Heart of the Ark

Pope Francis ends Dilexit Nos with a final word about the importance of mission as the visible embodiment of our response to the relationship with God. Mission cannot be accomplished apart from God's love, and a Christian can not live God's love without loving his neighbor. Pope Francis final prayer for the love of Christ to be known through the work of every Christian active in his or her own vocation, is the universal task that we are born into at our baptism. Chapter 5 Paragraphs 212-220

Each session of Dilexit Nos in a Year begins by breaking open the scriptures and topics covered in order to outline the themes of Pope Francis, and frame our conversations for the weekly discussion for the year ahead. For the next 50 weeks, we will work through four to five paragraphs reading of the text of Dilexit Nos, with opening prayer, and short reflection based upon the paragraphs covered and the prayerful discussions of the questions to ponder together as we reflect on the work of spiritual and communal formation and mission in this Jubilee Year of Hope.

Prayer

Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, embrace my heart.

Fire of the Heart of Jesus, inflame my heart.

Charity of the Heart of Jesus, fill my heart.

Strength of the Heart of Jesus, sustain my heart.

Mercy of the Heart of Jesus, pardon my heart.

Patience of the Heart of Jesus, do not forsake my heart.

Reign of the Heart of Jesus, establish Yourself in my heart.

Wisdom of the Heart of Jesus, teach my heart.

Will of the Heart of Jesus, guide my heart.

Zeal of the Heart of Jesus consume my heart.

Jesus, make our hearts more like your own.

Dilexit Nos - Chapter 5, Paragraphs 212-220

Office for Evangelization website: www.rcan.org/evangelization

Our original theme music is "Meditation" by Eric Hunter. - www.erichuntermusic.com

"Mission, as a radiation of the love of the heart of Christ, requires missionaries who are themselves in love and who, enthralled by Christ, feel bound to share this love that has changed their lives." Pope Francis examines the innate connection between discipleship and missionary outpouring, as a desire to unite oneself with the pattern of self-donation, Jesus Christ. He elucidates the character of evangelization by recognizing the attractiveness, and invitation to marvel at love. Chapter 5, pp 205-211

Each session of Dilexit Nos in a Year begins by breaking open the scriptures and topics covered in order to outline the themes of Pope Francis, and frame our conversations for the weekly discussion for the year ahead. For the next 50 weeks, we will work through four to five paragraphs reading of the text of Dilexit Nos, with opening prayer, and short reflection based upon the paragraphs covered and the prayerful discussions of the questions to ponder together as we reflect on the work of spiritual and communal formation and mission in this Jubilee Year of Hope.

Prayer

Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, embrace my heart.

Fire of the Heart of Jesus, inflame my heart.

Charity of the Heart of Jesus, fill my heart.

Strength of the Heart of Jesus, sustain my heart.

Mercy of the Heart of Jesus, pardon my heart.

Patience of the Heart of Jesus, do not forsake my heart.

Reign of the Heart of Jesus, establish Yourself in my heart.

Wisdom of the Heart of Jesus, teach my heart.

Will of the Heart of Jesus, guide my heart.

Zeal of the Heart of Jesus consume my heart.

Jesus, make our hearts more like your own.

Dilexit Nos - Chapter 5, Paragraphs 205 - 211

Letter of St. Pope John Paul II - On 100th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII conscration to the Sacred Heart

Meditation of St. Bonaventure

A reflection on the Sacred Heart from St Bonaventure

Take thought now, redeemed one, and consider how great and worthy is he who hangs

on the cross for you. His death brings the dead to life, but at his passing heaven and

earth are plunged into mourning and hard rocks are split asunder.

It was a divine decree that permitted one of the soldiers to open his sacred side with a

lance. This was done so that the Church might be formed from the side of Christ as he

slept the sleep of death on the cross, and so that the Scripture might be fulfilled: 'They

shall look on him whom they pierced'. The blood and water which poured out at that

moment were the price of our salvation. Flowing from the secret abyss of our Lord's

heart as from a fountain, this stream gave the sacraments of the Church the power to

confer the life of grace, while for those already living in Christ it became a spring of living

water welling up to life everlasting.

Arise, then, beloved of Christ! Imitate the dove 'that nests in a hole in the cliff', keeping

watch at the entrance 'like the sparrow that finds a home'. There like the turtledove hide

your little ones, the fruit of your chaste love. Press your lips to the fountain, 'draw water

from the wells of your Saviour; for this is the spring flowing out of the middle of paradise,

dividing into four rivers', inundating devout hearts, watering the whole earth and making

it fertile.

Run with eager desire to this source of life and light, all you who are vowed to God's

service. Come, whoever you may be, and cry out to him with all the strength of your

heart. "O indescribable beauty of the most high God and purest radiance of eternal light!

Life that gives all life, light that is the source of every other light, preserving in

everlasting splendour the myriad flames that have shone before the throne of your

divinity from the dawn of time! Eternal and inaccessible fountain, clear and sweet stream

flowing from a hidden spring, unseen by mortal eye! None can fathom your depths nor

survey your boundaries, none can measure your breadth, nothing can sully your purity.

From you flows 'the river which gladdens the city of God' and makes us cry out with joy

and thanksgiving in hymns of praise to you, for we know by our own experience that

'with you is the source of life, and in your light we see light’.

Office for Evangelization website: www.rcan.org/evangelization

Our original theme music is "Meditation" by Eric Hunter. - www.erichuntermusic.com

In his concluding paragraphs, Pope Francis draws us back to the catechesis of St. Pope John Paul II, and gives a natural recapitulation of the major themes of this document. Through the five statements of Pope St. John Paul the Great, we see that the plan of salvation, to unite the human heart to the love of the Father is through the Sacred heart of Jesus and the action of the Holy Spirit. Our natural pattern for our hearts, in union with His heart is one of meekness, and lowliness... that we may imitate the true pattern of Love perfectly given through Jesus Christ. Chapter 5, paragraphs 200-204.

Each session of Dilexit Nos in a Year begins by breaking open the scriptures and topics covered in order to outline the themes of Pope Francis, and frame our conversations for the weekly discussion for the year ahead. For the next 50 weeks, we will work through four to five paragraphs reading of the text of Dilexit Nos, with opening prayer, and short reflection based upon the paragraphs covered and the prayerful discussions of the questions to ponder together as we reflect on the work of spiritual and communal formation and mission in this Jubilee Year of Hope.

Prayer

Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, embrace my heart.

Fire of the Heart of Jesus, inflame my heart.

Charity of the Heart of Jesus, fill my heart.

Strength of the Heart of Jesus, sustain my heart.

Mercy of the Heart of Jesus, pardon my heart.

Patience of the Heart of Jesus, do not forsake my heart.

Reign of the Heart of Jesus, establish Yourself in my heart.

Wisdom of the Heart of Jesus, teach my heart.

Will of the Heart of Jesus, guide my heart.

Zeal of the Heart of Jesus consume my heart.

Jesus, make our hearts more like your own.

Dilexit Nos - Chapter 5, Paragraphs 200 - 204

Catechesis at the General Assembly - 20 June 1979

Litany of the Sacred Heart - from EWTN

THE LITANY OF THE SACRED HEART

Presider People Respond:

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy

Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us

God the Son, Redeemer of the world,

God the Holy Spirit,

Holy Trinity, One God,

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father,

Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother,

Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God,

Heart of Jesus, of Infinite Majesty,

Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God,

Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High,

Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven,

Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness,

Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins,

Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium,

Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses,

Heart of Jesus, obedient to death,

Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance,

Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,

Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,

Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation,

Heart of Jesus, Victim for our sins,

Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in You,

Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity,

Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love,

Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,

Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues,

Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,

Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts,

Heart of Jesus, in Whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,

Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity,

Heart of Jesus, in Whom the Father was well pleased,

Heart of Jesus, of Whose fullness we have all received,

Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,

Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful,

Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke You,

Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in You,

Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints,

Lamb of God, You who take away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, You who take away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, You who take away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

V. Jesus, meek and humble of heart. R. Make our hearts like Yours.

Let us pray Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Your most beloved Son and upon the

praises and satisfaction which He offers You in the name of sinners; and to those who implore Your

mercy do You of Your great goodness grant forgiveness in the Name of the same Jesus Christ, Your

Son, Who with You lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

Office for Evangelization website: www.rcan.org/evangelization

Our original theme music is "Meditation" by Eric Hunter. - www.erichuntermusic.com

Pope Francis clarifies the concept of reparation through the spirituality of St. Therese of Liseux's Oblation to love. Therese became a martyr for love, without risking the spiritual dangers of taking on further punishments for any other reason than love. In order to make certain that our interior life is rightly ordered in its purpose. Jen draws parallels in this from the spiritual handbook "Practice of the Presence of God" to clarify the importance for emptiness, and allowing oneself to offer personal sufferings to God. Chapter 5, paragraphs 195-199

Each session of Dilexit Nos in a Year begins by breaking open the scriptures and topics covered in order to outline the themes of Pope Francis, and frame our conversations for the weekly discussion for the year ahead. For the next 50 weeks, we will work through four to five paragraphs reading of the text of Dilexit Nos, with opening prayer, and short reflection based upon the paragraphs covered and the prayerful discussions of the questions to ponder together as we reflect on the work of spiritual and communal formation and mission in this Jubilee Year of Hope.

Prayer

Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, embrace my heart.

Fire of the Heart of Jesus, inflame my heart.

Charity of the Heart of Jesus, fill my heart.

Strength of the Heart of Jesus, sustain my heart.

Mercy of the Heart of Jesus, pardon my heart.

Patience of the Heart of Jesus, do not forsake my heart.

Reign of the Heart of Jesus, establish Yourself in my heart.

Wisdom of the Heart of Jesus, teach my heart.

Will of the Heart of Jesus, guide my heart.

Zeal of the Heart of Jesus consume my heart.

Jesus, make our hearts more like your own.

Dilexit Nos - Chapter 5, Paragraphs 195 - 199

An Oblation to Love - Carmelite Spirituality

The Practice of the Presence of God - Brother Lawrence

Monthly Prayer from Pope Leo XIV - January 2026 -

For Prayer with the Word of God

O Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart that I may hear your Word,

and understand and do your will, for I am a sojourner upon the Earth.

Hide not your commandments from me, but open my eyes, that I may perceive the wonders of your Law.

Speak unto me the hidden and secret things of your wisdom.

On you do I set my hope, O my God, that you shall enlighten my mind and understanding with the light of your knowledge; not only to cherish those things which are written, but to do them; For you are the enlightenment of those who lie in darkness, and from you comes every good deed and every gift.

Amen.

Office for Evangelization website: www.rcan.org/evangelization

Our original theme music is "Meditation" by Eric Hunter. - www.erichuntermusic.com

Pope Francis brings all of his prophetic and theological writings to the fore as he draws from the Catechism, the Conciliar Documents and Ignatian Spirituality to summarize the true freedom of living out the will of God in one's own personal life. It is only through the inner contemplative life in practice that a missionary action can be truly said to work out the will of the Holy Spirit. Chapter 5, paragraphs 191-195.

Each session of Dilexit Nos in a Year begins by breaking open the scriptures and topics covered in order to outline the themes of Pope Francis, and frame our conversations for the weekly discussion for the year ahead. For the next 50 weeks, we will work through four to five paragraphs reading of the text of Dilexit Nos, with opening prayer, and short reflection based upon the paragraphs covered and the prayerful discussions of the questions to ponder together as we reflect on the work of spiritual and communal formation and mission in this Jubilee Year of Hope.

Prayer

Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, embrace my heart.

Fire of the Heart of Jesus, inflame my heart.

Charity of the Heart of Jesus, fill my heart.

Strength of the Heart of Jesus, sustain my heart.

Mercy of the Heart of Jesus, pardon my heart.

Patience of the Heart of Jesus, do not forsake my heart.

Reign of the Heart of Jesus, establish Yourself in my heart.

Wisdom of the Heart of Jesus, teach my heart.

Will of the Heart of Jesus, guide my heart.

Zeal of the Heart of Jesus consume my heart.

Jesus, make our hearts more like your own.

Dilexit Nos - Chapter 5, Paragraphs 191 - 195

Laudato Si - Pope Francis Encyclical on Care for our Common Home

Karl Rahner, SJ - The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola

God of My Life - Karl Rahner, SJ -

Prayer of Karl Rahner, SJ

God of my life, only in love can I find You, my God.

In love, the gates of my soul spring open, allowing me to breathe a new air of freedom and forget my own petty self.

In love, my whole being streams forth out of the rigid confines of narrowness and anxious self-assertion, which makes me a prisoner of my own poverty and emptiness.

In love, all the powers of my soul flow out toward You, wanting never more to return, but to lose themselves completely in You, since by Your love, You are the inmost center of my heart, closer to me than I am to myself.

But when I love You, when I manage to break out of the narrow circle of self and leave behind the restless agony of unanswered questions, when my blinded eyes no longer look merely from afar and from the outside upon your unapproacheable brightness, and much more when You Yourself, O Incomprehensible One, have become through love the inmost center of my life, then I can bury myself entirely in You, O mysterious God, and with myself all my questions.

Amen.

Office for Evangelization website: www.rcan.org/evangelization

Our original theme music is "Meditation" by Eric Hunter. - www.erichuntermusic.com