An interesting historical anecdote comes to mind on the question of consecrations and the consequences of failing to act. On 17 June 1689, the Sacred Heart of Jesus manifested to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, the great apostle of the Sacred Heart, His command to the King of France (Louis XIV) that the King consecrate France to the Sacred Heart. For 100 years to the day, this seemingly “unimportant” command was ignored. Thus in 1789 did France erupt in a frenzy of bloodshed, a diabolical assault on the Altar and Throne and the ensuing complete disruption of life in France and Europe.
In 1917, Our Lady at Fatima delivered to the world a peace plan. This plan has however in large part been ignored, or shunted sideways. This, despite dire warnings about the threats hanging over humanity for non-compliance, including the prophesied eruption of World War II and the prospect of “annihilation of many nations.” No amount of petitions, reason, appeals or prayers has motivated the last seven popes to honour this request, at least in its fullness.
One is reminded of Our Lord’s words when He appeared to Sister Lucy, one of the Fatima seers, regarding the preceding: “Make it known to My ministers given that they follow the example of the King of France in delaying the execution of my command, like him they will follow him into misfortune.”
Successive French Kings failed to obey Our Lord and the reader will recall that during the Terror of the French Revolution, Louis XVI was guillotined on 21 January 1793. In prison, and finally realising the enormity of his predicament and that of his glorious country, he promised to formally consecrate France in a promissory note he wrote in prison, if Our Lord should restore his freedom. It was however too late…
