By Pamela Seal
Diocese of Lake Charles
LAKE CHARLES — In solidarity with U.S. bishops, The Most Reverend Glen John Provost, Bishop of Lake Charles, consecrated the United States to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on Thursday, June 11, 2026, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Diocesan Consecration Mass took place at 6:00 p.m. in what is considered an historic moment in the life the Church as the United States of America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year.
Bishop of Lake Charles, lights the candle to be placed
on the Sacred Heart of Jesus side altar during the
Diocesan Consecration Mass on Thursday, June 11,
2026, in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
(Photography credit: Victoria Watson)
Earlier in the day, as many U.S. bishops gathered for their spring plenary assembly in Orlando, Florida, they consecrated the Church in the U.S. to the Sacred Heart, entrusting people, families, and communities of our nation to the Lord’s abundant mercy and healing love.
Several hundred faithful parishioners, clergy, and seminarians participated locally in the Diocesan Consecration Mass to join in prayer for the nation.
by Bishop Provost at the feet of the Sacred
Heart of Jesus statue.
(Photography credit: Victoria Watson)
“I wish to express my gratitude to all of you for joining me in this consecration,” Bishop Provost said in remarks to the congregation. “As we celebrate this consecration of our country to the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord, may He continue to protect this great nation and be always present to us as we strive to fulfill God’s will and to live up to the principles and ideals that He has revealed to us through His Son.”
Bishop Provost said in his homily, “Our nation has prospered in large part from the presupposition of God’s blessing and a faith that somehow its destiny is part of God’s plan.”
He noted that if people experience a loss of confidence in what many call the “American dream,” then perhaps this is due in large part to a loss of faith in God.
participate in the Diocesan Consecration Mass
in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
on June 11, 2026. (Photography credit: Victoria Watson)
The Act of Consecration was prayed moments after Bishop Provost lit the candle that was placed on the Sacred Heart of Jesus side altar.
A Pastoral Letter on the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was shared by His Excellency, Bishop Provost on the diocesan website and Facebook page. It was also read at all weekend Masses June 13-14.
In his letter titled, “Heart Speaks to Heart,” the bishop said that the Consecration of our Nation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is an important moment to bring about conversion.
“This conversion will not be dramatic. It will occur all in good time, in the way that God intends,” Bishop Provost wrote. “We must not be discouraged but rather optimistic that the Heart of Christ will prevail.”
To live out this historic occasion of the Catholic Church in our homes and parishes, the faithful are encouraged to:
- Spend time in Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament
- Pray a Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Display the Sacred Heart image in a prominent place in your home
- Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Offer a prayer of reparation for our nation’s healing and unity
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
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