The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church authoritatively states that “by regeneration and the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the baptized are consecrated to be a spiritual house and a holy priesthood, that through all the works of Christians they may offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim the marvellous works of him who called them out of darkness into his wonderful light (cf. 1 Pt 2:4-10). Therefore all the disciples of Christ, persevering in prayer and praising God (cf. Acts 2:42-47), should offer themselves as a sacrifice, living, holy and pleasing to God (cf. Rom 12:1). They should everywhere on earth bear witness to Christ and give an answer to those who seek an account of that hope of eternal life which is in them” (ibid., n. 10). In facing the challenge of the new evangelization, the Christian who looks upon the Heart of Christ and consecrates himself as well as his brothers and sisters to him, the Lord of time and history, rediscovers that he is the bearer of his light. Motivated by this spirit of service, he cooperates in opening to all human beings the prospect of being raised to their own personal and communal fullness. “From the Heart of Christ, man’s heart learns to know the genuine and unique meaning of his life and of his destiny, to understand the value of an authentically Christian life, to keep himself from certain perversions of the human heart, and to unite the filial love of God with love of neighbour” (Message to the Society of Jesus, 5 October 1986; L’Osservatore Romano English edition, 27 October 1986, p. 7).
Pope John Paul II
Letter On the 100th Anniversary of the Consecration
Of the Human Race to the Divine Heart of Jesus
