St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
"It is attachment to creatures and to self-satisfaction that weakens the blessings of love in your heart. You must die to all that, if you wish the pure love of God to reign therein." -St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque - October 16
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque is revered by Catholics worldwide for her devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Her visions and teachings have had a profound impact on Catholic spirituality, highlighting the boundless love and mercy of Christ. Celebrated on October 16th, her feast day offers an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the Sacred Heart and its message of divine love.
A Life of Humility and Devotion
Born in 1647 in France, Margaret Mary faced many hardships early in life, including the loss of her father and a long illness that left her bedridden. Despite these struggles, she developed a deep love for prayer and experienced mystical visions from a young age. She entered the Visitation Convent at Paray-le-Monial in 1671, where she dedicated her life to Christ.
In the convent, Margaret Mary began to experience visions of Jesus, who revealed His Sacred Heart to her as a symbol of His infinite love and desire for souls to be united with Him. These visions, which spanned over 18 months, included powerful messages of love, mercy, and reparation for sin. Jesus asked her to promote devotion to His Sacred Heart, promising abundant graces for those who honored it.
The Message of the Sacred Heart
Saint Margaret Mary’s visions emphasized the tenderness and compassion of Christ’s heart, which burns with love for humanity. Jesus invited her to spread the message of His Sacred Heart, encouraging believers to receive Holy Communion frequently, especially on the first Friday of each month, and to spend time in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He also asked for a special feast day in honor of the Sacred Heart, which the Church now celebrates annually.
Her promotion of the Sacred Heart devotion met with skepticism and resistance, but Margaret Mary’s humility, perseverance, and unwavering faith won over her superiors and fellow sisters. Today, the devotion to the Sacred Heart is one of the most widely practiced in the Church, symbolizing the love and mercy of Christ extended to all.
The Legacy of Saint Margaret Mary
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s life is a testament to the transformative power of Christ’s love. Her visions have inspired countless faithful to embrace the devotion to the Sacred Heart, seeking to console the heart of Jesus through acts of reparation, prayer, and love for others.
In 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized Saint Margaret Mary, recognizing her as the “Apostle of the Sacred Heart.” The Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Paray-le-Monial, where she experienced many of her visions, remains a place of pilgrimage and prayer for those seeking to deepen their devotion to the Sacred Heart.
The Divine Love of Jesus
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s message of the Sacred Heart invites Catholics to draw closer to Jesus, experiencing His divine love and sharing it with others. As we celebrate her feast day, may we be inspired to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus, offering our lives in love and reparation, and spreading His mercy and compassion to all we meet.
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, pray for us!