The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has approved by a wide majority the consecration of the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a gesture that will take place in June 2026 on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
During the first day of the fall plenary assembly, the bishops voted 215 to 8 in favor of the proposal presented by Bishop Kevin Rhoades, bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend and chairman of the Committee on Religious Liberty. Seven other bishops abstained, as reported by the conference itself.
The consecration will take place on June 12, 2026, the last day of the USCCB’s spring assembly in Orlando (Florida), a date that coincides with the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and is just weeks before the United States Semiquincentennial.
It will be the first time that the country is consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Christ.
Renew devotion and recognize Christ’s kingship
After the vote, the USCCB published a message on X highlighting the spiritual dimension of the act:
“Through this consecration, the bishops seek to renew devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and recognize Christ’s kingship, perfecting the temporal order with the spirit of the Gospel”.
The vote was secret, so it is not known which bishops opposed or abstained. On social media, some users have speculated that the prelates who did not participate might be Eastern Catholic bishops, whose liturgical tradition does not include devotion to the Sacred Heart. Even so, it is noteworthy that eight bishops voted against an initiative of this kind. The USCCB did not respond to inquiries about these dissenting votes.
Spiritual preparations in all dioceses
In the months prior to the consecration, the bishops will promote various devotional practices to involve the faithful. Among the proposals are carrying out 250 works of mercy, dedicating 250 hours of Eucharistic adoration, or participating in a novena prepared specifically for this occasion.
Pastoral materials and prayers will also be developed to facilitate the participation of dioceses and parishes throughout the country.