The Military Bishop of Argentina, Mons. Santiago Olivera, consecrated the country’s authorities to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during a Mass celebrated in the Cristo Rey chapel of the Government House. The celebration took place on Friday, June 12, the solemnity of the Sacred Heart, and served as an occasion to offer a prayer for the Argentine people.
According to the Military Bishopric of Argentina, the Eucharist was concelebrated by the Vicar General of the Military Bishopric, Mons. Gustavo Acuña, and by the chaplain of the Casa Rosada, Father Bernardo Conte Grand.
A Mass in the Government House
The celebration was held in the Cristo Rey chapel, located in the Casa Rosada, seat of the Argentine Government. Among those present were authorities from the Military Household, personnel and staff who carry out their duties in the Government House.
During the homily, Mons. Olivera reflected on the Gospel in which Christ calls those who are “afflicted and burdened,” presenting it as an invitation to remain in His love.
“Christ Jesus, in You the Fatherland Waits”
The Military Bishop referred to the heart as “the center of all affections” and noted that the Heart of Jesus invites the faithful to remain in Him.
When performing the consecration, Mons. Olivera pronounced the invocation: “Christ Jesus, in You the Fatherland waits,” entrusting the authorities and the Argentine people to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Argentina Was Already Consecrated to the Sacred Heart in 1945
The consecration carried out by Mons. Olivera recalls one of the most significant religious events in 20th-century Argentine history. On October 28, 1945, the nation was officially consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus during the centenary celebrations of the Apostleship of Prayer.
The act was supported by Pius XII, who delivered a radio message to the Argentine faithful gathered in Buenos Aires. The Pontiff described the day as a historic event and stated that “the Argentine Republic, the great American nation, the country of solemn Eucharistic triumphs is now and forever consecrated to the Divine Heart.”
The ceremony took place on the solemnity of Christ the King and concluded several weeks of religious celebrations. In the preceding days, Argentine children and families had been consecrated to the Sacred Heart, culminating finally with the consecration of the entire nation.
In his message, Pius XII explained that a nation consecrated to the Heart of Jesus is a people that seeks to make Christ, His law and His love reign in public and private life. The Pope then asked for Argentina peace, unity and fidelity to the Catholic faith.
Two years later, in 1947, the country was also consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary during the First National Marian Congress held in Luján.