Dear Brother and Sisters,

As the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops joins this celebration by lifting up the contributions of Catholics and the impact of our faith on the history of this country.

In a historic moment, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus this month and invites all parishes to join in this consecration.

Why consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus? On November 11th, 2025, the bishops of the United States voted to consecrate this nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The consecration will take place as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

What does this mean for us as Catholics? Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has developed over the centuries following the experiences of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and the apparitions she witnessed in the 17th century. Popes have lauded the practice of Catholics participating in consecrations individually, families and even as whole nations. In his encyclical instituting the Solemnity of Christ the King, Pope Pius XI commended the pious custom of consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a way to recognize the Kingship of Christ.

By celebrating this important national anniversary with this devotion, we are blessed to be able to encourage all Catholics and citizens of this great nation to honor Our Lord and to infuse the spirit of the Gospel into various communities and departments of life. Pope Francis brought devotion to the Sacred Heart to the forefront of our contemporary Catholic life and culture. He said, "In contemplating the Pierced Heart of the Lord, who took our infirmities and bore our diseases, we too are inspired to be more attentive to the sufferings and needs of others and confirmed in our efforts to share in his work of liberation as instruments for the spread of His love."

As we meditate on Christ's self-offering for the sake of all, we are naturally led to ask why we too should not be ready to give our lives for others. Pope Leo XIV also invites us to contemplate Christ's love, which calls to attend to our brothers and sisters suffering in the world today, particularly in our care for poor and vulnerable people.

As we reflect with gratitude on the blessings God has bestowed on our country, our devotion to the Sacred Heart demands that we consider how we might foster truth, justice, and charity in American life. We are called to bring our faith into the actions we take and the lives we lead in our communities. We celebrate the ways the Church has contributed to a more just world and we invite all in our society to see the face of Christ reflected in each and every person. We welcome God's kingdom of justice, fraternity, and solidarity; remembering that God has a special place in His heart for those who are discriminated against and oppressed. Our Lord asks us, His Church, to make a decisive and radical choice to serve the weakest.

This anniversary and consecration give us a special opportunity to promote the beautiful devotion to the Sacred Heart and to encourage one another to offer their lives in service to God and our country.

God Bless.

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