Take Heart!
Do not lose heart!
Behold the sacred heart!
Take Heart! Do not lose heart! Behold the sacred heart!
Third Pastoral Letter by Most Reverend David J. Bonnar
Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown
June 13, 2025
Copyright © 2025 Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. All Rights Reserved.
ON THE COVER
The polychromed wood carving from the Sacred Heart Chapel in Saint Coumba Cathedral portrays Jesus revealing his heart to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. The lips of the Savior are slightly parted, as though speaking to the saint. She shows awe and reverence. The surrounding cherubs disclose the heavenly atmosphere of Saint Margaret Mary’s vision.
Related Bishop Bonnar's Messages
Bishop David J. Bonnar Releases Third Pastoral Letter
The letter is entitled: “Take Heart! Do Not Lose Heart! Behold the Sacred Heart!” It provides prayerful reflections and resources in preparation for an enthronement of the Sacred of Jesus to take place in every church on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
Bishop David J. Bonnar’s Homily for Pope Leo XIV Mass at Saint Columba Cathedral
Bishop David J. Bonnar celebrated a Mass for Pope Leo XIV on Monday, May 12 at Saint Columba Cathedral
Bishop Bonnar writes about the heart in America Magazine
America Magazine published a story written by our very own Bishop David J. Bonnar, titled, “The human heart and the Sacred Heart: What Pope Francis can teach us about a holy devotion.” In this reflection, Bishop Bonnar discusses the human heart, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the human heart, titled Dilexit Nos, and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Jesus gets right to the heart of the matter
February is National Heart Month. It is an intentional time to draw attention to the organ of our heart and all the relationships therein.
Homily | Mass for Peace and Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Bishop Bonnar: Led by our Holy Father, we turn to Mary today, at the same hour, and not only celebrate the joyful mystery of the annunciation but also her influence and intercession on our lives. In a particular way, we lift our hearts in prayer for the people of Ukraine and Russia in what is for us the greatest of prayers, the Holy Mass, and we echo the prayer and desire of our Holy Father that Ukraine and Russia be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To be consecrated is to be set apart for the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
