Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque was born into a wealthy family in Burgundy, France, on July 22, 1647. Her parents were fervent Catholics, but were initially reluctant to allow their daughter to become a nun. However, at the age of five, Margarida took a vow of chastity and consecrated herself to the Lord.

At the age of 24, after overcoming her parents' resistance, she finally managed to enter the Order of the Visitation, founded by Saint Francis de Sales. When taking her vows as a nun, Margaret added the name Maria due to the visions she had. However, her mystical experiences were a source of doubt and ridicule from many of the nuns and superiors.

Despite ridicule and disbelief, Margarida remained in the order for more than twenty years, experiencing extraordinary graces, but also facing penance and mortification. She always faced these challenges with a smile on her lips.

During this period, its spiritual director, the Jesuit Claude de la Colombière, recognized the charisma of the saints in Margarida. He instructed her to write down her mystical experiences in an autobiography. Margarida, initially reluctant, agreed and continued writing, without realizing the value of what she was expressing in these pages.

From 1673 onwards, Margaret began to receive visits from Jesus. He asked her to promote devotion to his Sacred Heart, which appeared to him as a radiant sun, with an adorable wound, surrounded by thorns and crowned by a cross on a throne of thorns. These visions gave rise to the iconography of the Sacred Heart that we know today.

Due to her effort in establishing the liturgical feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, celebrated on the eighth day after Corpus Christi, Margarida received a great promise from Jesus. He stated that those who received communion for nine consecutive months on the first Friday of each month would receive the gift of final penance, that is, they would die receiving the sacraments and without sin.

Jesus also asked Margaret to appeal to the King of France, Louis XIV, to consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart. However, she received no response from the sovereign.

Margaret continued to have appearances of Jesus for another 17 years, until the day of her death. She was called by Him “beloved disciple” and shared secrets of His heart with her. Margarida Maria Alacoque died on October 17, 1690.

Thanks to her, a sanctuary dedicated to the Sacred Heart, called Sacre Coeur, was built in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris between 1875 and 1914. This sanctuary was consecrated in 1919.

Margaret was beatified by Pius IX, in 1864, and canonized by Benedict XV, in 1920. Her legacy continues to this day, being an inspiration for the faithful who seek to get closer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Margarida’s words resonate in our hearts: “My heart will expand to abundantly spread the fruits of your love on those who honor me.”