On June 11, 2026, the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the U.S. bishops consecrated the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Excerpt from Homily of Archbishop William Lori
Consecration is an act of faith. It is an acknowledgment that history is not simply the story of what human beings accomplish; it is the story of God’s faithful love at work in the world. We give thanks for the blessings of these past 250 years, but we do so with humility, recognizing in faith that every nation stands in need of God’s mercy, wisdom, and guidance. We consecrate our nation, not because it is perfect, but because it is beloved by God. We entrust to the Heart of Christ our achievements and failures, our hopes and anxiety, our present challenges and our future aspirations. We ask him to heal what is wounded, strengthen what is good, and guide us towards a future marked by justice, peace, freedom, and respect for the dignity of every human person.
Consecration is also an act of hope. It is a declaration that the future does not belong merely to political movements, economic forces, or human plans. The future belongs to God. And so we place into His Heart, not only ourselves but generations yet unborn, and all those who will inherit the Church and the nation we leave behind.
…As we approach this great anniversary of our nation, we may be tempted towards nostalgia for the past or anxiety about the future. Today we choose something better: trust. Today we place the Church in the United States, and this nation we love, into the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Not because we have everything figured out, but because we know the One whose love endures forever. In his Heart, we find gratitude for the past, strength for the present, and hope for the future.
Prayer of Consecration
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.
From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst. Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you. We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation. May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed. May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love. O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America.
Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
Peace,
-Fr. Kevin
SPANISH Prayer of Consecration
Sagrado Corazón de Jesús:
Tú conoces los anhelos de nuestro corazón y deseas que disfrutemos de tu amistad.
De tu costado traspasado has derramado el manantial de vida, del que tenemos sed.
Tu corazón arde de amor para que todas las personas vuelvan a tener una relación correcta contigo.
Celebramos los abundantes dones que has brindado a esta nación, fundada en las verdades evidentes que nuestro Creador ha dotado a todas las personas del derecho a la vida, a la libertad y a la búsqueda de la felicidad.
Ofrecemos reparación por las ofensas contra ti y contra la dignidad humana ocurridas en esta nación.
Que nuestros corazones se unan al tuyo, para que nuestras familias y comunidades gocen de paz y felicidad; que las relaciones dañadas se reconcilien, las injusticias se reparen y las heridas de nuestra tierra se sanen.
Que tu santa Iglesia católica sirva de signo, mostrando a todos tu amor infinito.
A ti, que eres el Deseo de las Naciones y el Centro de la Historia, te pedimos que bendigas a estos Estados Unidos de América.
Tú que vives y reinas con Dios Padre
en la unidad del Espíritu Santo,
Dios, por los siglos de los siglos.
Amén.
Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, ¡ten piedad de nosotros!
Inmaculado Corazón de María, ¡ruega por nosotros!
