more ‘ecumenical’ stuff.
My post for today’s Feast:
https://damselofthefaith.wordpress.com/2016/06/03/most-sacred-heart-of-jesus-miserere-nobis/
A blessed Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to all!
DOTF,
My apologies for the late appearance of your comment and link – I’ve been away from my computer all day, just back and for some unfathomable reason, your post was lurking in the SPAM folder. Sorry about this.
N O T I C E . . .
There is no First Saturday Mass in the Glasgow SSPX chapel, although there is Mass in Edinburgh, 11.a.m.
First Saturday Traditional Latin Mass today in Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Balornock at 9.30am followed by cooked breakfast to celebrate parish feast day…
I couldn’t believe it when I read it but the Holy See is collaborating with UN abortion etc targets.
http://voiceofthefamily.com/holy-see-rep-welcomes-un-target-for-universal-access-to-sexual-and-reproductive-health/
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
I can highly recommend this fantastic book called ‘The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus’ by Fr John Croiset SJ (TAN books ISBN: 9780895553348).
https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-how-to-practice-the-sacred-heart-devotion.html
Please let others know about it.
The cover states that this book “is not ‘just another book on the Sacred Heart devotion’, but it can be truly said to be THE book on this devotion. Written by the spiritual director of St Margaret Mary, the book comes from the pen of a man intimately familiar with every aspect of the revelations given by Our Lord to this famous saint; thus the book is actually the ‘key’ to understanding the importance and the centrality of the Sacred Heart devotion for our lives as true Catholics. But even more than being THE book on the Sacred Heart devotion, Fr Croiset’s work is a revelation to us all just why so few people become great saints, just why so few Catholics – despite going frequently to the Sacraments – fail really to grow in the life of grace and make great progress in the spiritual order. ‘Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus’ was actually commissioned by Our Lord Himself through St Margaret Mary, and as the author neared completion of it, the Saint told him that Our Lord said it was so completely in accord with His wishes, that it would never be necessary to make any change in it. Later she revealed to Fr Croiset that it was Our Lord Himself who had inspired him with the ideas in this book and that it was so pleasing to Him that ‘none other but Himself could have arranged everything so much to His wishes . . . ”
Now if that hasn’t whetted your spiritual appetite . . . ! I think most Catholic booksellers stock this book. I hope this info has been of help.
WF, very interesting that bit about Our Lord’s saying it would never being necessary to make any changes, in the context of the Divine Mercy discussion. Several of us admit to feeling uneasy about this ‘new’ devotion, and I think Ed has put her finger on it by lumping it together with all the ‘new’ things which usurp venerable established Catholic devotions. I visited the basilica while in Poland and was repelled and discomforted by the place – chairs with no provvision for kneeling throughout and a grotesque altar sculpture that inspired no holy thoughts. Imagination maybe – or a trustworthy instinct?
I wish I could find a tasteful image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I have a statue, which belonged to my grandmother, which isn’t too bad, although it’s too garish. I wish someone would create a statue based upon the face in the Shroud; there’s nothing effeminate about that, which sadly cannot be said for so many of these statues.
Therese, finding a tasteful one is my problem as well. Most religious painted images of the Sacred Heart seem pretty dreadful to me and to help me devotionally I would want a print of a work of some serious artistic merit. The sacred subject demands nothing less, yet so many are more honestly described as religious tat. I’m ashamed to say that the only religious image I have on a wall in my home is a print of Salvador Dali’s ‘The Christ of St. John of the Cross’. Anyway, I’m starting a serous trawl for a Sacred Heart image on google, and have found this to start with:-
http://www.mdrevelation.org/the-most-famous-image-of-the-sacred-heart/
Then I came across this that amused me, as it says what I was trying to say, and I’m going to duck now before the Irish have a go at me!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9433704/Sacred-Mysteries-Despised-art-of-the-Sacred-Heart.html
This is Sweet Heart of Jesus, a favourite of mine, sung by Regina Nathan who has a beautiful voice, IMHO. However, I think her dress bodice is a little on the low side. I hope it doesn’t break the modesty rule here. If so, editor can delete.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJsAjEgTShI&w=854&h=480%5D
Michaela
We’re not Muslims who demand that everything but eyes be covered! That lady is very modestly dressed as far as I’m concerned. I really don’t think she could be construed in anyone’s imagination as an occasion of sin in that dress.
Now watch this, a Wee Free will come on ranting about Hell hounds and imps of Satan!!
Athanasius, you know perfectly well that any Wee Free who came on here would be thrown out of their Church. After all, if they’re not allowed to go to a Catholic funeral then going on a Catholic blog would definitely be asking for a fatwa to be declared on them.
Absolutely stunning Michaela. Do you know what the occasion was? I have never heard hymns sung in such a setting.
Christina, it’s from the Faith Of Our Fathers Concert at the Point Theatre, Dublin 1997, If you on to Youtube and type in Faith of our Fathers Concert you will hear many of the old hymns.
Thank you, Vianney – that’s amazing. All in the past I guess.
Michaela,
That’s a beautiful rendering of Sweet Heart of Jesus – one of my favourites.
I won’t delete it because of the low neckline,worry not – it’s not the worst I’ve ever seen. Personally, I wouldn’t wear anything with a neckline that low; I hate seeing “cleavage” – it always strikes me as crude, but until she leans over to bow at the end when there’s a glimpse only, it’s OK. So, as long as she stays upright, no problem 😀
Love the colour and the rest of it, but a slightly higher neckline would have enhanced the gown, in my view. Maybe I’m a tad prudish on this, of course – I see Athanasius takes a different view – but then I had the Sisters of Mercy teaching me that the rule of thumb for deciding on the modesty of a dress was always the answer to the question “Would Our Lady wear this?”
How times have changed – I’m sure they’re NOT teaching that these days!
Many years ago, whilst browsing through a hymnal, I came across a hymn to the Sacred Heart. These two verses from said hymn made a deep and lasting impression on me.
Oh take me to your Sacred Heart
and let me rest therein,
for weary is my stricken soul,
of sorrow and of sin.
So take me to your Sacred Heart
and seal the entrance o’er,
that my wayward soul may rest,
and never wander more.
Gerontius, this hymn was sung in Edinburgh on Sunday.
Vianney,
Many thanks for reply.
I suppose you won’t be surprised to learn that my in neck of the woods I’ve never heard it sung AT ALL – still, there’s always hope……
Gerontius, sadly very few places sing the old hymns now. We have our own hymnal at the chapel and often visitors ask if it’s possible to buy one as it’s a walk down memory lane for many of them.
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