Sacred Heart of Jesus: Devotion to Jesus’ Heart for Children
by Patrick O’Hearn
Illustrated by Adalee Hude
Published by Sophia Institute Press
Traditionally, June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, but it is a powerful devotion to practice all year round! You may be interested in reminding yourself and your child about this devotion this October for St. Margaret Mary Alocoque’s feast day on October 16th. Patrick O’Hearn’s book, Sacred Heart of Jesus: Devotion to Jesus’ Heart for Children, would be a perfect resource for renewing devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is also great for introducing families to the First 9 Fridays Devotion.
What is the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
After a foreword by Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, the book begins with an Introduction to the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is one of the most (maybe, the most) powerful devotions that I person could commit to. Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alocoque and instructed her to spread this devotion, and there are 12 remarkable promises associated with this devotion. The book clearly lays them out in the Introduction.
The Format of this Book
I love the layout and idea behind this book. The author has chosen 9 of each of the following to teach children about the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:
1. A Scripture passage related to Jesus’ Sacred Heart
2. A message from Jesus (these are taken from private revelations from various saints as well as the author’s inspiration)
3. A Prayer
4. A flower associated with Jesus’ Passion
The book also has a variety of traditional prayers in Latin and English at the end, as well as daily prayers written by Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke.
Symbolic Flowers and Messages from Jesus
I thought that it was so unique to include both of these in this children’s book. The images of the flowers by Adalee Hude immediately drew me in, and I loved every single one. The beautiful artwork throughout the book is sure to also appeal to little minds and hearts.
The messages from Jesus are directed towards the child reading them (or, the child being read to). The messages are taken from private revelations of St. Margaret Mary Alocoque, St. Gertrude, and St. Faustina. The author also added in his own inspirations for these. They are very beautiful, moving, and the perfect length for a child to hear and meditate on them. The messages span from Jesus as a baby in His mother’s womb through His childhood, and all the way through His adult life to the present when we can find Him in the tabernacle. The messages relay how His heart has been hurt and how we can console His heart with prayers. These 9 sections can be read all at once, or read on 9 First Fridays as you complete that devotion with your child.
Final Thoughts
The gorgeous illustrations paired with powerful prayers and meditations make this book a home run for anyone who wants to share the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus with children. You can read it on St. Margaret Mary Alocoque’s feast day, on First Fridays, or any time of the year.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
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