It starts tomorrow:
Sacred Heart of Jesus
Pilgrim Icon to Visit CathedralFrom Wednesday, June 18, through Friday, June 27, the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Wheeling will host the Pilgrim Icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
An initiative of the Knights of Columbus, the Pilgrim Icon offers the faithful a special opportunity to reflect on the profound mercy and love of Christ through devotion to His Sacred Heart.
The icon depicting the most famous image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, painted in 1767 by Pompeo Batoni and now venerated in the Church of the Gesù in Rome, was blessed by Pope Francis. It is one of 300 traveling across the world thanks to the international Catholic men’s organization.
Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly has shared that, as Knights bring these icons across the world to parishes, “they will invite their families — and all families — to consecrate their homes and themselves to the Sacred Heart.” He further noted, “In the Heart of Christ, we see the Heart of the Father. And we ask Our Lord to help us make His Heart our own, so that we may see and love in others what He sees and loves in us.”
This year marks the 350th anniversary of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s final revelation from Jesus, in which He revealed His infinite love for humanity. This powerful message sparked the widespread devotion to the Sacred Heart, and its images have since become cherished by Catholics around the world.
During this time, parishioners and visitors will have the opportunity to enthrone the Sacred Heart in their homes. Enthronement packets will be available at the Cathedral for all who wish to participate. This is a beautiful way to invite the Sacred Heart into your home and to make His love and mercy a central part of your family life.
The Pilgrim Icon will remain at the Cathedral through the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart on June 27. All are invited to visit, participate in this moment of spiritual renewal, and honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
