Devotion To The Sacred Heart

Enthronement of theSacred Heart of JesusJChrist inthe Homeesus promised Saint Margaret Mary Alacoquethat He “will bless the home in which the imageof my Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honored.” When we enthrone (display) the image of theSacred Heart of Jesus in a prominent place and signify that Jesus is the King, friend and brother of thefamily, we are responding to the invitation of theChurch to make our homes “domestic churches,”wherein Jesus is the center and source of love for all.As the sanctuary church lamp reminds us ofChrist’s presence in the tabernacle, the enthronedimage of the Sacred Heart reminds us that Jesus isamong us and with us. By this covenant we makeour homes and hearts His tabernacle.This devotion was introduced to the world by Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey with approval of severalpopes, among them, Saint Pius X, Benedict XV andPius XI. Father Mateo, a priest from Chile, traveledthe world including the United States in the forties.The Meaning of the EnthronementThe Enthronement of the Sacred Heart means theofficial and social recognition of the loving kingshipof the Heart of Jesus in the Christian family. Thefamily acknowledges this recognition by solemnlyinstalling an image of the Sacred Heart in a place ofhonor in the home and dedicating itself to Him byan Act of Consecration. The Enthronement of theSacred Heart is the recognition of the living presence of Our Lord in the home, where His DivineHeart, as King of Love, is the center of the family, attracting all its members. Jesus is invited to participate in all the activities of the family. He thensanctifies all the details of home life. By the Enthronement and under the influence of the SacredHeart, each member learns intimacy with Jesus. Either as a family or individually, each will grow inconfidence and love with the One who longs for ourlove. Thus, the gift of the Enthronement is an awareness of His Living Presence in the family and asource of grace and blessings for the family.Our Lord’s Promises to ThoseWho Enthrone His Sacred Heart:1. I will bless every place where an image of MyHeart shall be exposed and honored.2. I will give them all the graces necessary fortheir state in life.3. I will establish peace in their families.4. I will comfort them in their trials.These first four promises were taken fromthe twelve promises made by Our Lord toSaint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673.How to Enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Your Home1. Obtain a beautiful picture or statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.2. Ask your priest* to come to enthrone the Sacred Heart in your home.3. If possible, make this a special occasion by inviting some of your friends and family. This may inspire others to enthrone theSacred Heart in their own homes.4. Print up the prayers for the participants to follow. Go to www.ANF.org/EnthronementPrayers to find the printable prayers.5. Prepare some refreshments to serve after the enthronement ceremony.The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart is more than a mereveneration of an image or a transient consecration. It becomes a “way of life,” a sharing of hearts, a permanent state ofdevotion and love. The home becomes a “domestic church”—a place where Jesus is loved and where a family will renderreparation to the King of Love.n*In the event a priest is not available, the father or mother of thefamily may lead the prayers in this simple, yet powerful, ceremony.C r u s a d eM a y / J u n e2 0 1 8nw w w . T F P. O R G5

Honoring the Fallenwith a Place at the TableReturnto OrderBYJO H NHO RVATIIorced by circumstances to get a bite to eat ata fast food place, I expected to find that frenetic, machine-like service, centered onmaximum efficiency and the worship of speed.Fast food facilities are designed to move people inand out quickly, with little concern for the pondering of anything. They are strictly focused on theact of eating. Consequently, extraordinary thingsrarely happen inside them.That is why I was surprised by what I saw at thisparticular Chick-Fil-A in Maryland. To all appearances, it seemed just like any other fast food place.However, right across from the cash registers,there was a special table taking up precious space.The table could not be more contrary to the obsessively functional spirit of the fast food industry.It clashed with everything around it.FA Solemn Scene in a Frenetic PlaceThe round table had a white tablecloth, nobly distinguishing it from the restaurant’s other eatingareas, where all eat on plain bare tables with finished surfaces. Atop the clean tablecloth was a placesetting of china, not the plastic trays used as platesby customers. There was silverware, not plasticware. Instead of a graceless paper or Styrofoam cup,C r u s a d eM a y / J u n e“Missing Man Tables” Now NationwideI had stumbled upon a “Missing Man Table.” Theseare memorials honoring those military servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice. The logicbehind them is that the nation’s fallen heroes will eatwith us no more. We thus remember and honorthem by setting a special place for them at a table.Later I learned that the fast food place I visitedis not the only eating establishment with such tables. Dining franchises like Chick-Fil-A and othersencourage owners nationwide to honor militaryservice members at their restaurants with suchmemorials. They reflect a keen desire by both owners and patrons to remember thefallen in a special way.A Military TraditionThe practice came from a long military tradition of setting aside a tablefor the fallen at special events. Somecall it the Remembrance Table, orthe Fallen Soldier Table. The National League of POW-MIA Familiescalls it the Missing Man Table to reflect not only the dead but thoselong missing in action. It engravesupon people’s hearts and minds thetragic sacrifice made by those whogave up their lives or freedom so thatwe might continue to enjoy living inordered liberty and the rule of law.This military tradition has nowexpanded outside barracks and isfound in homes, at weddings and even in fast food restaurants.Acknowledging thatthe nation’s fallenheroes will eat with usno more, tables likethis one are appearingacross the country inhonor of our veterans.6there was an upside-down glass goblet, as if waitingfor the scheduled arrival of a distinguished guest.There was a candle, a flower, a small bread plate, anopen Bible, a beautifully framed poem and otherformal objects, usually never seen in such places.The telltale symbol was a folded American flagresting on the plate. It indicated that this table hadsomething to do with our soldiers. The wholescene was marked by solemnity in stark contrastwith the normally frenzied environment. Intrigued, I could not help but stop and reflect onwhat it all meant.2 0 1 8nw w w . T F P. O R G

Juan Moyano Dreamstime.comThey are often set up for Memorial Day or otherholidays. Whenever and wherever they are found,people are profoundly touched.The Meaning behind the Items on the TableAn original Missing Man Table ceremony consistsof reading out a script explaining the meaning ofevery item at the table. The display like the one Iwitnessed had a framed explanation on the table.I found myself marveling at the simple symbolism of the objects before me. The white tableclothstands for the purity of intention of the servicemembers’ motives when serving their nation. Theempty chair represents an unknown face behind aloss that will never be filled. The round table isused to show that our concern for the fallen isnever-ending. A black cloth napkin stands for theemptiness “these warriors have left in the heartsof their family and friends.”The Bible is a sign of “the soldier’s faith in a higherpower and the pledge to the country, founded as onenation under God.” A single red rose represents families and loved ones. A red ribbon around the vasesymbolizes the love of country that inspired the soldiers to answer the nation’s call. The pinch of saltfound on the small bread plate represents the tearsshed for those who died. Also on the plate are slicesof lemon to symbolize the soldiers’ bitter fate.A yellow candle and accompanying ribbon represent the everlasting hope for those still missing.The upside down goblet signifies those distinguished comrades who will never be able to toastor join in the festivities that are part of our lives.“If Ye Break Faith with Us Who Die”I also saw upon the table a framed copy of the famous World War I memorial poem, “In FlandersFields” by Lt. Col. John McCree. In those verses weare asked to remember the dead who “lived, feltdawn, saw sunset glow; loved and were loved” andnow lie amid the poppies in Flanders Fields.The fallen call upon the living to take the torch“from failing hands,” which is now made ours, sothat we might “hold it high.” The poem ends witha plea not to forget the fallen:If ye break faith with us who die,We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,In Flanders Fields.Who could not be touched upon witnessing thisscene and reading these words—even in a fast foodrestaurant?A Higher RealityIndeed, there is a particular beauty in the modestsymbolism of the table items. However, I sensedthat the Missing Man Table is not just a lament overthe loss of fellow Americans. These brave soldiersdid not die just so that we might eat fast food andenjoy life in freedom.They died for much more. Implicit in the choiceof symbols is an affirmation that there are valuesgreater than life that must be respected, served,and even revered. The displays teach us to thinkbeyond self and develop a proper love of country.They point to a God in heaven Who watches overour nation, founded under His Providence.A Dramatic Clash of ValuesAll this is very beautiful, but perhaps a higherbeauty lies in the dramatic clash of values found inthe scene I witnessed. These symbol-laden, cherished tables boldly defy our politically correct culture that idolizes self-gratification and unrestraint.The fact that these tables are so appreciated indicates there is a strong undercurrent in our materialistic and secular society that yearns forhigher and spiritual things. In a culture of extremeindividualism, there are those who are deeplymoved by selfless dedication to the common good.In times of universal vulgarity, there are those whoknow how to honor others with beauty, honor anddistinction. In our postmodern chaos, we still findrespect and enthusiasm for tradition and order.A Cause for HopeAll of these fascinating paradoxes speak of anAmerica that goes unreported by major media.They reveal another side of America, rekindlinghope within me for the nation.The Missing Man Table I saw at Chick-Fil-A was apowerful statement that says the Culture War is farfrom over. Indeed, as long as there are numerousAmericans who honor the supreme sacrifices of thefallen, there is hope. As long as there are many whoimplicitly recognize that there are values greater thanlife that must be defended, there is hope. As long aswe continue to affirm our faith in God publicly, thereis a tiny ember that might yet set America on fire.These sentiments can still give rise to greatdeeds. They are a platform upon which God’s gracemight yet work. They are proof that we have notbroken faith with those who died for Americaaround the world and on Flanders Fields.nC r u s a d eM a y / J u n e2 0 1 8nw w w . T F P. O R G7

SaintAloysiusGonzagaFeast Day: June 21BYT O NIALONGloysius was born in the Italian province of LomOn that very day, which fell on June 21st that year,bardy in 1568, the first-born son of a Marquishe seemed very well in the morning, but, as he reand the lady of honor to the Queen of Spain.lated from his vision, Saint Aloysius died just beforeThe life of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, S.J., who was bornmidnight when he was only 23 years old. On thein an aristocratic family and had all the riches andnight of his death, the Carmelite mystic, Saint Mariapower that one could ask for, but who chose insteadMagdalena de Pazzi, had a vision of him in greatProphets,Martyrs,to live a simple and sinless life in spite of all the tempglory because he had lived a particularly strong inSaints &tations and pleasures of this world, is a model of puterior life. He was canonized in 1726 and his relicsHeroesrity and selfless giving for young and old alike.remain under the altar dedicated to the JesuitAloysius developed a fondness for prayer at a veryfounder in the Church of Saint Ignatius in Rome.young age but his father wanted Aloysius to becomeThe virtue that had so marked him in his youth—a soldier like himself, and his military training startedpurity—and which he preached and practiced to aat the age of five. When he was seven, he experiencedheroic degree during his short life, became the spira spiritual awakening: he made a vow of perpetualitual crown by which he will be forever known.virginity. As he grew older he began the salutary pracWhile this saint certainly enjoyed the benefit of partice of keeping his eyes downcast in the presence of women to ticular graces, his example is one that is vital for young peosafeguard himself from possible temptation, and dedicated ple of all times to strive to emulate, especially in this fallenmost of his time to prayer, especially the Office of Our Lady.age. Not all may be called to his very nearly perfect practice ofWhen he was just eleven years old he fasted in the manner chastity and purity, but all will benefit from attempting toof a monk, eating only bread and water three days a week, conduct their lives in accord with his example, especially thepracticed austerities and taught poor children catechism. At young who face so many temptations.nthe age of 12, he received his First Holy Communion from thehands of the great saint and cardinal, Saint Charles Borromeo.By age fourteen, Aloysius had resolved to join the Society ofJesus and become a missionary. He was to suffer much from hisfamily’s strenuous opposition to this decision, particularly fromSaint Aloysius Gonzagahis father; however, he persevered and his father finally relented.Can be prayed as a novena for nine consecutive daysIn 1585, the seventeen-year-old Aloysius was admitted intothe Jesuit novitiate in Rome where he took the vows ofSaint Aloysius, adorned with angelical manners, althoughchastity, poverty, and obedience two years later. While theI am thy unworthy servant, I recommend to thee in an esyoung Gonzaga was ordained a deacon at twenty, he wasnever to realize his dream of becoming a priest and mission- pecial manner the chastity of my soul and body; I ask thee, byary in this life. In 1590, he had a vision in which the Archangel thy angelical purity, to commend me to Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb, and to His most holy Mother, the Virgin of virgins.Gabriel told him that he would die within a year.In 1591, a plague broke out in Rome and from a hospital Preserve me from every grievous sin; never suffer me to sullyopened by Jesuits to help the victims, Saint Aloysius was in- my soul with any impurity. Whenever thou seest me in tempfected when he volunteered to serve. It was certain that he tation or danger of sin, ward off from me every impurewould die and was given Extreme Unction. While he was ill, he thought and affection, and awakening in me the rememspoke several times with his confessor, the cardinal and later brance of eternity and of Jesus crucified, imprint deeply in mysaint, Robert Bellarmine. Aloysius had another vision, and heart the sentiment of the fear of God. Inflame me with ditold Bellarmine that he would die on the Octave of the feast of vine love, in order that by imitating thee on earth, I may meritto enjoy God with thee in heaven.Corpus Christi.Amen. Our Father, Hail Mary.APrayer toO8C r u s a d eM a y / J u n e2 0 1 8nw w w . T F P. O R G

TFP in Action Fighting the good fight for moral valuesMAY/JUNE 2018“Higher Education” Caters to Lowest ElementsBYGABR IELFO NT IC OBAn January 29, 2018, TFP Student Action went to Swarthmore College, in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, to opposeyet another attack against God and the Church. A newcollege “course” for students called “Queering the Bible,” slatedto begin this upcoming fall semester, and the existing course titled “Queering God: Feminist and Queer Theology,” were theobjects of their opposition.One course description reads:O“By reading the Bible with the methods of queer and transtheoretical approaches this class destabilizes long-held assumptions about what the Bible—and religion—says aboutgender and sexuality.”The college’s website describes the course “Queering God:Feminist and Queer Theology” as an attempt to “examine feminist and queer writings about God, explore the tensions between feminist and queer theology, and seek to stretch thelimits of gendering-and-sexing-the divine.”As fervent Catholics, TFP Student Action members could notsit idly by as this blasphemy develops under the guise of higherlearning. Therefore, they went to Swarthmore, Penn. to stage apeaceful, prayerful protest against the irreverent courses.“If your mother or father suffered an attack, you would naturally defend them,” said TFP Student Action Director JohnRitchie. “And that’s what we did. We defended the holy honorof our Father in heaven. The protest was above all an act ofreparation. From that standpoint, we accomplished our firstgoal: Reparation to God.”About twenty supporterscame out for the prayerfulprotest, including a Catholicpriest who led the recitation ofthe Holy Rosary. Two war veterans and many local Catholicsalso attended the event.Groups of Swarthmore students came by, but they mainlystayed off to the side, watchingas the protest unfolded. Therewere a few liberal students, however, who attempted to justifythe pro-homosexual courses.A good number of drivershonked approvingly as theyThis woman fearlessly defends thedrove past the peaceful protest.honor of God and His Holy Word.An inspiring scene in Swarthmore, Penn., as young men make publicreparation for the blasphemous classes offered at Swarthmore University.The support received from the local community demonstrated how America still is One Nation Under God and mostAmericans aren’t about to give up on that meaningful and uplifting concept, despite the secular takeover within much ofpost-modern academia.After the protest ended, a delegation of TFP Student Action volunteers went to Parrish Hall, the college’s administration building, to present the president, Dr. Valerie Smith, withthe protests of 14,119 online signatories. Those signing the petition urged the college to cancel the blasphemous coursescalled “Queering the Bible” and “Queering God.”nRepresentatives of TFP Student Action stand by the entrance of SwarthmoreCollege before delivering 14,119 signatures to the college’s administrationagainst “Queering the Bible.”C r u s a d eM a y / J u n e2 0 1 8nw w w . T F P. O R G9

Memorare:Unlimited Contrition and ConfidenceTHEmeditationBYPLINIOC OR RÊAhe Memorare is perhaps the mosthope-filled prayer in the CatholicChurch, for for it makes the mostclear-cut affirmation possible.“Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, thatnever was it known that anyone who fledto thy protection. was left unaided.”This statement leads me to thinkalong these lines: If it was never knownthat anyone was left unaided, I, beingsomeone, will not be left unaided in requesting her help. Thus, I have not onlythe right but the obligation never to loseheart. As difficult as my plight may be, asmuch as I may be disgusted with andcensure myself, if I ask her to help me,she will help me. There may be a greateror lesser delay, but her help will come.We are very accustomed to modernconveniences. If I need light, for example,I flip a switch and the room is floodedwith light. If I want the room darkened inorder to rest, I flip the switch and darkness falls over the entire room. By meansof such automation, each person’s will isquickly accomplished.We thus get the idea that prayer isflipping a switch. I ask Our Lady to helpme; she is immediately obliged to helpme when I ask or expect her aid. If shedoes not help me immediately, all will beTD EO LIVEIRAlost; I become disheartened.This is wrong. Our Lady

evotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is more than just the worship of this noble part of our adorable Savior’s body. In the Sacred Heart, we adore the very Person of the Incarnate Word with all His Divine and human at-tributes. The Sacred Heart is the symbol of the redeeming love of Our Lord Jesus Christ for men and represents the most