Enthronement of the

Sacred Heart for a Seminary

By:  Father William Gaffney

 

Homily:  The meaning and the blessings that will flow from the Sacred Heart.

 

After the Homily:

 

The priests and seminarians pray the Consecration to the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

 

After Mass:

 

The Rector will process with the Picture (or statue) of the Sacred Heart with priests and students following.  The Rector will Enthrone the Sacred Heart.

 

Perhaps:

 

Each seminarian will be given a picture of the Sacred Heart and he could say this prayer daily.

 

Prayer for the Sacred Heart Enthronement:

 

“They looked upon Him whom they have pierced.”  Zech 12:10

 

Jesus, Your heart is the heart of the Church.  Out of your heart gushed blood and water.  I want to gaze on You and believe so that out of my heart will come life giving waters in my daily life.  I will allow You to transform my heart and my lifestyle.  I want to live your kenosis so that it is no longer I who live, but You who lives within me.  I trust you so much that I will embrace that risk.  As a priest I will be configured to you and act in Persona Christi at the Eucharist and in forgiving sins.  I want to know You so deeply that when I hear the Word through my homilies that people will experience you, Lord.

 

Lord, I know there will be difficult times ahead, there will be doubts, loneliness, disillusionment, despondency, and temptations.  I will see so clearly my failures, weaknesses and limitations, but I will also know that You embrace me in my littleness and brokenness and I will proclaim Your compassion to the world.

 

Lord, I want to radiate Your joy and peace.  Let my heart become a Global Heart like yours.  You are the King of the nations.  Lord, I want everyone to experience Your love and salvation.  Fill me with gratitude, apostolic zeal and great bold confidence.  For You are the way, the truth, and the life.  Let me be faithful to my calling by being a light in the darkness.  Jesus, I am no longer afraid.  I know the Icon of the Priesthood today is Your Pierced Heart.  I now embrace ever more freely Your Pierced Heart.  Amen.

 

I am yours today and forever.