On June 12, faithful of the Diocese of Saginaw gathered at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption for a special Mass during which Bishop Robert Gruss consecrated the Diocese to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Calling it “a unique moment of grace for our Church, our nation (250th anniversary), and every person who longs for renewal, healing, and hope,” Bishop Gruss invited the faithful to entrust themselves, their families and their communities to the merciful love of Christ. Celebrated during the Diocese of Saginaw’s Year of the Holy Spirit, the consecration was a public act of faith that invokes God’s grace upon families, parishes and society. In his invitation to the Mass, Bishop Gruss said, “Because God works powerfully when His people show up for the Eucharist, one never knows what grace God intends to give you.”
Bishop Gruss's Homily during Consecration Mass
Prayer of Consecration
O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
You know the longings of our hearts,
and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.From your pierced side,
you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst.
Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you.We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation,
founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all
people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.We make reparation for the offenses against you, and against
human dignity that have taken place in this nation.May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities
enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled,
injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign,
pointing all people to your infinite love.O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless the
Diocese of Saginaw. Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.Amen.
There are several ways you, your family and your parish can participate in this moment of prayer for unity, peace, healing, and renewal for our nation, such as:
- Pray the Sacred Heart Novena (details below)
- Download parish resources, including a prayer card on the USCCB website
- Consecrate yourself or your family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
- Commit to be part of national Works of Mercy and Holy Hour campaigns.
- Enthrone the Sacred Heart in your home, parish, school, or workplace.
Learn more and find helpful resources in the links below.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) consecrated the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, 2026 as part of their 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly. (see video below) Bishop Gruss was in attendance. The consecration coincides with the 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) of the Declaration of Independence, aiming to entrust the nation to God's mercy and moral guidance.
Bishop Gruss' presentation on the Sacred Heart of Jesus - First Friday June 5, 2026
- U.S. Bishops to Consecrate Us to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Thursday, June 11
- From the Shadowlands of Jansen: Heaven’s Rescue Plan
- Red Velvet Cake for the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Resources
- USCCB Resources
- Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Free consecration prayer cards and kits for home consecration
- Preparing our Hearts 2026
- Sacred Heart Novena
- Novena al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús
- Sacred Heart Apostolate (Enthronement resources)
- 250 Hours of Adoration and 250 Works of Mercy
- 250,000 Holy Hours
- National Eucharistic Pilgrimage 2026
- Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Resources
- Knights of Columbus Enthronement Booklet
Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
This Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus draws its daily devotions from the Litany of the Sacred Heart. Each day reflects on the wisdom of saints and pontiffs on the Sacred Heart and offers opportunities for prayer and action, framed by Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us) and Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te (I Have Loved You). Join the U.S. Church from June 3-11 in praying this Novena to the Sacred Heart, which will conclude with the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Day 1 – Heart of Jesus, aflame with love for us
Day 2 – Heart of Jesus, source of justice and love
Day 3 – Heart of Jesus, worthy of all praise
Day 4 – Heart of Jesus, patient and full of mercy
Day 5 – Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness
Day 6 – Heart of Jesus, atonement for our sins
Day 7 – Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation
Day 8 – Jesus, gentle and humble of heart
Day 9 – Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus