Frank Parater and the Sacred Heart

I was at the hospital today having an ultrasound test on my own heart, and I realized that today was the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus! You can find an excellent write-up on the Sacred Heart here, including a reflection by St. Bonaventure.

In February, readers of my blog may recall my post on Frank Parater, Servant of God. One of the distinguishing features of Frank Parater's spirituality is his strong devotion to the Sacred Heart. He developed this devotion after serving at the Visitation Nuns' monastery in Richmond Virginia, where there was a picture of the Sacred Heart over the mantle. Frank retained this devotion to the Sacred Heart until his death in 1920. He said a litany to the Sacred Heart each day while in seminary, and in his letters, he frequently begged for the intercession of the "Cor Jesu." His ultimate act of devotion to the Sacred Heart can be found in his "Act of Oblation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus," written months before his untimely death. Frank writes:

"I have nothing to leave or to give but my life and this I have consecrated to the Sacred Heart to be used as He wills. I have offered my all for the conversion of non-Catholics…This is what I live for and in case of death what I die for."

A full article that further delves into Frank's devotion to the Sacred Heart can be found here.

Inscribed on Frank's Holy Card is his timeless words: "Remember, the Sacred Heart never fails those who l0ve him." Inspired by Frank Parater's beautiful life and courageous death, may we share in his love of the Cor Jesu.