A message from Dr. Michal Kinsella, National Director of Aid to the Church in Need Ireland, on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

By Dr. Michael Kinsella

The Feast of the Sacred Heart, which the Church celebrates on Friday 11 June, is very special to all of us in ACN.

It is, as is only right for such an exalted revelation, a special Liturgical event in the life of the Church.

But it can be explained to, and loved by, Children - for they go to the heart of the matter, as Christ Himself noted (Mark 19:14).

The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a celebration of the love of Jesus in his Sacred Humanity for humanity. He responds mercifully and generously to worry, fear and our need for the reassurance of his Presence.

The devotion to the Sacred Heart was of course revealed by Jesus Himself to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in France, and so wonderful were its insights and promises for us as individuals, for the entire Church and for the world itself, that it caused an extraordinary spiritual awakening - and still does today.

ACN walks in the way of Jesus, offering His love, support and personal embrace to HIS suffering Christian Communities.

ACN embraces the Promises of the Sacred Heart, embedded in the NINE FIRST FRIDAY'S: the gift and assurance of repentance and of being eternally with Jesus. We earnestly encourage all of you to take up this magnificent devotion, for your own souls and the suffering Church.

Every Home - and every Irish Home - should have the beautiful picture where Jesus promises to bless the home where His image is present and reverenced. Such grace in these days is unique and needed so much...where we silently teach our Families - and witness to the Christian hospitality extended to all who come to our homes and hearths.

The churches that encircle our country bear the name of the Sacred Heart. So do our Schools, and Parishes - and we hope every Irish home will also.

ACN affirms, with the Church, the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the extraordinary place this great devotion has in the national spiritual life, the Faith of the people and Families - and the culture of Ireland.

All of us are called to make this Feast a point of Renewal. Never was there a better time.

God bless each of you that are are working and praying, for the work of ACN. Our Blessed Mother Mary brings the Rosaries of families to her Son for the hearts of those in need and troubled, He will answer your prayers and calm your fears through devotion to His Heart.

God bless,

Michael,

National Director of ACN Ireland