By Francesca Pollio Fenton
CNA Staff, Jan 13, 2025 / 12:20 pm
Embark on a spiritual journey with the Knights of Columbus Pilgrim Icon Program, which has been spreading sacred images to Catholic parishes worldwide for over 45 years. The latest addition to this program is the Pilgrim Icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, unveiled during a moving Holy Hour at St. Mary Church in New Haven, Connecticut on Jan. 3.
Attendees at the Holy Hour were able to behold an icon portraying the Sacred Heart of Jesus, originally painted by Pompeo Batoni in 1767. This reproduction, one of over 300 icons blessed by Pope Francis, is now traveling globally as part of the Knights’ Pilgrim Icon Program.
The original image, revered in the Church of the Gesú in Rome, holds significant spiritual value.
The launch ceremony for the new icon included readings from Scripture, reflections from Pope Francis on the Sacred Heart, the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, prayers to the Sacred Heart, and a time for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
This introduction of the new icon coincides with the release of Pope Francis’ fourth encyclical, Delixit Nos, centered on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Reflecting on this, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly remarked, “In many ways, Dilexit Nos can serve as a mission statement for the Knights of Columbus in today’s world. The pope recognizes the fractures in our society, yet highlights the unifying power of Christ’s heart as a beacon of hope and unity.”
