The Most Reverend John O. Barres, Bishop of Rockville Centre has declared the month of June in the Diocese of Rockville Centre as the Month of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, proclaiming to the world that “God is Love.”
In an effort to celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and to express to the People of God in the Diocese of Rockville Centre the true definition and nature of Love according to God’s design, the Diocese plans to celebrate June 2023 as a month devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The theme for this month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is, “God is Love” from 1 John 4:8, 16.
“Our hope is to renew and advance the beautiful tradition of contemplating God’s love for humanity – shown so powerfully in the Pierced Heart of the Savior, during this time,” said Bishop Barres. “We need His love, as does every dimension of the global public square. Therefore, under the theme God is Love, we pray that a renewed devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus this June will open us to God’s love and moral teaching. As our Lord says in John’s Gospel: ‘If you love me, keep my commandments.’” (John 14:15) In order to accomplish this goal, the diocese will be publicizing this theme through print and digital media. The Department of Education will engage the Catholic Elementary Schools with practical ways to celebrate the theme in the month of June.
Each parish and school will receive sets of “God is Love” posters to help publicize the month. In addition, prayer cards, images of the Most Sacred Heart for homes, car magnets, lawn signs, indoor and outdoor banners have all been designed and are available for purchase by parishes and schools.
All are welcome to attend a special diocesan Mass to celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at St. Agnes Cathedral on Friday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m. Bishop Barres will be the principal celebrant and homilist. For more information visit drvc.org.