(Continued from our previous installment)
An increase in the stream of grace flowing from the Heart of Jesus to that of Sr. Marie of the Sacred Heart’s was soon to expand her vision for the new association as the Scripture texts of Palm Sunday, 1863, were read:
Ps 69: “Taunts have broken my heart; I have reached the end of my strength. I looked in vain for compassion, for consolers, not one could I find”; and from the Gospel of Mark, “My soul is sorrowful even to death…. Could you not watch one hour with me?”
These words had a profound effect on Sr. Marie, initiating a period of intense prayer during the Holy Week that followed. As Sister earnestly sought Jesus’ will, the mission of The Guard of Honor became clearer and its workings began slowly to unfold.
Wound of the Heart of Jesus
Credit: www.linda.blogspot.com
On the Feast of the Sacred Heart, June 13, 1863 Our Lord showed Sr. Marie, in a vision, the piercing of His Heart on Calvary. Sunday June 14, 1863 in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, she heard these words: “When the side was pierced.” These words became printed in her soul. The Guard of Honor is the providential means of worship particular to the wound of the Heart of Jesus received by the soldier’s lance.
By the conclusion of that year, 112 Monasteries of the Visitation in Europe were enrolled in The Guard of Honor, and by 1864, membership among the laity prospered.
Sr. Marie of the Sacred Heart spent the rest of her life promoting this special devotion to the Wounded Sacred Heart. On Aug 3, 1903, surrounded by the community, she gently breathed her last. Her soul had taken flight to hide itself forever in the Wounded Heart of her Lord. But the Guard of Honor lives on to continue her work of Love and so enhance in heaven the glory of this Lover of the Sacred Heart.
To become a member you may contact any Visitation Monastery for more information or in particular, the Visitation Monastery in Tyringham MA.
You may also use the contact tab on this website.
Read all posts about the Guard of Honor.