Latest news with #SacredHeartofJesus
Herald Malaysia
2 days ago
- General
- Herald Malaysia
New short documentary highlights the life of Servant of God Julia Greeley
A new, short documentary tells the story of Servant of God Julia Greeley, also known as Denver's Angel of Charity, who was born into slavery near Hannibal, Missouri. Jul 21, 2025 An image of Servant of God Julia Greeley in a parish. | Credit: Screenshot/Colorado Capuchin Franciscans By Francesca Pollio Fenton A new, short documentary tells the story of Servant of God Julia Greeley, also known as Denver's Angel of Charity, who was born into slavery near Hannibal, Missouri. 'Julia Greeley: Servant of the Sacred Heart' features interviews with Father Blaine Burkey, OFM Cap, who wrote a book on Greeley's life; Mary Leisring, president of the Julia Greeley Guild; Father Eric Zegeer, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Denver, Greeley's parish; and Jean Torkelson, executive director of the Julia Greeley Home, a Denver nonprofit that serves women in need. In the 13-minute documentary, interviewees discuss Greeley's deep faith, her acts of charity, and her courageous response to the challenges presented throughout her life. When she was a child, while her master was beating her mother, his whip caught Greeley's right eye and destroyed it. After she was freed in 1865, she spent her time serving poor families, mostly in Denver. In 1880, Greeley entered the Catholic Church at Sacred Heart Parish in Denver. She attended daily Mass and had a deep devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Blessed Virgin Mary. She joined the Secular Franciscan Order in 1901 and was known for her dedication to the people in her community, bringing them things they needed. Despite having arthritis, she walked countless miles to collect and distribute alms and to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Greely died on June 7, 1918, and her cause for canonization was opened by the Archdiocese of Denver in 2016. Burkey is a retired priest in the Archdiocese of Denver. A scholar and expert on the life of Greeley, in an interview with CNA he described her as 'a very zealous person.' 'Despite all the problems people gave her, she turned it around and didn't spend time worrying about that,' he said. The priest also highlighted that among Greeley's many charitable deeds, 'every time she had money leftover to take care of herself, she [instead] took care of the poor,' and 'she didn't spend her life trying to get even or [seek] vengeance or anything like that.' He said he hopes the faithful are 'encouraged by that message that you shouldn't be concerned with vengeance but with mercy.'--CNA
Herald Malaysia
12-07-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Kampar parish celebrates 117 years of faith
The Church of the Sacred Heart marked a momentous and spiritually enriching celebration as parishioners gathered for the 117th parish feast of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, held from June 27 to 29. Jul 11, 2025 Bringing Jesus into the streets of Kampar to bless the town and its people. By Bernard AnthonyThe Church of the Sacred Heart marked a momentous and spiritually enriching celebration as parishioners gathered for the 117th parish feast of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, held from June 27 to 29. This year's triduum was especially significant, coinciding with the 350th anniversary of the revelations of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun from Kampar parish has been actively promoting the devotion since the start of 2025. Under the guidance of parish priest Fr Simon Anand, parishioners have been encouraged to deepen their love for Jesus through the Sacred Heart devotion. In support of this, the parish also reprinted 'Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus' booklets for those seeking to grow in faith and triduum was led by Fr Joachim Robert from College General, Penang, who served as the main celebrant and preacher for all three days. Each Mass was preceded by special devotions to the Sacred Heart of Day 1, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, Fr Joachim reflected on the Sacred Heart as the ultimate symbol of God's love, mercy, and compassion. He urged the faithful to respond to Jesus' love through prayer, acts of service, and a deepened personal relationship with Him. The Mass was concelebrated by Fr Simon Anand and Fr Michael Dass from Batu Gajah, with around 500 faithful in attendance. Additional tents were set up outside the church to accommodate the large Day 2, the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr Joachim spoke about Mary's heart as one fully united with the Heart of Jesus — a heart open to God's promptings and filled with contemplation and trust. He reminded the faithful of Mary's unwavering faith despite her suffering, and how she always points believers back to Jesus. 'Her Immaculate Heart is our refuge,' Fr Joachim said, referencing the message of evening concluded with a candlelight procession through parts of Kampar town. The Blessed Sacrament was carried solemnly in a monstrance by the priests, accompanied by parishioners and pilgrims reciting the Rosary. Fr Joachim encouraged all present to pray for the Church, families, and the wider community during the procession, reminding them that God's love is complete, not superficial. More than 500 people participated in the sacred walk of faith and the triduum, parishioners and visitors had the opportunity to venerate relics of four saints: St Margaret Mary Alacoque; St Frances Xavier Cabrini; St Maximilian Kolbe and St Jeanne JuganOn Day 3 , which coincided with the Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, Fr Simon gave a homily reflecting on the lives and mission of these great apostles. He also explained the significance of the venerated relics, emphasising that relics are to be respected and venerated, not worshipped, as a sign of reverence toward the saints' holy Simon explained the importance of the procession as a physical and spiritual act of reverence and evangelisation — bringing Jesus into the streets of Kampar to bless the town and its people. He noted that the procession paused at three locations, where the Blessed Sacrament was raised in adoration and blessing over the Simon also encouraged the faithful to take advantage of the opportunity for confession to receive the Jubilee indulgence. 'As we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us allow our hearts to be touched and transformed by His divine love. Let our faith be visible not only in word, but in action — through reverent prayer, devotion, and love for others.'
Irish Post
24-06-2025
- General
- Irish Post
Pope Leo sends blessing to parishioners at Knock Shrine
POPE LEO XIV has sent a special blessing to those who attended a Mass held at Knock Shrine to renew Ireland's consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Catholic Church in Ireland decided to make the renewal this year, which has been designated the Jubilee Year of Hope. The Mass, which took place at the Basilica of Our Lady in Knock on Sunday, June 22, was celebrated by Archbishop Eamon Martin. Archbishop Eamon Martin consecrated Ireland to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Knock Shrine on Sunday, June 22 (Pic: Sean Flynn) It is one of a number of events which took place across Ireland this month in the lead up to the feast day of the Sacred Heart on June 27. In honour of the Mass, Pope Leo sent a blessing to those who attended. Archbishop Eamon Martin celebrates the Mass at Knock Shrine (Pic: Sean Flynn) '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,' the message read. '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.' Pope Leo sent a special blessing for all those who attended the Mass (Pic: Sean Flynn) It added: '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.' See More: Ireland, Knock Shrine, Pope Leo, Sacred Heart Of Jesus
Herald Malaysia
04-06-2025
- General
- Herald Malaysia
Pope's June prayer intention: 'That the world might grow in compassion'
Pope Leo XIV releases his first monthly prayer intention for the month of June, inviting the faithful to pray "that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from His Heart, learn to have compassion on the world." Jun 04, 2025 By Deborah Castellano LubovPope Leo XIV's monthly prayer intention for June, the month traditionally dedicated to devotion to the Heart of Jesus, is "that the world might grow in compassion." The Pope invited the Church to pray for this intention in this month's The Pope Video, which is entrusted to the entire Catholic Church through the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network. For the first time since the Holy Father's election as 266th Successor of Peter on 8 May 2025, we hear Pope Leo XIV's voice presenting The Pope Video prayer intention. The Pope Video for June begins with hearing Pope Leo pray "that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from His Heart, learn to have compassion on the world." The video also presents an original prayer to the Sacred Heart. Prayer to the Sacred Heart A woman's voice leads the prayer, which begins, "Lord, I come to Your tender Heart today, to You who have words that set my heart ablaze, to You who pour out compassion on the little ones and the poor, on those who suffer, and on all human miseries." Next, it expresses the desire to know the Lord better, to contemplate Him in the Gospel, to be with Him, and to learn from Him and His charity. Remembering how Christ "showed us the Father's love by loving us without measure with Your divine and human Heart," the prayer implores, "Grant all Your children the grace of encountering You." With this sentiment, it asks for the Lord's closeness and involvement in our daily lives. "Change, shape, and transform our plans," the prayer continues, "so that we seek only You in every circumstance: in prayer, in work, in encounters, and in our daily routine." Finally, the supplication asks that the Lord, from this encounter, send us out on a mission of compassion and consolation for the world. The images accompanying this prayer were filmed in the Church of the Holy Name of Jesus in Rome, where one finds the famous image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Pompeo Batoni, the restoration of which will be completed by the end of the month; and the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in Makati, in the Philippines, which is a popular religious destination for the Archdiocese of Manila. Sacred Heart at the heart of pontificates The Church has traditionally dedicated the entire month of June to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The relevance of the Sacred Heart to the life of the Church is demonstrated both in popular devotion and in the fact that four Popes have dedicated an encyclical to the topic. Pope Leo XIII, whose name the current Pope took, wrote Annum Sacrum in 1899, in which he consecrated all of humanity to the Heart of Jesus. In 1928, Pope Pius XI, in Miserentissimum Redemptor, invited us to make reparation through acts of love for the wounds our sins inflict on the Heart of Christ. For his part, Pope Pius XII published Haurietis aquas in 1956, in which he explores the theological basis for devotion to the Sacred Heart. Most recently, Pope Francis wrote Dilexit nos in 2024, and proposed devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a response to the throwaway culture and the culture of indifference. The Pope Video The Pope Video is an official global initiative with the purpose of disseminating the Holy Father's monthly prayer intentions. It is carried out by the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer). Since 2016, The Pope Video has had more than 247 million views across all the Vatican's social networks, and is translated into more than 23 languages, receiving press coverage in 114 countries. This video, produced by The Pope Video Prayer Network team, coordinated by Andrea Sarubbi, and created with the help of Coronation Media, is distributed with the help of the La Machi agency and the collaboration of Vatican Media. The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network is a Pontifical Society, with the mission of mobilizing Catholics through prayer and action in response to the challenges facing humanity and the mission of the Church.--Vatican News
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Schuylkill sculptor places 2nd in national veterans arts competition
LEBANON — A Schuylkill County artist was honored for his inspirational work recently at a ceremony in the Lebanon VA Medical Center. Martin Heffron, 54, placed second in the 2024 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition, a nationwide event conducted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The sculpture, entitled 'Adamantius Transpersonal Aspiration,' received a first place award at the regional level, entitling Heffron to compete nationally. He also received first place awards in woodworking, inspirational writing and watercolor painting at the regional level, which is the area covered by the Lebanon VA Medical Center. An abstract expressionist work forged from recycled cast iron, 'Adamantius Transpersonal Aspiration' depicts an eagle in flight or landing, depending on the viewer's perspective. 'The title translates to an attitude extending beyond the limits of hope to achieve something greater, Heffron said. 'I hope it inspires people to do more.' Martin Heffron's abstract sculpture won second place in the 2024 National Veterans Creative Arts Competition. (PHOTO COURTESY OF LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER) The VA uses creative arts as a form of rehabilitation to help veterans recover from physical and emotional trauma. Eligible veterans compete in creative arts, including sculpting, painting, dance and drama. Winners at the regional level are entered in the national competition. Doug Etter, chief communications officer, said the Lebanon VA is grateful to have such talented artists in its region. 'We are incredibly honored to recognize the veterans who have shared their artistic talent with us,' Etter said. 'Art can be a powerful tool for healing, self expression and connection.' A former U.S. Army military police officer and member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Heffron was commissioned to cast a bronze bust of four-Star Gen. George Joulwan, a Pottsville native who served as Supreme Allied Commander of NATO. The bust is displayed near the Schuylkill County Historical Society in Pottsville. Martin Heffron, center, is with Navy veeteran Michael Roberson, left, and Marine Corps veteran Kevin Michaels at the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition awards at the Lebanon VA Health Center. (PHOTO COURTESY OF LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER) Heffron's inspirational art for veterans coincides with his religious art. His Baptism of Christ hangs in the sanctuary at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Pottsville. The Sacred Heart of Jesus, a wall-mounted relief, was dedicated at the Simon Kramer Cancer Institute in 2024. His depiction of the Life of Christ is in Polish National Church, Scranton. 'I am personally motivated by the life of Christ,' Heffron said at the dedication. 'I take a pretty deep interest in him.' Emily Schuler, creative arts specialist, runs the National Veterans Creative Arts program at the Lebanon VA Health Center. (PHOTO COURTESY OF LEBANON VA MEDICAL CENTER) Heffron, who began sculpting in his 20s, holds an associate's degree in fine arts from Keystone College in La Plume, Lackawanna County; and a bachelor's in fine arts from Alfred University in New York. In a converted barn at Stein's Mill, between Branchdale and Llewellyn, he works in a variety of mediums, including clay, wood and metal. A wooden replica of a Pottsville Maroons football, crafted by Heffron, is on display at the Schuylkill County Historical Society for the team's 100th anniversary. Heffron's Pennsylvania Anthracite Coal Miners Memorial in Forest City, which he says is the largest of its kind in the world, is dedicated to 'those who built our small town, labored and died in the anthracite industry.' The Century Association of New York City recently included Hefron's miniature watercolors in its 'Miniature Collection: 1942 to Present.'
