Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque: Her Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque was a French nun, visionary and mystic who lived from July 22, 1647 to October 17, 1690. She is the patron saint of illness, loss of parents and people ridiculed for their piety and also recognized as the patron saint of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

Margaret Mary was born in L'Hautecour in the Burgundy region of France. Her father, Claude Alacoque was a legal advisor and her mother, Philiberte Lamyn, was the daughter of a wealthy farmer. Margaret Mary was the fifth of six children. She was a sickly child and was often bedridden.

At age 8, Margaret Mary was sent to the Visitation convent in Paray-le-Monial to be educated and to receive assistance with her weak health. She entered the convent at age 20 and made her vows in 1671. During her time in the convent, she received visions of Christ and the Virgin Mary. She was a mystic who experienced intense devotion and union with God through her visions. 

In one of her visions, Margaret Mary saw the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which would be the basis of the devotion that she would later promote. She began to spread the devotion to the Sacred Heart throughout France. She wrote letters to the Pope and other influential people, urging them to accept and spread the devotion.

The devotion to the Sacred Heart was officially recognized by Pope Clement XIII in 1765. In 1856, Pope Pius IX declared the Feast of the Sacred Heart to be celebrated on the Friday that follows the Second Sunday in Time After Pentecost. 

In 1874, Pope Pius IX declared Margaret Mary Alacoque to be venerable. She was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1883 and canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1920. The feast day of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque is celebrated on October 16th.

In addition to promoting the devotion to the Sacred Heart, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque is known for her works of charity and her writings. She encouraged people to find joy in their sufferings and to love the Eucharist.

During her lifetime, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque was often criticized for her visions and her writings. Despite the criticism, she persisted in her works of charity and devotion to the Sacred Heart. Her legacy has endured, and her name is still revered in the Catholic Church.