Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando, Florida, to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The liturgy, performed during the bishops’ spring plenary assembly, was the first time American bishops held such a service in the country.

The ceremony opened with music—organ, brass and choral singing—creating a reverent atmosphere. Prior to the act, bishops and the faithful knelt before relics of the 17th‑century French nun St. Mary Margaret Alacoque, whose visions gave rise to the modern devotion to the Sacred Heart. The relics were brought from France for the occasion and displayed in front of the church.

Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the bishops’ conference, led the bishops through the Act of Consecration. He prayed that the nation’s past, present and future be entrusted to Jesus Christ: “O Most Sacred Heart, you know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you,” the bishops said together. They also prayed for reparation, healing and reconciliation, asking God to heal the wounds of the land and that the Church serve as a sign pointing all people to God.

In his homily, Archbishop William Lori, vice‑president of the USCCB, described the act as one of faith and hope. “Consecration is an act of faith. It is an acknowledgement that history is not only the story of what human beings can accomplish,” he said. “It is the story of God’s faithful love at work in the world.” He urged the Church and the nation to seek healing for what is wounded, strength for what is good, and guidance toward justice, peace, freedom and respect for the dignity of every human person, especially the unborn, the immigrant, the poor and the vulnerable.

The ceremony also recalled the 1899 consecration of the entire world to the Sacred Heart by Pope Leo XIII. Archbishop Coakley noted that this year marked the 127th anniversary of that event, reminding participants of the historic depth of the devotion.

The consecration served as a call to prayer, reflection and service leading up to the country’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. Authors of the bishops’ prayer highlighted the Declaration of Independence’s right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” while acknowledging the nation’s “original sins of slavery and racism.”

Following the consecration, the bishops approved minor revisions to their policies on responding to sexual abuse. The revisions added specifics about due process for accused priests while maintaining the ban on ministry for those found to have abused children. The council debated the revisions, ultimately voting 176‑22 to approve them.

As the nation prepares to celebrate its quarter‑century anniversary, the consecration reminds believers that every hope and promise turns to God. It calls on Catholics nationwide to respond with prayer, reflection and service, weaving the love of the Sacred Heart into public and private life.