Champions of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

By Larry Peterson

 Every year, exactly 19 days after Pentecost, the Catholic Church celebrates the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The feast is always on a Friday; this year, it is June 7. 

 Stressing the profound relevance of this feast, Pope Benedict XVI said on June 5, 2007:

 "In the Heart of the Redeemer we adore God's love for humanity, His will for universal salvation, and His infinite mercy. Practicing devotion to the Sacred Heart of Christ, therefore means adoring that Heart which, after having loved us to the end, was pierced by a spear and from high on the Cross poured out blood and water, an inexhaustible source of new life."

 Though devotion to the Sacred Heart is worldwide, many Catholics around the world have never heard of the others who devoted their lives to the Sacred Heart of Jesus up to and including sacrificing their lives for Him. In honor of the Sacred Heart, several of those devotees of that Feast Day will be profiled here during the month of June. These people include several saints, and others on the way to sainthood. Let us begin:

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PART 1) How devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus all began. Meet St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and her spiritual guide, St. Claude de Colombiere:

            Jesus gave St. Margaret Mary His Sacred Heart; St. Claude gave St Mary Margaret to the world

Claude de la Colombiere was born in 1641, in the old province of Dauphine, in France. He was the third child of Bertrand Colombiere and Margaret Coindat. Soon after Claude was born the family moved to the town of Vienne, and this is where the young boy began his education. It was during this time period that Claude began feeling the call to the Jesuits.

Claude began his secondary studies at the Jesuit school in Lyon. At the age of seventeen he wrote in his journal, that he had "a terrible aversion for the life embraced." Later on, those who knew him, attributed those comments to his being away from home and missing his family whom he was very close. Plus, he loved the arts, literature and active social life. But the selfless side of Claude won out, and he entered the Jesuit novitiate at Avignon. Here he finished his studies in rhetoric and philosophy.

In 1666 he went to the College of Clermont in Paris to study theology. He took his first vows and completed his studies in philosophy. He became a professor of grammar and literature and stayed in that position for the next five years. Well known for his tact, poise, and devotion to the humanities, his superiors appointed him the tutor for the children of France's Minister of Finance, Jean Baptiste Colbert. Unknown to Claude, God had bigger plans for him.

Preparing for final vows

Claude was now a priest and returned to Lyon. Here, he taught in the college, became a full-time preacher, and moderated several Marian congregations. After 15 years as a Jesuit, Father Colombiere began his probation in a Jesuit's final spiritual formation. Known as the Tertianship, it would be the final pathway for the priest to his still unknown destiny.

Upon Father Colombiere's profession of solemn vows, he was named rector of the College at Paray-le-Monial. Most people who knew of Father Colombiere wondered why such a talented priest would be sent to such an unknown and obscure place. The answer was well known to the superiors' who sent him. 

The reason was for him to see a simple, humble nun at the Monastery of the Visitation. Her name was Margaret Mary Alacoque. The reports were that she told her superiors that Jesus was appearing to her and revealing the secrets of His most Sacred Heart.

Margaret Mary was ridiculed by other sisters

Sister Margaret Mary was being spurned by the other sisters and ridiculed. She tormented over this abuse and was  uncertain of what was actually happening. Jesus had told Sister Margaret that He would send her the "faithful servant and perfect friend." 

Sister Margaret Mary had endured much because of the disbelief of the other nuns at the monastery. She felt isolated and alone even though she had been chosen by Christ Himself to spread devotion to His Sacred Heart. When  Father Colombiere arrived at the monastery and began hearing the confessions of all the nuns, Sister Mary Margaret knew the "faithful servant and perfect friend" that Jesus had promised her had finally come.

Her most ardent supporter

She willingly confided in Father Colombiere and opened her heart to him. After speaking and meeting with her a number of times Father Colombiere was convinced of the truthfulness and the validity of her visions. He became her most ardent supporter and apostle for her and devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Father Colombiere left Paray in 1676 and headed for London. He kept in touch with Sister Margaret Mary by letter. He had been assigned to be the preacher to the Duchess of York and later, to the Queen of Great Britain. He even took up residence in St. James Palace.

Colombiere's belief and loyalty to his Catholic faith never wavered, even under the intense pressure against the Catholic faith in England. In 1678 he was  accused and arrested as one of those involved in the fictional 'popist plot' designed to overthrow King Charles II. He spent over three weeks in squalid prison conditions weakening his frail health to the point of 'no-return."

After his release in 1679, he was sent back to Paray.  Father Colombiere died on February 15, 1682, from severe hemorrhage. He was 41 years-old.

Jesus had appeared to St. Margaret Mary revealing His wishes for devotion to His Sacred Heart. But it was St. Colombiere who helped the quiet, humble visionary announce it to the world.

Saint Margaret Mary Alocoque was canonized by Pope Benedict XV on May 13, 1920.

Father Claude de la Colombiere was canonized a saint on May 31, 1992, by Pope St. John Paul II.

We ask St Margaret Mary and St. Claude to pray for us all.

 Coming soon: Part 2: The Madman of the Sacred Heart