10th Step: The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart Image in Homes

Several initiatives have emerged since the apparitions at Paray to live a life consecrated to the Heart of Jesus. In this tenth step, we will discuss the enthronement. The next step will cover the Honour Guard and the Pope’s Prayer Network.

Origin of Enthronement
During the major apparition on 27 December 1673, Margaret Mary had a vision of the Heart of Jesus on a throne of flames, with His wound, surrounded by a crown of thorns and with a cross above. Jesus then asked that His Heart be honoured, and He wished that its image be placed on a heart and displayed. He added that “wherever this holy image is exposed for honour, He would pour out His graces and blessings there.”

After the events at Paray, it became customary to solemnly enthrone an image or statue of the Sacred Heart. Two promises given to Margaret Mary are associated with this practice: “[Jesus made known that] as He is the source of all blessings, He would abundantly bestow them in all places where the image of this Sacred Heart would be honoured. He would reunite families divided by this means and protect those in any need. He would pour out the sweet anointing of His charity on all religious communities where He would be honoured, and which would place themselves under His special protection; that He would keep all hearts united, to be one with Him.”

Spiritual and Material Preparation
Enthronement is an important moment in Christian life, requiring spiritual and material preparation.

From a spiritual perspective, here are a few recommendations: It is good to attend Mass and receive Communion on the morning of the enthronement. If possible, go to confession in the days leading up to it. Pray a novena to the Sacred Heart that concludes the day before (or on the day of) the enthronement.

From a material perspective, prepare a beautiful statue or image, icon, or painting of the Heart of Jesus, and have a place of honour prepared for it. If the enthronement is not presided over by a priest or deacon, it is necessary to have this devotional object blessed in advance by a priest, for example, at the end of a Mass. Prepare a bowl (a transparent or white salad bowl is suitable) of water for the blessing. Ensure the house is clean. Also, prepare a festive gathering with contributions from guests, which will extend the celebration in a fraternal manner.

The family celebration we propose can be led by a layperson, but ideally, it is led by a deacon or priest. The order of the ceremony will be adapted to the circumstances.

1. Welcome: Jesus Knocks at the Door
   After welcoming the guests, the presider of the ceremony briefly explains the course and meaning of the celebration. He then steps outside and stands at the door of the house, accompanied by one or two invited guests holding the image or statue chosen by the family to be enthroned.
   The presider knocks at the door or rings the bell. He then proclaims this Scripture verse: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Rev 3:20). The host opens the door.
   Begin with a hymn of praise. Meanwhile, the host places the image in the chosen place. Everyone makes the Sign of the Cross and recites the liturgical greeting, “The Lord be with you!”
2. Proclamation of the Word of God
   We then enter the second part of the celebration with the singing of the Alleluia. The Gospel will be proclaimed by the priest or a family member using the family Bible. Several texts are possible: Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42); Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10); the calling of Matthew (Matt 9:9-13); the disciples at Emmaus (Luke 24:28-34).
   After the reading, the Bible is placed in the place chosen by the family. The presider gives a brief commentary on the significance of the enthronement.
3. Enthronement Liturgy

Blessing of the Image
If there is no priest or deacon, remember to have the image blessed beforehand. Here is a prayer that the priest or deacon may use:
Almighty and eternal God, You permit us to sculpt and paint images of Your Son Jesus Christ and His Holy Mother the Virgin Mary, as well as images of the Saints. Please bless and sanctify this statue (or image) which will now evoke for us the memory and presence of the most Sacred Heart of Your only Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. To all who come to pray with trust before this statue (image) and who strive to honour it, grant, through the merits and intercession of the Heart of Your Son, grace in this present life and eternal glory. He who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Then, the priest sprinkles the image with holy water.

Profession of Faith
Everyone recites the Nicene Creed aloud.

Enthronement Prayer
The family prays together the enthronement prayer to the Sacred Heart. The guests join their prayer through their listening and silence. There are many prayers available. Here is one:
Sacred Heart of Jesus, come reign in our home.
Come dwell here as You did in Nazareth, with Mary and Joseph, that we might receive Your word, see You grow in wisdom, amidst us and within us.
Come dwell here as You did in Bethlehem, with the shepherds and our angels, that we might adore and glorify You.
Come dwell here as You did in Capernaum, with Peter, that we may be open to welcoming the poor and the sick; with Matthew, that we might gather our friends, publicans or sinners, around You, so that they may know You.
Come dwell here as You did in Jericho, with Zacchaeus, that salvation may enter our home. Come dwell here as You did in Bethany, with Martha and Mary, that we might serve and love You.
Come dwell here as You did in Jerusalem, with the apostles in the Upper Room, that we may recognise You living among us. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us and inflame our hearts. Amen!

Thanksgiving
Everyone may then sing a hymn of thanksgiving, such as “O Jesus Saviour, Heart Burning with Love” or “O Jesus, You are Gentle and Humble of Heart, make my heart like Yours.”

Prayer to the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph
The family places themselves under the gaze of the Holy Family by invoking the Virgin Mary with a beautiful Marian prayer, such as the Hail Mary, the Memorare, or the Consecration to Jesus through Mary by St. Louis Marie de Montfort. It is also possible to invoke Saint Joseph, using one of the many existing prayers.

Conclusion
The celebration concludes with the recitation of the Our Father followed by the final blessing: “May the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, descend upon you and remain with you forever.” One may make the Sign of the Cross with holy water.
Finish with the singing of the Magnificat or another hymn.
In the next video, we will present two other concrete ways to live the consecration to the Sacred Heart: the Honour Guard and the Pope’s Prayer Network.