A Generational Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Living and Present

Morgan Stewart shares the story of the fruits of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as it’s passed down through the generations.

Anyone who actively promotes devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is promised that their name will be "written in His Heart, never to be blotted out," signifying a special place in God's love and remembrance for their dedication. This promise is often attributed to the revelations received by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque.

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Passing Down the Faith: A Family’s Journey in Catholic Education

My husband and I recently experienced an overwhelming sense of nostalgia and gratitude as we sent our eldest son, five years old, to a Catholic Montessori school. Having both been raised Catholic and blessed to attend Catholic schools through high school and even college, we always knew this was a goal for our family. It was only through the guidance of our heavenly and earthly parents that we found the perfect school just one week before registration opened.

Our pride has overflowed into our son, who proudly wears his uniform in public, joyfully proclaiming that he does "God work." He eagerly participates in weekly student-led Mass, engages in discussions about faith during the homily, receives values-based lessons from the principal, and experiences special blessings from the priest for acts of kindness and birthdays.

When we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, His presence spills into every facet of our lives. We see this in our son, who has begun attributing "stars" to the people in his life. One night, as he was preparing for bed, I asked him about the stars he assigned to family and friends. When I finally asked about God, our exchange left me in awe:

Me: "How many stars does God get?"

Liam: "A million."

Me: "How many stars does Jesus get?"

Liam: "I just told you that."

In that moment, I was astounded by my little boy’s innocent and profound grasp of the Holy Trinity.

The Sacred Heart’s Presence in Our Home and Hearts

What makes this milestone even more meaningful for our family is the generational devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus that has passed through my husband's lineage. His great-grandfather had a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart, and without knowing it, my husband, as a child, would often doodle Sacred Hearts in his notebooks. Today, he paints the Sacred Heart on canvas and donates these works to local charities, spreading the devotion and its promises into homes and businesses.

Each painting is inscribed with the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart, blessed with holy water, oils, and salts from various sacred sites, and displayed prominently as a reminder of Christ’s love and the renewal of our own hearts. As my husband paints, our home is blessed by their presence, and our son admires and even attempts to replicate these "beautiful hearts" in his own drawings.

Liam often asks, "Mom, am I special?" He tells us that God talks to him, and we encourage him to always listen for and to God's voice. His faith, prayers, and the whispers of the Holy Spirit inspire us, deepening our own devotion and reminding us of the beauty of childlike faith.

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As we continue our journey, we look forward to a lifetime of following the Holy Spirit’s call, trusting that He will lead us and all His children back home to His heart.

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