On Sunday, 22 June, thousands gathered at the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland, in Knock Shrine, for a historic Mass celebrated by Archbishop Eamon Martin to renew the consecration of Ireland to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Marking a deeply spiritual moment in the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Mass took place on the Feast of Corpus Christi, a fitting backdrop for the national act of consecration.
As part of the celebration, Archbishop Martin received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Leo XIV, conveyed by Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra from the Vatican. The Holy Father described the occasion as a “grace-filled opportunity” and offered his blessing “as a pledge of joy and peace.”
“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends cordial good wishes to all gathered for the Sacred Heart Crusade at Knock Shrine, on 22 June 2025, as Archbishop Eamon Martin renews Ireland’s consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His Holiness prays that this solemn occasion will provide a grace-filled opportunity for all participating to deepen their devotion to the merciful heart of Christ, and to grow in zeal for spreading the saving message of the Gospel and promoting Christian charity among their brothers and sisters.
Entrusting all present to the loving protection of Mary, Mother of the Church, the Holy Father imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of joy and peace in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Homily
During his homily, Archbishop Martin recalled the words of the Irish bishops in 1873 who, amid global and domestic unrest, called the nation to entrust itself to the Sacred Heart. “Sadly, in many ways, their words relate to the circumstances of today,” he said, citing global Christian persecution and local challenges such as homelessness, addiction, and a growing disregard for human dignity.
Archbishop Martin emphasised that consecration is not a passive act but a personal commitment. “It demands our cooperation… our personal commitment to spread Faith, Hope, and Love,” he said. Reflecting on the devotion’s deep Eucharistic connection, he prayed that this renewal would inspire a “heart transplant” in Irish society, echoing the words of the Second Vatican Council: “Every one of us needs a change of heart.”
In his homily Archbishop Martin highlighted the example of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque and Saint John Henry Newman – urging all present to give their hearts fully to Christ. “Let Him have them,” he declared, “and in return, He will give us fresh hearts – a new heart even – a heart transplant! Perhaps that is what our world needs now.”
The consecration, supported by prayer groups and communities across the island, aims to reignite faith, hope, and missionary zeal throughout Ireland. The Sacred Heart Crusade continues through the month of June and the remainder of the Jubilee Year.
To read Archbishop Eamon Martin’s full homily and the Prayer for the Consecration of Ireland to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, please click HERE.
