In this revised, updated edition of
Heart of the Redeemer,
Timothy O'Donnell synthesizes years of research to provide a thorough
presentation of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He examines the
doctrinal roots of the devotion in Scripture and in documents from the
Apostolic and Patristic Ages; charts its growth and development through
the Middle Ages; explains the enormous contribution of St. Margaret Mary
Alacoque; and presents magisterial teaching on the subject, including
statements from Vatican Council II, recent popes, and the
Catechism of the Catholic Church. The book also includes images illustrating the development of the devotion.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a response to the tremendous love of
Christ as symbolized by his human heart pierced on Calvary. At the core
of Catholic spiritual life, the devotion is a key to effective renewal
of the Church and the world. Those who have not yet embraced this
devotion—or who want to understand it more deeply and practice it more
fully--will discover its profound richness and beauty in Heart of the Redeemer.
