“We consecrate our entire diocese, our parishes, our schools, our families, and most especially, our most vulnerable sisters and brothers of our diocese to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” proclaimed Bishop Alberto Rojas while celebrating a special Mass consecrating the Diocese of San Bernardino to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 20 at Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga.
“This consecration also binds us to a mission. We cannot seek refuge in the heart of Jesus without sharing His heartbeat. And His heart beats with compassion. The heart of Jesus beats with justice, with a protective sense of respect for human dignity…especially for those most vulnerable and unprotected.”
This celebration was part of the diocese’s observance of the national consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the month of June, as proclaimed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). To commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, the USCCB made the decision to entrust the U.S. to the loving care of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, praying that our country may be guided by His mercy, truth, and peace.
On June 11, a day prior to the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the U.S. Bishop’s celebrated a consecration Mass during their June Plenary Assembly in Orlando, FL. It was presided by USCCB President, Archbishop Paul Coakley, and concelebrated by all attending bishops, including Bishop Rojas.
Meanwhile, on that same day, to observe the national consecration, locally, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Rutilio del Riego celebrated a Mass of consecration at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in San Bernardino.
“We are here because of the love of Christ,” Bishop del Riego said. “We are here because of the love we have for Christ, for the country, for the United States, [and] the diocese. We are here to express our communion with Christ and our communion with the Church.”
In addition to celebrating these consecration Masses, the diocese hosted a tour in the month of June of a unique Pilgrim Icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, one of 300 that bears an apostolic blessing from +Pope Francis. The icon toured six parishes in the diocese whose namesakes are either dedicated to or have a deep connection to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In addition, the Vatican granted Bishop Rojas’ request to declare these diocesan parishes a special pilgrimage site that the faithful could visit and receive a plenary indulgence during the month of June.