10nd Step - The enthronement of the image of the Sacred Heart in homes
The enthronement of the image of the Sacred Heart in homes
Several initiatives were launched after the apparitions at Paray to live a life consecrated to the Heart of Jesus. In this tenth stage, we will talk about enthronement. In the next, about the Guard of Honour and the Pope's Prayer Network.
Origin of the enthronement
During the great main apparition, on 27 December 1673, Margaret Mary had a vision of the Heart of Jesus as if on a throne of flames, with its wound, surrounded by a crown of thorns and with a cross above it. Then, Jesus asked that his Heart be honoured, wanting its image to be worn on one's heart and displayed. He added that «wherever this holy image should be exposed, to be honoured, he would pour out his graces and blessings there.».
After the events of Paray, the custom of solemnly enthroning an image or statue of the Sacred Heart spread. Two promises given to Margaret Mary are attached to this practice: «The Lord made known that as He is the source of all blessings, He would abundantly pour them out in all places where the image of this Sacred Heart was honoured. He would reunite divided families by this means and protect those in any need. He would spread this sweet unction of His charity into all religious communities where He would be honoured, and which would place themselves under His particular protection;»
Spiritual and material preparation
Enthronement is an important moment in Christian life, which calls for spiritual and material preparation.
From a spiritual point of view, here are some recommendations. It is good to attend Mass and receive Communion on the morning of the enthronement. If possible, go to confession in the days leading up to it. Pray a novena to the Sacred Heart ending the day before (or on the day of) the enthronement.
From a material perspective, arrange for a beautiful statue, or image, icon, painting, etc. of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and prepare a place of honour where it will be placed. If the enthronement is not presided over by a priest or deacon, this object of devotion must be blessed beforehand by a priest, for example, at the end of a Mass. Prepare the basin (a transparent or white salad bowl is suitable) for the water for the blessing. Ensure the house is very clean. Also, consider preparing a festive snack with contributions from guests, which will fraternally prolong the celebration.
The family celebration we are proposing can be presided over by a lay person, but ideally it is presided over by a deacon or a priest. The order of service will be adapted to the circumstances.
The family celebration we are proposing
01 Home: Jesus knocks on the door
After welcoming the guests, the president of the celebration briefly explains the order and meaning of the celebration. Then, they leave and stand at the door outside the house, with one or two invited guests holding the image or statue that the family has chosen to be installed in the house.
The president knocks on the door or rings the doorbell. Then he proclaims this verse from Scripture: «Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house; I will sup with him and he with me.» (Rev 3:20). The master or mistress of the house opens the door to them.
Sing a song of praise. Meanwhile, the master of the house places the image in the chosen spot. All together make the Sign of the Cross and the liturgical greeting «The Lord be with you!»
02 Proclamation of God's Word
We then move into the second part of the celebration with the singing of the Alleluia. The Gospel will be proclaimed by the priest or a member of the family using the family Bible. Several readings are possible: Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42); Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10); the calling of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13); the disciples at Emmaus (Luke 24:28-34).
After the reading, the Bible will be placed in the location chosen by the family. The president will make a short comment on the meaning of the enthronement.
03 Blessing of the Icon, Liturgy of Enthronement
If there is no priest or deacon, I remind you that you will need to have thought about having the image blessed beforehand.
Here is the prayer that the priest or deacon can use:
Almighty and eternal God,
Do you allow us to sculpt and paint images of your Son Jesus Christ and his Holy Mother the Virgin Mary, as well as images of the Saints.
Bless and sanctify this statue (or image), which will henceforth evoke for us the memory and presence of the most sacred Heart of your Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
To all those who will come to pray with confidence before this statue (image) and who will endeavour to pay homage to it, grant, through the merits and intercession of the Heart of your Son, grace in this present life and eternal glory.
He who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
Amen.
Then, the priest sprinkles the image with holy water.
All recite the Profession of Faith,
The family members pray the Sacred Heart enthronement prayer together. Guests join in their prayer through listening and silence. There are many prayers. Here is one:
Prayer for the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart of Jesus, reign in our home.
Come and dwell with us as in Nazareth, with Mary and Joseph, so that we may receive your word, see you grow in wisdom, in our midst and within us.
Come and dwell here like in Bethlehem, with the shepherds and our angels, that we may adore and glorify you.
Come and dwell there as at Capernaum, with Peter, so that we may be ready to welcome the poor and the sick; with Matthew, so that we may gather our friends around you, tax collectors or sinners, so that they may know you.
Come and remain there as in Jericho, with Zacchaeus, that salvation may enter our house.
Come and dwell with us like in Bethany, with Martha and Mary, that we may serve and love you.
Come and dwell there as in Jerusalem, with the apostles in the Upper Room, that we may recognise you living in our midst.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, pour your Holy Spirit upon us and set our hearts ablaze.
Amen!
Continuation of the Consecration
Thanksgiving
Then all can raise a song of thanksgiving. For example, "O Jesus, Saviour, Burning Heart of Love" or even "O Jesus, Thou art meek and humble of Heart, make my heart like unto Thee".
Prayer to the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph:
The family places themselves under the gaze of the Holy Family, invoking the Virgin Mary with a beautiful Marian prayer, such as the Hail Mary, the "Remember" prayer, or the Consecration to Jesus through Mary by St. Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort. It is also possible to invoke Saint Joseph by using one of the many existing prayers.
Conclusion
The celebration concludes with the communal recitation of the Lord's Prayer, followed by the final blessing: «May the blessing of Almighty.
Finish with the singing of the Magnificat or another hymn.
In the next video, we will present two other concrete ways to live the consecration to the Sacred Heart: the Guard of Honour and the Pope's Prayer Network.
