On Corpus Christi, Archbishop Martin renewed Ireland’s consecration to the Sacred Heart at Knock, launching a national crusade for hope, peace, and missionary renewal.
Newsroom, June 23, 2025, Gaudium Press – On the evening of Sunday, June 22, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh, renewed Ireland’s consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The ceremony, held at the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine of Knock, commemorated the original act from 1873.
Pilgrimage of Sacred Heart Images Across Ireland
Since February, four images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus—blessed by Pope Francis—traveled through parishes across the country as part of the “Crusade of the Sacred Heart.” Archbishop Martin urged the faithful to offer consecration in their own families, homes, and parishes, and to encourage others to do the same.
In an interview with EWTN, the Primate explained the renewal’s aim: “to secure a safe refuge from all visible and invisible dangers,” especially relevant in a world that “can be a place of destruction, despair, pain, and hopelessness for many.” He emphasized the need for a “positive message of Christian hope, inspired by divine grace,” perfectly symbolized by the Sacred Heart’s eternal message of salvation.
A Time of Deep Need for God
Archbishop Martin stressed that “we live in a time of great need for God,” marked by numerous challenges to the Faith. He hopes this act will produce “many fruits in Ireland, spreading a fervent love of the Sacred Heart and inspiring families to live faithfully by the sanctifying and healing flames of that love.” He expressed hope for “a powerful missionary renewal to proclaim the Good News in our country and beyond.”
In his homily, the Archbishop pointed to “the many evils that oppress God’s Church throughout the world today,” and highlighted the need for “a culture of life—a society that promotes peace, reconciliation, and the dignity of every human person!” He noted that consecration is not “a magical panacea for all the Church’s and society’s struggles,” but “requires our cooperation and personal commitment to spread Faith, Hope, and Love.”
“He Will Give Us New Hearts!”
He explained that consecration is “a deep appeal of the soul” for God “to nourish our lives with His Word and strengthen us with the sacraments, especially His Body and Blood in the Eucharist, the sacrament of love. He asks for our hearts. Let’s give them! And in return, He will give us new hearts!” He added: “Perhaps this is exactly what our world needs now: a heart transplant!”
According to the Primate, this will encourage the faithful “to radiate the light of Faith, Hope, and Love, especially to the poor, suffering, and needy. Do not be afraid: the consecration will give you a new heart, a heart full of love, which in turn can bring new life to our troubled world.” (EPC)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
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