Pope Francis spends significant time in Chapter 4, paragraphs 138-142, fleshing out the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, for whom the Sacred Heart was a fundamental part of her devotional practice in both familial practice and mystical experience. Pope Francis recalls the importance of abandon, trust and confidence in the inexhaustable love of God for each of us, as likened unto a devoted parent whose love gives courage to a precocious toddler.

Each session of Dilexit Nos in a Year begins by breaking open the scriptures and topics covered in order to outline the themes of Pope Francis, and frame our conversations for the weekly discussion for the year ahead. For the next 50 weeks, we will work through four to five paragraphs reading of the text of Dilexit Nos, with opening prayer, and short reflection based upon the paragraphs covered and the prayerful discussions of the questions to ponder together as we reflect on the work of spiritual and communal formation and mission in this Jubilee Year of Hope.

Prayer

Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, embrace my heart.
Fire of the Heart of Jesus, inflame my heart.
Charity of the Heart of Jesus, fill my heart.
Strength of the Heart of Jesus, sustain my heart.
Mercy of the Heart of Jesus, pardon my heart.
Patience of the Heart of Jesus, do not forsake my heart.
Reign of the Heart of Jesus, establish Yourself in my heart.
Wisdom of the Heart of Jesus, teach my heart.
Will of the Heart of Jesus, guide my heart.
Zeal of the Heart of Jesus consume my heart.
Jesus, make our hearts more like your own.

Dilexit Nos - Chapter 4, Paragraphs 138 to 142

The Spirituality of St. Therese of Lisieux

The Carefree Abandon of Saint Therese of Lisieux by Mary-Elizabeth Peters, Ph.D., T. 0. CARM.

Abandonment is the delicious fruit of love - PN 52 by Therese of Lisieux

Office for Evangelization website: www.rcan.org/evangelization
Our original theme music is "Meditation" by Eric Hunter. - www.erichuntermusic.com