The late Pope Benedict XVI said in an Angelus message in 2005: ‘In biblical language, “heart” indicates the centre of the person where his sentiments and intentions dwell. In the Heart of the Redeemer we adore God’s love for humanity, his will for universal salvation, his infinite mercy. Practising devotion to the Sacred Heart of Christ therefore means adoring that Heart which, after having loved us to the end, was pierced by a spear and from high on the Cross poured out blood and water, an inexhaustible source of new life’.

Today, let us adore this precious Heart of the Redeemer; and may God bless you and be specially close to you.