A home for his Heart

An original family devotional order inspired by the Sacred Heart enthronement tradition, not an official liturgical rite. Invite a priest to lead and to bless the image and home using the Church’s approved rites. If no priest is available, the household may pray this devotional order with an already blessed image, omitting the ministerial blessing. It does not replace Mass, confession or the duties of Christian life.

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1. 01

   Prepare the household

   Choose a day together. Prepare through prayer, reconciliation and the sacraments as appropriate. Select a dignified image of the Sacred Heart, a Bible and a place of honour. Flowers or a safely placed candle may be used; no elaborate purchase is needed. Arrange a priest’s visit if possible.

2. 02

   Gather and begin

   All make the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Leader: Lord Jesus, we gather to welcome your love into this home. Teach us to hear your word and serve one another. All: Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place our trust in you.

3. 03

   Listen to the Gospel

   Reader: A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (11:28–30). “Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light.” Pause in silence. Each person may name a hope or intention for the household. Scripture: Douay-Rheims, public domain.

4. 04

   Blessing and placing of the image

   If a priest is present, he blesses the image and home according to the approved rite. This guide does not supply a priestly blessing for a lay person to imitate. The household places the image in its prepared position. Leader: Jesus Christ, be the centre of our home and the pattern of our love. All: Reign in our hearts by your truth, your peace and your mercy.

5. 05

   Profess the faith

   All pray the Apostles’ Creed. I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

6. 06

   Offer the household to the Sacred Heart

   All: Lord Jesus Christ, whose Heart was opened for us on the Cross, we offer you our household. Be present in our work and rest, our meals and conversations, our joys and trials. Teach us to forgive promptly, to speak truthfully and to care for the weakest among us. Keep us faithful in prayer and the sacraments. Let no guest be without welcome and no neighbour forgotten. Through the prayers of Mary and Joseph, make our home a place of your peace. Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place all our trust in you. Amen. Original act of household offering composed for this guide.

7. 07

   Pray for the living and the departed

   Remember each household member, those absent, the sick, the lonely and the departed. Allow each person to add an intention. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

8. 08

   Conclude and live the commitment

   A priest, if present, gives the appropriate blessing. Otherwise all make the Sign of the Cross and say: May the Lord keep us in his love and guide us in his peace. Amen. Choose a brief daily household prayer and a concrete work of mercy. Renew the offering on the anniversary or the solemnity of the Sacred Heart. The image is a reminder of Christ’s love, not a charm or a promise of a trouble-free life. Sacred Heart of Jesus, we place our trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

With the saints · East & West