St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690) was a French nun and mystic who played a significant role in promoting the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Her life is a profound example of holiness, marked by extraordinary spiritual experiences and deep love for Christ.
Early Life
Margaret Mary was born on July 22, 1647, in the village of Verosvres, Burgundy, France, into a pious and relatively affluent family. Her father was a notary, but his untimely death when Margaret Mary was eight led to a difficult period for the family, who suffered from financial hardships and were mistreated by relatives. Despite these difficulties, Margaret Mary developed a deep devotion to prayer and the Blessed Sacrament from a young age. She experienced a serious illness as a child, which left her bedridden for years; during this time, she made a private vow to the Blessed Virgin Mary that if she were healed, she would dedicate herself to religious life.
Vocation and Religious Life
Margaret Mary recovered from her illness around the age of fifteen, and her devotion deepened. Although initially hesitant to enter the convent due to family responsibilities and her own doubts, she eventually decided to pursue her vocation. In 1671, she entered the Visitation Convent at Paray-le-Monial, a congregation founded by St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane Frances de Chantal. Here, she took the religious name “Sister Margaret Mary.”
Mystical Experiences and Devotion to the Sacred Heart
Margaret Mary was favored with a series of mystical visions of Christ, which began in December 1673. In these apparitions, Our Lord revealed His Sacred Heart to her, burning with love for humanity but wounded by indifference and ingratitude. Jesus expressed His desire for a special devotion to His Sacred Heart, emphasizing acts of reparation, frequent Communion, especially on the First Fridays, and the observance of a Holy Hour.
The most famous of these apparitions occurred on June 16, 1675, when Christ showed her His Heart, surrounded by thorns and flames, and said, “Behold this Heart which has so loved men that It has spared nothing, even exhausting and consuming Itself, to prove Its love for them. And in return, I receive from most nothing but ingratitude.” He asked that a feast be established to honor His Sacred Heart, which would be observed on the Friday following the octave of Corpus Christi.
Challenges and Triumphs
The message of devotion to the Sacred Heart was not initially well received. Many within her own community were skeptical, and she endured opposition and even ridicule. However, her spiritual director, the Jesuit Father Claude de la Colombière, became a key supporter. He recognized the authenticity of her mystical experiences and helped her promote the devotion. Over time, the practice spread, especially through the efforts of the Jesuits and the Visitation Sisters.
Death and Legacy
St. Margaret Mary lived a life of humility and suffering, accepting her trials as a share in the Passion of Christ. She died on October 17, 1690, at the age of 43, after a prolonged illness. Her sanctity was widely acknowledged, and her influence continued to grow posthumously, especially as the devotion to the Sacred Heart gained widespread acceptance.
She was beatified in 1864 by Pope Pius IX and canonized in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV. The Feast of the Sacred Heart became a universal feast of the Church in 1856, affirming the importance of her mission. St. Margaret Mary is remembered for her deep devotion, her role in spreading the love for the Sacred Heart, and her example of enduring faith amidst trials. Her body rests in the Visitation Chapel in Paray-le-Monial, which has become a pilgrimage site for those devoted to the Sacred Heart.
Spiritual Impact
St. Margaret Mary’s revelations and teachings on the Sacred Heart foster a deeper understanding of Christ’s infinite love for mankind, inviting the faithful to respond with love, reparation, and trust. Her legacy is an invitation to embrace the love of Christ and to offer one’s life in union with His Sacred Heart.