US Catholic Bishops to Consecrate America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops will hold its 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, Florida, from June 10 to June 12, with one of the major highlights being the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The act of consecration is scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 11, during a Mass concelebrated by the bishops. Ahead of the ceremony, reflections on devotion to the Sacred Heart will also be presented.
The initiative coincides with preparations for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026.
According to the bishops, the consecration is intended to encourage wider Catholic participation in the national commemoration and deepen spiritual reflection across the country.
The event will be livestreamed on the USCCB’s YouTube channel, while Catholic parishes and individuals are being encouraged to participate through “250 Hours of Adoration” and “250 Works of Mercy” as part of spiritual preparations.
In 2024, the late Pope Francis released an encyclical titled Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), focusing on the human and divine love represented by the Sacred Heart of Jesus and presenting the devotion as a response to modern-day superficiality and spiritual emptiness.
The Spring Plenary Assembly will feature public sessions on June 10 and 11, which will also be available via livestream.
Paul Coakley is expected to open the public session with his first address as President of the USCCB.
Also expected to address the bishops is Gabriele Giordano Caccia.
During the assembly, the bishops are expected to vote on several matters, including the canonization causes of Msgr. Joseph Francis Buh and John Rick Miller.
The Committee on Divine Worship will also present sections of a revised edition of the Lectionary for Mass and the 2025 Roman Missal–Liturgy of the Hours Supplement for approval.
Another major topic expected at the gathering is a proposed revision of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, aimed at strengthening abuse prevention measures and improving structures for handling allegations within the Church.
According to the bishops, the proposed changes seek to balance care for survivors with respect for due process, the rights of the accused and Canon Law.
The bishops are also expected to discuss preparations for World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, as well as updates on Catholic prison ministry, Synod implementation efforts and participation in the Intercontinental Guadalupan Novena scheduled to begin on December 12.
