SH2 - Introduction to the Sacred Heart, Continued - Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

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Introduction to the Enthronement, Continued – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff

Msgr. John Esseff discusses preparing for Jesus’ presence in the home, the importance of confession, and heart examination, symbolized by the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

He advises creating a dedicated space in the home for these images to foster spiritual unity and devotion within the family. The enthronement ceremony involves professing faith, consecrating the home, and establishing a continuous spiritual connection with Jesus, leading to a transformative and sanctified family life.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

Reflect on the importance of preparation: What steps do you take to prepare your heart for Jesus’ presence in your life?
Confession and spiritual inventory: How can a thorough examination and confession help in receiving Jesus more fully?
External and internal preparation: How do you balance the physical preparation of your home with the spiritual readiness of your heart?
The significance of sacred images: What does the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus symbolize for you and your family?
Family unity in faith: How can your family come together to embrace and live out your faith daily?
The role of the Holy Spirit: How do you invite the Holy Spirit into your heart and home to reveal and cleanse what separates you from God?
Consecration and commitment: What does it mean to consecrate your home and family to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
Living out faith publicly: How can you publicly profess and live out your faith within your community?
The impact of spiritual devotion: How does having a dedicated space for prayer and reflection impact your family’s spiritual life?
Understanding enthronement: How do you understand and explain the significance of the enthronement ceremony to others?

Msgr. John A. Esseff is a Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Scranton. He was ordained on May 30, 1953, by the late Bishop William J. Hafey, D.D. at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Scranton, PA. Msgr. Esseff served a retreat director and confessor to St. Teresa of Calcutta. He continues to offer direction and retreats for the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity around the world. Msgr. Esseff encountered St. Padre Pio, who would become a spiritual father to him. He has lived in areas around the world, serving in the Pontifical Missions, a Catholic organization established by St. Pope John Paul II to bring the Good News to the world especially to the poor. Msgr. Esseff assisted the founders of the Institute for Priestly Formation and serves as a spiritual director for the Institute. He continues to serve as a retreat leader and director to bishops, priests and sisters and seminarians and other religious leaders around the world.