Baltimore: The Catholic bishops of the United States have voted to consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a spiritual act that will take place in 2026 to mark the country’s 250th anniversary. The decision was made during the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ fall plenary assembly held in Baltimore.
Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne–South Bend, who presented the proposal, said the consecration is meant to remind Catholics of their mission to bring the Gospel spirit into every part of society. He described it as a moment to renew faith and to place the nation under the loving care of Christ.
The bishops’ conference will prepare prayer materials, a novena, and catechetical resources to help dioceses, parishes, and families across the country take part in the event. These resources will be available in several languages to reach the diverse Catholic population in the United States.
The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has deep roots in Catholic tradition, dating back to the 17th century when Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque shared her visions of Jesus’ heart as a symbol of divine love and mercy. For centuries, this devotion has inspired personal and national acts of dedication around the world.
Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami suggested that the consecration could be celebrated during the bishops’ spring meeting in June 2026, possibly in Orlando, and that national leaders could be invited to join the ceremony.
The act of consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart is seen by many church leaders as a call to spiritual renewal and unity at a time when the country faces deep social and moral challenges. Preparations for the event are expected to begin early next year, with local churches invited to organize prayers and educational activities leading up to the national celebration.
As the United States approaches its semiquincentennial, the bishops hope this consecration will serve as a reminder of faith’s role in shaping the nation’s future and as a public expression of trust in God’s mercy and guidance.