Bishop Dabrowski invites the faithful to renew a beautiful and ancient devotion this June
The month of June has long been set apart by the Church as a time to honour the Sacred Heart of Jesus — the living symbol of Christ's boundless love for humanity. This year, Most Reverend Joseph Dabrowski, CSMA, Bishop of Hamilton, has issued a pastoral letter calling every parish, school, and family in the Diocese to renew this devotion with fresh intentionality.
In his letter, Resting in the Heart of Jesus, Bishop Dabrowski speaks personally. "I vividly remember the home in which I grew up," he writes. "In our bedroom, there were two images: the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Every day, our family prayed before them. These were not mere decorations; they were reminders that God's love was real, present, and active in our lives."
"To rediscover the Sacred Heart is to rediscover the Gospel."
— Bishop Joseph Dabrowski, Resting in the Heart of Jesus
The Bishop draws on Scripture, the Fathers, and the great tradition of the Church to explain what devotion to the Sacred Heart truly means. In the biblical sense, the heart is the centre of the person — the source of desire, life, and identity. In the Gospel of John, the pierced heart of Christ becomes the wellspring of the Church itself, pouring out living water for a thirsty world.
This devotion has deep roots in the Church's history, flourishing in the 17th century through saints such as Margaret Mary Alacoque, John Eudes, and Francis de Sales. It has been consistently affirmed by the Popes — from Leo XIII's consecration of the world to the Sacred Heart in 1899, through to Pope Francis, whose recent encyclical Dilexit Nos calls for a renewed and interior devotion that is "essential for our Christian life."
Bishop Dabrowski notes honestly that this devotion has faded in many places — misunderstood as sentimental or outdated. His letter invites us to see past that misunderstanding: the Sacred Heart is not a pious feeling, but a way of life. It teaches patience, generosity, and forgiveness. It calls us to love not only those who love us, but also those who are difficult, distant, or even hostile — a love that is only possible by God's grace, but one that transforms the world.
How to participate this June
Daily prayer — Begin each day with the Morning Offering, uniting your prayers, works, joys, and sufferings to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
In your home — Place an image of the Sacred Heart in your home as a reminder that Christ's love is real and present. Pray the rosary together as a family.
At Mass — Special intercessions for the Sacred Heart will be included at Mass each Sunday of June. First Friday devotions remain a cherished practice of this devotion.
Acts of charity — Let devotion become action: small acts of patience, forgiveness, and generosity throughout the month — loving as Christ loves.
Bishop Dabrowski's pastoral letter is available at the parish office and on the diocesan website. Additional prayers, resources, and a feedback link can be found at hamiltondiocese.com/sacredheart.
"The Heart of Jesus is open. He waits for us and invites us to come to Him." — Bishop Dabrowski