Father Jules Chevalier’s concern was motivated by an attitude of thankfulness: "The little Society of the Sacred Heart is not the work of man but of God! It came to birth in the Sacred Heart of Jesus under the powerful protection of Mary". Father Chevalier recalls how he and his companion, Father Maugenest, took refuge in Mary at the beginning of our Society’s foundation: "This is your cause and it is up to you to save it; stay with us to the end and show that you are the true founder of this work". In the contract that our two first priests made with Mary, they point out that "in gratitude to Mary, they will consider her as their Foundress and Sovereign. They will ally themselves with her in all their works and make her loved in a special way". This thankfulness became a motive for confidence: "We believe that we can affirm with total confidence that Our Lady of the Sacred Heart will never cease to protect our Society if we are faithful to her".
This Marian invocation has been extraordinarily well received by the faithful. One sign of such acceptance must surely be the extensive inculturation of the image of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in so many different countries throughout the world.
Prayer to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
Remember,
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart,
the great things the Lord has done for you.
He chose you for his Mother.
He wanted you close to his cross.
He gives you a share in his glory.
He listens to your prayer.
Offer him our prayers of praise and thanksgiving;
present our petitions to him.
Let us live like you
in the love of your Son that his Kingdom may come.
Lead all men
to the source of living water
that flows from his heart,
spreading over the world
hope and salvation justice and peace.
See our trust in you;
answer our prayer.
Show yourself always our Mother.
Amen.
