Catholics across the country will be able to participate virtually in a June 11 ceremony that bishops have described as a centerpiece of the Church's observance of America's 250th anniversary, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced.
The consecration of the U.S. to the Sacred Heart of Jesus will take place at 4 p.m. ET during the bishops' spring plenary assembly at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando, Florida. The event will be livestreamed on the USCCB's YouTube channel, and dioceses and parishes have been encouraged to share the broadcast with parishioners.
The national consecration, which the bishops approved during their November 2025 meeting, is being held as part of the Catholic Church's participation in the nation's semiquincentennial celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Archbishop Alexander Sample of Portland, Oregon, who has promoted the initiative, said the consecration is intended both to renew devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to encourage Catholics to bring their faith into public life.
"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," Archbishop Sample said in a video message explaining the effort.
The ceremony is part of the bishops’ broader “We Hold These Truths” initiative, which highlights Catholics’ contributions to U.S. history as the country marks its 250th anniversary. The archbishop said the anniversary provides an opportunity for Catholics to honor Christ while reflecting on the nation's future.
"We are called to bring our faith into the actions we take and the lives we lead in our communities," Archbishop Sample said. "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 sister and brother."