About St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was a 17th-century French Visitation nun who is best known for spreading devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Born in 1647 in Burgundy, she experienced visions of Jesus starting in 1673, where Christ revealed to her his human heart burning with love for humanity and asked for a feast to honor his Sacred Heart. Despite facing significant skepticism and opposition within her convent and from church authorities, she persevered in her mission with the help of her spiritual director, St. Claude de la Colombière, who believed in the authenticity of her visions. The devotions she promoted – including receiving Holy Communion on the First Friday of each month, Eucharistic adoration, and the Holy Hour – became widespread Catholic practices. Though she suffered from poor health and numerous trials, including harsh treatment from some of her fellow nuns who doubted her experiences, she maintained her dedication to spreading the message of Christ’s loving heart until her death in 1690. Her visions led to the establishment of the Feast of the Sacred Heart in the Catholic Church, and she was canonized in 1920, vindicating her mystical experiences and their profound influence on Catholic spirituality.
Prayers & Devotions
