(1647-1690) The “Apostle of the Sacred Heart” was a serious child born and raised in eastern France. Her father died when she was eight, and she suffered four years of paralysis from rheumatic fever, vowing to enter religious life when miraculously healed by the Blessed Virgin Mary. At 17, after forgetting her vow and considering marriage by attending a ball, she had a vision of Jesus, scourged and bloody. She shortly thereafter joined the Order of the Visitation. Margaret received several visions of Jesus regarding devotion to His Sacred Heart that many dismissed as delusions, but she was supported and encouraged by her spiritual director, Saint Claude de la Colombiere.
Jesus made 12 promises to Saint Margaret for those who honor His Sacred Heart. Look them up. How can these promises apply to your recovery?
“Be humble towards God and gentle with your neighbor. Judge and accuse no one but yourself, and ever excuse others. Speak of God always to praise and glorify Him, speak of your neighbor only with respect — do not speak of yourself at all, either well or ill” (Saint Margaret Mary Alocoque).
Reflection by Brad Farmer