By José Luis Elias
On June 11, Sacred Heart Parish in Riverside-Jurupa Valley was honored with the visit of the icon of the Sacred Heart, blessed by Pope Francis and through which the Holy Father sent an Apostolic Blessing. It is important to highlight that this icon was donated by the Knights of Columbus, the largest Catholic fraternal charitable organization in the world, of which there is a local council in our parish. The sacred icon remained at the parish for three days and was truly a great blessing for the entire community, as well as for the pilgrims who came to pray before it. The day of the icon’s arrival was a memorable one, as it was the same day U.S. Catholic Bishops joined in the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the country’s independence, consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in a solemn Mass. Sacred Heart also offered a solemn Mass simultaneously with that of the bishops, and it was a deeply moving celebration.
The visit of the icon also coincided with the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 12. On this day, the parish community gathered - not only our volunteers and parishioners, but many more faithful who came to join. The Holy Eucharist, celebrated outdoors, was presided by Father José Manuel García Oviedo, pastor, and concelebrated by four additional priests, all of them Comboni Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, the religious community that provides pastoral care for the parish. Our love and devotion became evident with the consecration of more than 70 people to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—an emotional moment that moved many present to tears. The Holy Mass concluded with a very moving hymn sung with great fervor: “Danos un corazón, grande para amar; danos un corazón, fuerte para luchar.” (Give us a heart, great for loving; give us a heart, strong for the struggle). Before giving the final blessing, Fr. Oviedo reminded us that “the Heart of Jesus continues to beat strongly when we offer our lives and ministries to His powerful action.”
The Icon of the Sacred Heart continued its pilgrimage throughout the month of June, visiting parishes whose patron is, precisely, the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
“Sacred Heart of Jesus, make our hearts like yours.”
José Luis Elias is the Director of Parish Life at Sacred Heart parish, Riverside-Jurupa Valley.