Customer Reviews

The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: How to Practice the Sacred Heart Devotion

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This work clarifies why so few fail to become great saints. It explains why so few Catholics, despite frequent reception of the Sacraments, fall short in their spiritual walk. This book shows a detailed history of St. Margaret Mary (1647-1690), and the visions that she had of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that led to the devotion. Fr. John Croiset was St. Margaret Mary's director, and had an intimate knowledge of this devotion. The book was written during her lifetime, and was first published in 1691.

The book was mainly responsible for the dissemination of the devotion to the Sacred Heart throughout the world. However, enjoying only a circulation of some 13 years, it was consigned to the index of forbidden books in 1704. Through a series of unusual events, the book again came to light some 200 years later to be restored to its proper place in Catholic literature.

The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus outlines the history, practice and prayers of the Sacred Heart. Its teachings constitute a more "perfect love" for Jesus Christ, particularly in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. This book is intended for everyone wishing to acquire a deeper understanding, devotion, and more perfect love, for the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

This book deeply expanded my understanding of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart, and is truly inspired. In an age where the "feel good" books are the norm, this work is a breath of fresh air, giving the needed impetus to pursue one's faith with certainty and fidelity. It is highly recommended to those who are on a serious walk with God

The Bishop of Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, discovered this tremendous treasure after it had disappeared for almost two centuries, thus fulfilling a prophecy made by St. Margaret Mary. She foretold that this inspired writing would be forgotten for a time, but then would come to light again. The author (Fr. Croiset) was the spiritual director of St. Margaret Mary and therefore was intimately familiar with every aspect of the revelations given by Our Lord to this famous saint; thus, the book is actually the "key" to understanding the importance and the centrality of the Sacred Heart devotion for our lives as true Catholics. This great work was actually commissioned by Our Lord Himself through St. Margaret Mary, and as Father Croiset neared completion of it, St. Margaret told him that Our Lord said it was so completely in accord with His wishes that it would never be necessary to make any change in it. Later she revealed that it was Our Lord Himself who had inspired him with the ideas in this book and that it was so pleasing to Him that "none other but Himself could have arranged everything so much to His wishes." This magnificent work is a revelation to all just why so few of us become great saints and why so few, despite going frequently to the Sacraments, fail really to grow in the life of grace and make great progress in the spiritual order. The best there is on this important devotion!

I have used this book for devotions before and after mass. I have read it at home and have never put it down disappointed. The wording in the book can be a bit flowery at times (like a lot of French writing was back then) but it still has page after page of challenging questions and will teach you alot about loving Christ. for what its worth, my faith and love for Christ have grown after applying what I read in this book.

This is a wonderful book that is an inspiration and a tool to grow in a devotion to the Sacred Heart. It helps bring Jesus into every breath of the day not just on Sundays. With preparation on Friday, Sunday will begin to become a greater joy than you have ever had before.
You must put the Saint's actions into the context of the times (mortification of the body was quite common then) and from her unquenchable desire to make reparations for herself and others; if seen through the eyes of extreme humility it is quite faith affirming.
Ask yourself: "What have I done for Jesus lately?" Not: "What has Jesus done for me?"

After being blessed to obtain a relic of St. Margaret Mary, the Apostle of the Sacred Heart, I purchased this book to help learn more about the devotion and its particular practices. It is very easy to read, very thorough, and has increased my devotion to Jesus and my connection to my new friend in Heaven, St. Margaret Mary. I highly recommend it.

An excellent spiritual reading on how to improve your devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I would recommend this to anyone experiencing a spiritual "plateau" or anyone experiencing the "dark night of the Cross" as described by St. John of the Cross. It reveals our faults in appropriately worshiping Christ and how to elevate our own spirituality.

I recommend this book very highly. If, you are a lover of the Sacred Heart of
Jesus you will enjoy this book.
Nancy

Devotions in Catholic life are necessary for spiritual growth. The person who does not make the effort mentally to express devotion to someone they say they love will soon grow cold. I do not see how a Catholic, East or West, could neglect devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus or to his Mother, Mary. A work on St. Gertrude, "Love, Peace and Joy" is also available on Amazon. Traditional devotion to the Sacred Heart began with her. Both devotion to our Lord Jesus and to his Mother and our Mother is strengthened and developed through a meditation on the prayers and mysteries of the Rosary. St Louis De Montfort's "Secret of the Rosary" is available on Amazon.

I am Catholic and have started to do Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I thought this book would be a great boost to my practice. I have never in my life read such a depressing
and violent book. If this woman were alive today she would be in a Psychiatric ward for her own safety. The self imposed torture she created for herself made me want to cry. I do not think Jesus Christ would ever condone this type self-debasing in his name. I believe in a Jesus of loving kindness and compassion. You certainly do not have to beat, starve, and drink fowl water to get his attention or to cleanse yourself of impurities. The book will go on the shelf never to be read again. I can see why some people leave the Christian faith if books like this come to their attention