In the liturgical calendar, the month of June is set apart in a special way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a profound symbol of divine love, mercy, and compassion. This devotion invites us to reflect on the heart of Christ, pierced for our sake, yet overflowing with love for humanity. It is a time to draw closer to the tenderness of Jesus, who longs for a personal relationship with each of us, and to allow His love to transform our hearts.
The highlight of this devotion is the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, celebrated 19 days after Pentecost. This feast is more than a liturgical observance; it is an invitation to contemplate the depth of Christ’s love—a love that is patient, forgiving, and sacrificial. In a world often marked by division and indifference, the Sacred Heart reminds us that we are called to be vessels of that same love, radiating kindness and compassion in our daily lives.
Among the earliest and most influential voices in devotion to the Sacred Heart was St. Gertrude the Great, a Benedictine nun and mystic of the 13th century. In her mystical visions, she experienced the love of Christ as a burning flame flowing from His heart. She wrote, “O Sacred Heart of Jesus, fountain of eternal life, Your Heart is a glowing furnace of Love.” Her writings helped shape the Church’s understanding of Christ’s heart as not only a symbol of divine love but a living source of grace and intimacy with God. Her Benedictine spirituality—rooted in prayer, humility, and community—offers a beautiful lens through which to enter more deeply into this devotion.
Nine years ago in June, the devotion to the Sacred Heart took on a new meaning for me through a moment with my 8-year-old son, Brogan. One morning, after we had read a short reflection on the Sacred Heart, he quietly asked, “Does Jesus really love everyone like that—even people who are mean?” I nodded, and he thought for a moment before saying, “Then I want to try to love like that too.” His innocent sincerity moved me deeply. In that moment, I saw the Sacred Heart reflected in him as a heart open, trusting, and ready to love without condition. That year, Brogan and I gathered in the kitchen, aprons on and hearts full of joy. Who knew this was going to be our tradition to bake Sacred Heart Cookies every year for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Even now at 17, Brogan still looks forward to this day, and he sometimes invites his friends!
Each year, we roll out the dough together, cutting out heart shapes with care. As the cookies bake, the kitchen is filled with the warm, sweet scent of vanilla and sugar. When they cool, we decorate them with red icing to symbolize Jesus’ burning love and add gold sprinkles to represent His divine glory.
Last year, while we baked, we talked about what the Sacred Heart meant—how Jesus loves us so much that His heart overflows with mercy and compassion. Brogan, with a steady hand, added a tiny cross to one cookie and said, “This one’s for Grandma. She always loved this feast.” That moment, simple, sweet, and sacred, reminded me that faith traditions don’t just teach; they bond us together. And sometimes, the holiest moments come with a bit of flour on your nose and icing on your fingers.
As we journey through June, may we allow the Sacred Heart of Jesus to soften our own hearts. Let us take time to pray, to reflect, and to act with love. And may we, like 8-year-old Brogan, be inspired to love more freely, more deeply, and more like Christ. After all, it is in loving that we are most like Him—and it is in His heart that we find our true home.
Celebrating the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus with children can be a beautiful opportunity to nurture their love for Jesus in a joyful and age-appropriate way. Here is our very simple sugar cookie recipe:
Simple Sugar Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla extract
½ tsp. almond extract (optional)
3–4 Tbsp. heavy whipping cream (if dough is too dry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. In a small bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Add whipping cream if needed to form a soft dough.
6. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
7. Flatten slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm.
8. Bake 8–10 minutes or until edges are just starting to brown.
9. Cool on wire racks before frosting.
Red Frosting Recipe (Buttercream)
Ingredients:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1–2 Tbsp. milk or heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Red gel food coloring (gel gives a more vibrant red without thinning the frosting)
Instructions:
1. Beat the butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add vanilla and 1 tbsp milk. Beat until fluffy. Add more milk if needed for consistency.
4. Add red gel food coloring a little at a time until you reach the desired shade of red.
5. Mix thoroughly and frost cooled cookies.
If baking is not for you, you could try these activities instead:
Teach your child a short prayer to the Sacred Heart, like: “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.” You can also pray a decade of the Rosary together.
Sing a Song: Teach a simple song about Jesus’ love. Songs like “Jesus Loves Me” or “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy” can be adapted to the theme.
Sacred Heart Dance: Create a simple dance or movement activity to a song about Jesus’ love, helping them express joy and reverence.