The Faith of Spain

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 37, 20 September 1923, Page 19

The Faith of Spain

The diocesan council of the Apostleship of Prayer of Madrid recently decided to make annual commemoration in solemn manner of the consecration of Spain to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, consummated May 30 in the year 1919 by his Majesty the King, assisted by the Royal Family and the Spanish episcopate. The sad condition prevailing in many parts of the world at the present time has induced the council to adopt this resolution to be carried out on the summit of the hill known as the Madonna of the Angels.

The appeal of the council to all Catholics so far as" possible to assist at the Act of Consecration, was answered in a manner highly satisfactory to those in charge. A great throng of Spanish pilgrims came from all over the country to be present on the solemn occasion. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated in the beautiful sanctuary of the Madonna of the Angels, and a great number received Holy Communion at the Mass. The Bishop addressed the pilgrims, taking for his text the words of -Jesus Christ is Judge, Law-giver, and King," and pronounced a most luminous and fervid discourse. He began by recording the fact that four years before that time, his Majesty the King of Spain, prostrate before the Blessed Sacrament, made the solemn consecration of Spain to the fl Heart of Jesus. To-day (said his Grace) his faithful children come to record this act, to ratify it and to consecrate themselves anew to this Most Sacred Heart, to render to It a recognition of the benefits bestowed on the nation, on families, and on individuals, to express confidence Its bounty for future benefits, to receive the benediction of the Sacred Heart for their consolation. After the renewal of the Act of Consecration, the Bishop imparted Benediction.with the Blessed Sacrament, and then distributed "Holy Communion for over an hour to the great throng of pilgrims. . '