Consecrating our dioceses to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary to change the world

On December 8, 2023, Bishop Pierre-Antoine Bozo of Limoges, France, presided over an act of consecration of his diocese to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, at Saint-Etienne Cathedral in Limoges. This event was marked by the installation in the cathedral of a porcelain plaque made by the Royal Limoges factory, to commemorate this significant spiritual moment.

This consecration to the United Hearts of Jesus and Mary is rooted in a rich spiritual tradition, dating back to the 17th century, with the apostles of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Saint John Eudes and Saint Margaret Mary. Bishop Bozo explains: "Since becoming Bishop of Limoges, I have been asked on several occasions to consecrate our diocese. These requests have echoed an intuition that has been with me since the beginning of my episcopate: to anchor ourselves - as one would cast an anchor - more radically in this 'furnace of love', as Saint John Eudes used to say, which is the heart of Jesus, united to that of Mary. The more the winds blow against us, the more we need to be anchored to the Living Source." 

The symbolic date of December 8, solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, was chosen for this consecration. This ceremony consisted of singing psalms, listening to the Word of God and texts from Tradition, to prepare the faithful for the solemn act of consecration of the diocese.

The hoped-for fruits of this consecration? That the faithful will be "more and more inflamed by this 'furnace of love'", and that this spiritual act strengthens the commitment of believers as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ. All are invited to join in this consecration, whether in the cathedral or from home, by personally reciting the prayer of consecration.

Adapted from www.famillechretienne.fr