SAINT MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE RELIC VENERATION

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) was a French nun who received a series of extraordinary visions of Jesus Christ. In these visions, beginning in 1673, Christ revealed his Sacred Heart to her as a sign of His immense love for humanity — a love that had been met with indifference and rejection. He gave her a mission: to spread devotion to His Heart throughout the world. She was canonized in 1920, and the Feast of the Sacred Heart, now celebrated by the universal Church, exists because of her witness.

Saint Margaret Mary’s relics traveled to the United States under the custody of the Knights of Columbus for the U.S. Catholic bishops’ June 11 consecration of the nation to the Sacred Heart. Following the consecration, the saint’s relics will be available for public veneration at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine during the following times:

Monday, June 29, 2026, through Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 10 AM to 3:30 PM
Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, through Saturday, July 4th, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM

John Paul II had a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He visited the tomb of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1986 where he said, “Let us give thanks for the mystical experience of Saint Margaret Mary. It was given to her, with a special brilliance but in a hidden existence, to know the power and beauty of Christ's love.”

Heart of Jesus, burning flame of love, Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness, Heart of Jesus, expiation for our sins— have mercy on us. Amen.”

“Announce it and let it be announced to the whole world, that I set neither limit nor measure to my gifts of grace, for those who seek them in my Heart.” - Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque Painting.jpg

SIGN UP FOR UPDATES

Sign up to get updates from the Shrine including upcoming events, special Masses, temporary exhibits, and more!

Sign up