For 250 Years; In God We Trust
In preparation for America’s 250th birthday, the United States Catholic Bishops consecrated the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11, 2026 - which is the eve of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. While there will be many celebrations and events of all kinds as we approach America’s birthday, which are all good and just, maybe the most important celebratory event, is one of great prayer. This was not an ordinary prayer, it was a consecration. A consecration is one of the most significant spiritual acts in the Church. To consecrate is to entrust oneself, things, or a place under the loving protection of Christ now and for the future. This consecration reminds us that, despite all human accomplishments and failures, history ultimately belongs to God. During the consecration rite, with over 200 US Catholic bishops present, Archbishop William Lori of the Archdiocese of Baltimore said, “We consecrate our nation not because it is perfect, but because it is beloved by God.” In this great act of faith and trust of our beloved country to the heart of God, we are reminded that prayer actually has effects. Just as when a person waves a flag and it moves, so too when we lift up prayers to God they have effects, effects that have natural and supernatural influence. Effects that can transform hearts, heal wounds, bring about a greater respect for the dignity of human life, and help all souls to know the loving heart of their Lord and Savior.
At a time in our history when much of our nation seems to be very far from God and full of division and hate, a plea to the love and mercy of Jesus’ Most Sacred Heart seems very fitting. Archbishop Lori reminded his brother bishops, as he does all of us, “The Sacred Heart does not divide; it reconciles. It does not harden hearts; it transforms them.” As we approach our nation’s Independence Day and recall the many freedoms and blessings we enjoy in the United States of America, along with the US bishops, let us lift our hearts and minds to God in prayer, asking that His grace move hearts back to God, have mercy on us for when we have strayed, and that our country may be a light that shines for Christ, set upon on a hill for all to see, for the next 250 years.
USA Consecration Prayer “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 selfevident 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 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 these United States of America. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.”