6nd Step - A simple consecration service
A simple consecration ceremony
After recalling the message of Paray-le-Monial, the source of devotion to the Sacred Heart, in the first part; after explaining what the consecration to the Heart of Jesus is, in the second part; let us now, in this seventh step, see how to live the process of consecration by proposing a simple plan.
This approach can be undertaken alone, as a family, or in a group. It is good to do so in a Church, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, if possible exposed. In the first part of our journey, I explained what the message of the Sacred Heart apparitions to Saint Margaret Mary was. In this fifth step, we enter a new section that explains what consecration is.
Here's a simple proposed plan:
- Those who can and wish to, get on their knees.
- Invoke the Holy Spirit through prayer or song: Send forth your Spirit, Lord, and all will be created. You will renew the face of the earth.
- Silent contemplation.
- Slowly and fervently pronounce a formula of consecration. There are those of Saint Marguerite-Marie and Saint Claude, of course. Here is the one we usually pray at the Paray shrine.
Lord Jesus,
You who came to set fire to the earth, I surrender myself today to the Father's will in the breath of the Holy Spirit.
Purify my heart, set it ablaze with love and charity.
Foster in me a desire for holiness.
By the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I, ………,
I dedicate myself entirely to your Heart
to love and serve you.
Amen!
What does consecration to the Heart of Jesus commit us to?
Attend Sunday Mass
Not as a constraint, but as an obligation of love. Immersing ourselves in the heart of Jesus can also help us savour the grace of attending weekday Mass from time to time.
02 Commit to taking heart-to-heart time with the Lord every day
When circumstances allow, it is good to take this time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed. One can also adore the Lord in his Real Presence, even before a closed tabernacle. And if material circumstances do not permit taking this time in a church, it can be done at home, by means of a «prayer corner» that one has arranged.
03 Regular recourse to the Sacrament of Reconciliation
In its pastoral care, the Church tells us that grave sins must be confessed at least once a year. Through consecration, we enter a more intense stage of Christian life and it is suggested that we confess at least on the four major solemnities of the liturgical year: Christmas, Easter, Assumption, and All Saints' Day.
04 Devotion to the first Fridays of the month
Holy hour the evening before; votive Mass of the Sacred Heart, adoration and perhaps confessions the same day. Experience shows that this practice, recommended by Christ to Margaret Mary in the second great apparition of 1674, and to which a promise is attached for those who receive Communion, bears much fruit in terms of conversion, healing and consolation on the pastoral level: «I promise you, in the excessive mercy of my Heart, that his all-powerful love will grant all those who take communion on the first nine Fridays of the month in succession the grace of final penance, not dying in my disgrace and without receiving their sacraments, my Divine Heart making itself their safe haven at the last moment». (Letter to Mother de Saumaise, 1688 or 1689).
In the next step
We will comment on another prayer of consecration, the one that was drafted for the 350th anniversary jubilee.
The consecration of the family can then take place. It is presented and explained in the ninth stage of our journey.
Again, take a few moments of silence
It is possible to then take a song, for example 'Heart of Jesus burning with love, inflame us with your Spirit, may our hearts be like Yours, make us burn with charity.'.
Entrusting ourselves to Mary so that her 'Yes' keeps us faithful to our own 'yes'. For example, by praying the Hail Mary or another beautiful Marian prayer to which we are attached. We can also sing 'Totus tuus, Maria'. 'Gratia plena Dominus Tecum'. 'Totus tuus, ora pro nobis, Maria, Maria'. Or renew our consecration to Mary according to St. Louis de Montfort.
Finally, conclude this act of consecration with a song of thanksgiving, for example, "Let's Give Glory to Our God" / "How Beautiful Are Your Works" / "Blessed Be the Name of God" / "For Your Marvels".
