Reading Pope Francis’s encyclical Dilexit Nos

Fr Richard signs his messages to St Paul’s with “In the heart of Jesus.” I confess that devotion to the Sacred Heart has never been part of my prayer routine, but thinking Pope Francis’s latest encyclical Dilexit Nos (He loved us cf. Rom 8:37) has helped me appreciate the beauty and depth of the Sacred Heart.

In this encyclical, Pope Francis addresses what we mean by “the heart,” explores how the New Testament talks about the heart, and discusses the rich theology of Catholic reflection on the heart of Jesus. The Pope has written this reflection not merely as a historical exploration but as an aid for all of us to reflect on how we kindle the love of Christ in our own hearts.

Please join us three Wednesdays this Lent as we discuss this encyclical. We will meet March 26 and April 2 from 6 to 7 pm in Brossart House.

Participants will be asked to have read through sections of the encyclical before each session. We will discuss paragraphs 82-142 for the 26th, and 143-220 for the 2nd. (Please feel free to come if you haven’t gotten a chance to read it!)

Scott Moringiello and his family are parishioners at St Paul's. Scott teaches Catholic Studies at DePaul University in Chicago.

Link: Dilexit nos (24 October 2024) | Francis