Day 42 -- Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

"Look at this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men do not want to love Me in return. Through you My divine Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth."

from Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s vision of Jesus

I have heard about Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque for my whole life since we have a parish in Shelton which bears her name, but I didn't know much about her life until today.

Saint Margaret Mary was born on July 22, 1647 in Burgundy, France. She was healed from a crippling disorder from a vision of Blessed Virgin Mary and becuase of this she vowed to give her life to God. She joined the Order of the Visitation in 1671 after she received a vision of Christ fresh from the scourging. in 1675 she received a revelation from our Lord which included the 12 promises to her and to those who practiced a true devotion to his Sacred Heart (see below). She died of natural causes on October 17, 1690 of natural causes and her body is incorrupt. She was canonized on May 13, 1920 by Pope Benedict XV. She is the patron saint against polio and polio patients, so she reminds me of my Grampa, who I miss very much.

The Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary for those devoted to His Sacred Heart:

• I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
• I will establish peace in their families.
• I will console them in all their troubles.
• They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death.
• I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
• Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.
• Tepid souls shall become fervent.
• Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
• I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.
• I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.
• Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
• The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

- from Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s vision of Jesus