Sacred Heart
A devotional symbol in of Jesus Christ. Roman Catholicism referring to the heart of Jesus Christ. The heart symbolizes Jesus’s boundless love and ardent charity for all people. It is a reminder of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which is the ultimate act of love and redemption. The Sacred Heart is seen as a mirror of God’s compassion and mercy, inviting believers to a deeper relationship with Him. The devotion gained prominence through the visions of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century. Devotion includes acts of consecration and honor, such as praying for nine consecutive First Fridays, attending Mass, and meditating on Christ’s love. Artistically, the Sacred Heart is typically portrayed as a physical heart, often wounded, surrounded by a crown of thorns, and sometimes emanating flames. (Kremer, 2025) Photo from Sorrento, Italy, 2025.
Photo from St. Louis, Missouri, 2026.