Relics on the Move

Relics on the Move: St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and the Sacred Heart Consecration

Laura Ruberto

03 Jun 2026 • 3 min read

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque enshrined at Paray-le-Monial, France. Photo Credit: Creative Commons.

“June is bustin’ out all over,” as the old musical lyrics effused, and for Catholics in the United States, this June is bursting with graces. First, June is the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Second, the United States is being consecrated to His Sacred Heart on June 11^th. Third, remains of the holy woman who advanced the Sacred Heart devotion, French Visitation Sister St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, began touring the U.S. on June 2^nd -- relics are on the move!

The first-class relics were brought from their Shrine in Paray-le-Monial, France to New York, accompanied by a French Knight of Columbus. The pilgrimage is centered on public veneration, Masses, and prayers in support of the national consecration. The hope is to promote deeper devotion to the Sacred Heart by allowing the faithful to seek St. Margaret Mary’s intercession for spiritual renewal, conversion, and healing.

Who was St. Margaret Mary Alacoque?

St. Margaret Mary (1647–1690) was born poor in Burgundy and had a pious childhood. After a serious illness that left her paralyzed for years—until healed through her vow to the Blessed Virgin Mary—she entered the convent in Paray-le-Monial at age 24. There she lived a life of deep prayer, humility, and obedience.

Exterior of the many-windowed stone Paray-le-Monial Shrine in France. — Paray-le-Monial Shrine in France. Photo Credit: Creative Commons

Beginning in 1673, she received private revelations from Jesus Christ, who shared His Sacred Heart as a symbol of His infinite love and mercy for humanity. Although she faced initial doubts from her community regarding the authenticity of her visions and devotion to the Sacred Heart, these were eventually resolved and approved by the Church.

Practices St. Margaret Mary promoted as requested by Christ, such as Communion on First Fridays, Holy Hour on Thursdays, and acts of reparation, spread worldwide. She is the patroness of devotees of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, those suffering from polio, and individuals who have lost their parents. For her canonization in 1920, two miracles were approved: the instantaneous cure of Louise Agostini-Coleshi from chronic transverse meningo-myelitis and also that of Countess Antonia Artorri from right papillary cancer.

St. Margaret Mary’s remains continue to draw pilgrims seeking healings, favors, and graces in France--and beginning this June, in the United States as well.