St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Feast Day: October 16
Biography
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690) was a French Visitation nun who received a series of revelations from Jesus between 1673 and 1675 in which He showed her His Sacred Heart, burning with love for humanity. Jesus asked her to establish devotion to His Sacred Heart, including the practice of receiving Communion on the first Friday of each month, the Holy Hour of prayer, and the celebration of a feast in honor of the Sacred Heart. Despite significant opposition from within her community and the wider Church, the devotion gradually spread, largely through the efforts of her Jesuit confessor, St. Claude de la Colombière. The feast of the Sacred Heart was extended to the universal Church by Pope Pius IX in 1856. Margaret Mary was canonized in 1920.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, through the intercession of St. Margaret Mary, enkindle in my heart the fire of Your love. Help me to console Your Heart, wounded by the ingratitude of men. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.