US Bishops to consecrate America to Sacred Heart of Jesus for 250th anniversary

By Devin Watkins

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will hold its 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, Florida, on June 10-12.

As part of their assembly, the Bishops will concelebrate Mass and consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The act of consecration will take place on Thursday, June 11, and the Bishops will hear reflections on the Sacred Heart ahead of the Mass.

The consecration comes as the US celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4.

The initiative hopes to encourage broader Catholic participation in the commemoration, and will be livestreamed on the USCCB YouTube channel.

Parishes and individual Catholics are being invited to take part through 250 Hours of Adoration and/or 250 Works of Mercy to prepare for the consecration.

In 2024, the late Pope Francis released his encyclical Dilexit nos (He loved us) on the human and divine love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, highlighting the devotion as an antidote to modern superficiality.

Spring Plenary Assembly

The USCCB’s Spring Plenary Assembly will include public sessions on June 10 and 11, which will also be livestreamed, according to a press release.

Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City will open the public portion of the plenary with an address, marking his first as President of the USCCB.

Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, is also expected to address the Bishops.

The US Bishops are expected to vote on several items, including the causes of canonization of Msgr. Joseph Francis Buh and John Rick Miller.

The Committee on Divine Worship will present parts of a new edition of the Lectionary for Mass, as well as the 2025 Roman Missal–Liturgy of the Hours Supplement, for the Bishops’ approval.

The Bishops will also discuss a revision to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, addressing elements they have identified as requiring further development.

According to the press release, the revision underscores the Bishops’ “continued commitment to addressing the prevention of abuse and ensuring the structures continue to be in place to respond to allegations.”

The Committee for the Protection of Children and Young People says the proposed changes attempt to balance sensitivity to victim-survivors with an awareness of due-process, rights of the accused, and Canon Law.

As the Church moves toward World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, the Bishops are expected to talk about the US Church’s participation.

They will also hear updates on Catholic prison ministry, implementation of the Synod, and engagement with the Intercontinental Guadalupan Novena, which begins on December 12.