Ahead of the U.S. bishops’ upcoming consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the bishop of Scranton, Pennsylvania, is inviting local Catholics to “rediscover” the centuries-old devotion through special Masses at two Sacred Heart parishes.
Bishop Joseph Bambera will celebrate the Masses for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at parishes in Peckville and Dupont, celebrations the Diocese of Scranton said will unite Catholics in prayer for healing, renewal, and hope.
“I really think this is a great time in our American history to acknowledge that we need God more than ever,” Father Thomas Petro, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Dupont said. We need to humble ourselves. We need to listen to His call as Christians and as Americans – and also – we need to focus upon His great love for us.”
Father Andy Kurovsky, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Peckville, said the parish itself will also be formally consecrated to the Sacred Heart during the June 11 vigil Mass.
As Zeale News previously reported, the bishops of the U.S. are consecrating the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus this summer as part of the Church’s observance of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The nation’s consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is set to take place June 11 as U.S. bishops gather for their Spring Assembly in Orlando, Florida.
The Diocese of Scranton said Bishop Bambera will be unable to attend the assembly due to a previously scheduled commitment connected to the ecumenical dialogue in Rome.
“Because Bishop Bambera will be unable to attend the meeting due to a previously scheduled commitment connected to ecumenical dialogue in Rome, his absence from the gathering has created an opportunity for Catholics in northeastern Pennsylvania to celebrate the Solemnity with him close to home.”
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