THE CEREMONY OF THE ENTHRONEMENT

  1. All gather around the image of the Sacred Heart; father, mother and children nearest to the priest.
  2. Priest, in surplice and white stole, blesses the image. (If priest is not present, have the image blessed beforehand.)

    THE BLESSING OF THE PICTURE OR STATUE
    V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
    R. Who hath made heaven and earth.
    V. The Lord be with you.
    R. And with thy spirit.

    Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, Who dost approve the painting and sculpturing of the images of Thy saints, so that as often as we gaze upon them we are reminded to imitate their deeds and sanctity; vouchsafe, we implore Thee, to bless + and sanctify + this image made in honor and in memory of the Most Sacred Heart of Thy only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; and grant, that whosever, in its presence will suppliantly worship and honor the Most Sacred Heart of Thy only begotten Son, may obtain through His merits and intercession, grace in this life and everlasting glory in the world to come. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

    		V. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini.
    R. Qui fecit coelum et terram.
    V. Dominus Vobiscum.
    R. Et cum spiritu tuo.

    Oremus. Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui Sanctorum tuorum imagines pingi non reprobas, ut quoties illas oculis corporis intuemur, toties eorum actus et sanctitatem ad imitandum memoriae oculis meditemur, hanc quaesumus, imaginem in honorem et memoriam Sacratissimi Cordis Unigeniti Fillii tui Domini Nostri Jesu Christi adaptatam bene + dicere et sancti + ficare digneris; et praesta ut quicumque coram illa, Cor Sacratissimum Unigeniti Filii tui suppliciter colere et honorare studuerit, illius meritis et obtentu a te gratiam in praesenti, et aeternam gloriam obtineat in futurum. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen

    (The priest here sprinkles the image with holy water.)

  3. Then the father (or in his absence, the mother or some other member of the family) enthrones the image in the place of honor prepared for it. This is the symbolic act of Enthronement.
  4. All stand while the APOSTLES' CREED is recited as an act of faith on the part of the family.

    THE APOSTLES' CREED

    I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died, and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
         I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

  5. Everyone is seated while the priest addresses a few words to those present, reminding the members of the family of what the Sacred Heart expects from families which have acknowledged Him as King; recalling the magnificent promises of the Sacred Heart; urging the family to live its Enthronement, and frequently to renew the act of consecration which they are about to make.
  6. All kneel, while the priest and the father (or father alone, or his representative) recite the official "Act of Consecration."

    ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE SACRED HEART

    O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Who didst make known to St. Margaret Mary Thine ardent desire to reign over Christian families, behold us assembled here today to proclaim Thine absolute dominion over our home.
         Henceforth we purpose to lead a life like unto Thine so that amongst us may flourish the virtues for which Thou didst promise peace on earth, and for this end we will banish from our midst the spirit of the world which Thou dost abhor so much.
         Thou wilt reign over our understanding by the simplicity of our faith. Thou wilt reign over our hearts by an ardent love for Thee; and may the flame of this love be ever kept burning in our hearts by the frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist.
         Deign, O Divine Heart, to preside over our meetings, to bless our undertakings both spiritual and temporal, to banish all worry and care, to sanctify our joys and soothe our sorrows. If any of us should ever have the misfortune to grieve Thy Sacred Heart, remind him of Thy goodness and mercy towards the repentant sinner.
         Lastly when the hour of separation will sound and death will plunge our home into mourning, then shall we all and every one of us be resigned to Thy eternal decrees, and seek consolation in the thought that we shall one day be reunited in heaven, where we shall sing the praises and blessings of Thy Sacred Heart for all eternity.
         May the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the glorious Patriarch St. Joseph offer Thee this our Consecration and remind us of the same all the days of our life.
         Glory to the Divine Heart of Jesus, our King and our Father!

  7. The priest here asks those present to say with him "One Our Father and Hail Mary" for all the absent members, both living and dead, so that all may share in the graces of the Enthronement.
  8. All recite with the priest (or head of the family) the following:

    PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

    Glory be to Thee, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for the infinite mercy Thou hast bestowed upon the privileged members of this family. Thou hast chosen it from thousands of others, as a recipient of Thy love and a sanctuary of reparation wherein Thy most loving Heart shall find consolation for the ingratitude of men. How great, O Lord Jesus, is the confusion of this portion of Thy faithful flock as we accept the unmerited honor of seeing Thee preside over our family! Silently we adore Thee, overjoyed to see Thee sharing under the same roof the toils, cares and joys of Thy innocent children! It is true we are not worthy that Thou shouldst enter our humble abode, but Thou hast already reassured us, when Thou didst reveal Thy Sacred Heart to us, teaching us to find in the wound of Thy Sacred Side the source of grace and life everlasting. In this loving and trusting spirit we give ourselves to Thee, Thou Who art unchanging Life. Remain with us, Most Sacred Heart, for we feel an irresistible desire to love Thee and make Thee loved.
         May our home be for Thee a haven as sweet as that of Bethany, where Thou canst find rest in the midst of loving friends, who like Mary have chosen the better part in the loving intimacy of Thy Heart! May this home be for Thee, O beloved Savior, a humble but hospitable refuge during the exile imposed on Thee by Thine enemies.
         Come, then Lord Jesus, come, for here as at Nazareth, we have a tender love for the Virgin Mary Thy sweet Mother Whom Thou hast given us to be our Mother. Come, to fill with Thy sweet presence the vacancies which misfortune and death have wrought in our midst.
         O most faithful Friend, hadst Thou been here in the midst of sorrow, our tears would have been less bitter; the comforting balm of peace would then have soothed these hidden wounds, which are known to Thee alone. Come, for even now perhaps, there is drawing near for us the twilight of tribulation, and the decline of the passing days of our youth and our illusions. Stay with us, for already it is late, and a perverted world seeks to envelop us in the darkness of its denials while we wish to adhere to Thee Who alone art the Way the Truth and the Life. Repeat for us those words Thou didst utter of old "This day I must abide in this home."
         Yes, dear Lord, take up Thy abode with us, so that we may live in Thy love and in Thy presence, we who proclaim Thee as our King and wish no other! May Thy triumphant Heart, Jesus, be forever loved, blessed, and glorified in this home! Thy Kingdom Come! Amen!

  9. (All stand) To thank the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the grace of the Enthronement, and to proclaim this loving Mother as the Queen of the home, all recite the "Hail Holy Queen." (If so desired, an Act of Consecration to the Heart of Mary may be added, and her image installed near the Sacred Heart.)

    HAIL HOLY QUEEN

    Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

    ACT OF CONSECRATION OF THE FAMILY TO THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

    Queen of the most Holy Rosary, and tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the Sacred Heart, and the request of the Vicar of your Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves to you, and to your Immaculate Heart, and recommend to you, all the families of our nation, and of all the world.
         Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us and all families as you wish, to accomplish your designs upon the world.
         O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of heaven and earth, and of our family, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism, kindle in our hearts and homes, the love of purity, the practice of the Christian life, and an ardent zeal for souls, and for the holiness of family life.
         We come with confidence to you, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love; inflame us with the same divine fire which has inflamed your own Immaculate Heart.
         Make our hearts and homes your shrine, and through us make the Heart of Jesus rule and triumph in every family in the world. Amen.

  10. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus: Have mercy on us! (3 times)
    Immaculate Heart of Mary: Pray for us
    St. Joseph: Pray for us.
    St. Margaret Mary: Pray for us.
    (All) Glory to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus forever and ever! Amen
  11. The priest gives his blessing: Benedictio Dei omnipotentis, Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, descendat super vos et maneat semper. Amen. May the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, descend upon you and remain forever. Amen.
  12. Then the members of the family and the priest sign the Certificate of the Enthronement, which should be framed and hung near the image of the Sacred Heart.
  13. Then are announced the following indulgences* to be gained by the members of the family (Raccolta 1943, page 536):
    1. A plenary indulgence under the usual conditions, on the day of the Enthronement.
    2. An indulgence of 7 years for all the members of the family who, at least contrite of heart assist at the ceremony of the Enthronement in their home.
    3. An indulgence of 3 years, once a year, on the day they renew their official act of consecration before the likeness of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
    4. A plenary indulgence on the same day under the usual conditions.

Note: The CEREMONY of the Enthronement is only the beginning: the following practices of devotion will help you LIVE the Enthronement. This is the TRUE reign of the Sacred Heart in your family.

SUGGESTED PRACTICES OF DEVOTION
  1. Frequent and even daily attendance at Mass by at least one member of the family, and Communion of Reparation. Recite the "Mass of St. John" during the day.
  2. Observance of the First Friday of each month. (Holy Mass, Communion of Reparation: renewal of act of consecration before enthroned image.)
  3. Daily Family Rosary before the enthroned image of the Sacred Heart, with renewal of the act of consecration. (Short Form. See below.)
  4. Celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart by the entire family; attendance at Mass, Communion for the extension of the Reign of the Sacred Heart through the Enthronement; family gathering and celebration at home, with renewal of Enthronement; special party for the children.
  5. Observe the month of June, the month of the Sacred Heart; keep flowers before the "throne." Mass and Communion as often as possible.
  6. Assist at Holy Hour in Church.
  7. Night Adoration in the home. Any hour between 9 and 6, by anyone or all the members of the family at least once a month. Special FAMILY HOLY HOUR BOOKLETS available.
  8. Celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the 22nd of August. Mass, Communion; Consecration of family to Immaculate Heart.
  9. Make the five First Saturdays in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and for the conversion of Russia; Holy Mass and Communion of reparation; five decades of the Rosary plus a fifteen minute meditation on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary. The Rosary and meditation may be carried out at any hour on the First Saturday; a sermon in church will satisfy the obligation of the meditation.
  10. Practice devotion to the Holy Ghost. Recite "Rosary of the Holy Ghost."

RENEWAL OF CONSECRATION OF THE FAMILY
(To be said at night prayers in union with all families in which the Sacred Heart has been enthroned.)

Most sweet Jesus, humbly kneeling at Thy feet, we renew the consecration of our family to Thy Divine Heart. Be Thou our King forever. In Thee we have full and entire confidence. May Thy spirit penetrate our thoughts, our desires, our words and our works. Bless our undertakings, share in our joys, in our trials and in our labors. Grant us to know Thee better, to love Thee more, to serve Thee without faltering.
    By the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Peace, set up Thy kingdom in our country. Enter closely into the midst of our families and make them Thine own through the solemn enthronement of Thy Sacred Heart, so that soon one cry may resound from home to home: "May the triumphant Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved, blessed and glorified forever!" Honor and glory to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary! "Sacred Heart of Jesus, protect our families." (3 days indulgence*, Raccolta, p.143.)

SPECIAL OCCASIONS ON WHICH THE FAMILY SHOULD RENEW THE ENTHRONEMENT CEREMONY
  1. Feast of Sacred Heart; Christ the King.
  2. Anniversary of the Enthronement.
  3. Anniversary of parents and children.
  4. At births; after Baptism in the Church, consecrate the children to the Sacred Heart before the "throne" in the home.
  5. At First Communion: prepare the children before the image of the Sacred Heart in the home. When they return from Church, let the children renew the act of consecration made for them by parents at birth.
  6. Before a departure from home: to join army, convent, seminary, before marriage, etc.
  7. On the return of an absent member of family.
  8. On days of great family joys: in times of sorrow, sickness and death.

    Taken from "Jesus King of Love" by Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey, SS.CC.
    IMPRIMATUR; + Patrick A. O'Boyle
    Archbishop of Washington
    February 1, 1963

    * The new norms for indulgences (1968 Enchiridion of Indulgences)  grants an indulgence for the following prayers for the Sacred Heart of Jesus:
    - Little Office of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
    - Litany of the Sacred Heart
    - Most Sweet Jesus - Act of Reparation (can be plenary if recited in public on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus - see below)
    Also, a partial indulgence is granted for any pious invocation.

    Please refer to the Enchiridion of Indulgences for current regulations.


    Most sweet Jesus - Act of Reparation (Iesu dulcissime - Reparationis actus)

    Most sweet Jesus, whose overflowing charity for men is requited by so much forgetfulness, negligence and contempt, behold us prostrate before Thee, eager to repair by a special act of homage the cruel indifference and injuries to which Thy loving Heart is everywhere subject.

    Mindful, alas! that we ourselves have had a share in such great indignities, which we now deplore from the depths of our hearts, we humbly ask Thy pardon and declare our readiness to atone by voluntary expiation, not only for our own personal offenses, but also for the sins of those, who, straying far from the path of salvation, refuse in their obstinate infidelity to follow Thee, their Shepherd and Leader, or, renouncing the promises of their baptism, have cast off the sweet yoke of Thy law.

    We are now resolved to expiate each and every deplorable outrage committed against Thee; we are now determined to make amends for the manifold offenses against Christian modesty in unbecoming dress and behavior, for all the foul seductions laid to ensnare the feet of the innocent, for the frequent violations of Sundays and holy days, and the shocking blasphemies uttered against Thee and Thy Saints. We wish also to make amends for the insults to which Thy Vicar on earth and Thy priests are subjected, for the profanation, by conscious neglect or terrible acts of sacrilege, of the very Sacrament of Thy divine love, and lastly for the public crimes of nations who resist the rights and teaching authority of the Church which Thou hast founded.

    Would that we were able to wash away such abominations with our blood. We now offer, in reparation for these violations of Thy divine honor, the satisfaction Thou once made to Thy Eternal Father on the cross and which Thou continue to renew daily on our altars; we offer it in union with the acts of atonement of Thy Virgin Mother and all the Saints and of the pious faithful on earth; and we sincerely promise to make recompense, as far as we can with the help of Thy grace, for all neglect of Thy great love and for the sins we and others have committed in the past. Henceforth, we will live a life of unswerving faith, of purity of conduct, of perfect observance of the precepts of the Gospel and especially that of charity. We promise to the best of our power to prevent others from offending Thee and to bring as many as possible to follow Thee.

    O loving Jesus, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mother, our model in reparation, deign to receive the voluntary offering we make of this act of expiation; and by the crowning gift of perseverance keep us faithful unto death in our duty and the allegiance we owe to Thee, so that we may all one day come to that happy home, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit Thou livest and reignest, God, forever and ever. Amen.

    A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful, who piously recite the above act of reparation.
    A plenary indulgence is granted if it is publicly recited on the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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