Cor Jesu

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Thine!

Every first Friday during the academic year at the University of Saint Thomas (UST), hundreds of young adults gather at Saint Paul Seminary (SPS) to participate in a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cor Jesu. Latin for Heart of Jesus, the monthly devotion has become one of the most popular events on the Catholic campus. The evening begins at 8pm with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The celebrant gives a homily after the Gospel and then, for up to two hours, 10-15 priests hear confessions. A small band of musicians lead praise and worship music ranging from contemporary youth songs to traditional hymns. I have found the music to be a beautiful orthodox balance. During this period of Adoration, these hundreds of Faithful pray together contemplating the Sacred Heart of Jesus, of which today is the Solemnity.

Four women known as “The Handmaids” were on the ground floor of this venture. From out of the UST/SPS community, these four women have begun their own growing religious order. The whole community rallied in prayer around these women as they sought the desire of His Sacred Heart for their lives. One of the most poignant moments of the Cor Jesu evening comes towards the end when the Handmaids would sing a chant-style harmonized sung Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The voices echoing through Saint Mary’s Chapel surrounded the monstrance like incense uniting all our prayers to our Lord.

Today, in New Ulm, Minnesota, more Handmaids are making their final vows on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This marks the end of a long journey of discernment and formation and the spiritual beginning to a new life in our Lord’s Sacred Heart. May God bless these women and their work!

LITANY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS – Please join me in praying this litany for the Handmaids as well as others who wish to fulfill the Lord’s call in their life, especially those called to Holy Orders and religious life.