Book Review: Sacred Fire: Practicing Devotion to the Heart of Jesus

Sacred Fire: Practicing Devotion to the Heart of Jesus
by Philip Michael Bulman
Montgomery Village, MD: Laudate Press, 2014

Sacred Fire: Practicing Devotion to the Heart of Jesus by Philip Michael Bulman offers both a history and a how-to manual of the Sacred Heart Devotion. In Part One, Bulman examines the major apparitions and mystical experiences related to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, beginning with St. Gertrude the Great, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Teresa Margaret of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and then moving on to the devotion of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Teresa of the Andes, and St. Faustina. He also discusses St. Pope John Paul II’s role in promoting the devotion to Divine Mercy, which is an important part of the devotion to the Sacred Heart.  

Part Two focuses on elements of the Sacred Heart devotion. The first is the Eucharist, which is “one of the primary means Jesus uses to pour out the treasures of His Sacred Heart on humanity.” Bulman also explains the importance of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The Litany of the Sacred Heart, which was approved by Pope Leo XIII in 1899, is examined in great detail. The scriptural roots for all thirty-three invocations are provided. Ways to offer reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus are also discussed, as are the promises of the Sacred Heart. 

Sacred Fire is an extremely informative book. Even one familiar with the devotion and its practices will learn more in these pages. Bulman has put together a very organized, thorough treatment of the subject that will inspire increased devotion to the Sacred Heart.