Dear Pastors, Religious Superiors, Other Parish Administrators and Staff; as well as all Clergy, Religious, and Lay Faithful in the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama: 

As you may know, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has announced that on June 11, the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, and in view of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Bishops of the United States of America will consecrate the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

I look forward to being at the USCCB June meeting and taking part in the act of consecration-and in returning to our Diocese soon after to celebrate with you here, as well. And that is why I am writing to you today. In order that we may suitably commemorate these important events as a Diocese also, I am pleased to issue the following.

DECREE 

In view of the pastoral advantage for the faithful and the benefit to our local Church in joining itself to the solemn act to be undertaken by the Bishops of the United States: 

In accordance with no. 58 of the General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar and no. 374 of the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, in all Roman Catholic churches, chapels, and oratories of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama where Sunday Mass is celebrated with members of the faithful present, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart is to be transferred for this year only from Friday, June 12 to Sunday, June 14. The anticipated Mass in the late afternoon or evening on Saturday, June 13 should also be that of the Sacred Heart. The color white (or gold/silver) should be used. 

In religious orders or other families of religious of Pontifical Right located in the Diocese that open their conventual Masses and other offices to the local faithful and visitors, the competent superior may choose between following their particular calendar during the time mentioned or making use of this special provision. All other special cases will be addressed on an individual basis. 

In locations where, according to Traditionis custodes and complementary diocesan norms, celebrations in the usus antiquior are held, I note that rubric no. 358 of the 1962 Missale Romanum grants by right an external solemnity for the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Therefore, the feast should be celebrated on Sunday, June 14 also in those locations.

Those bound to the recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours (LotH) and affected by this transfer should pray, if possible, the office for Friday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time on Friday, June 12; then, beginning with First Vespers on Saturday evening and continuing through Sunday, they should pray the office for the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. However, it is understood that many now pray using apps like iBreviary, which may not easily facilitate such changes. In those cases, the immemorial principle, offfcium pro offfcio sufficit (one office suffices for another), should be recalled. Do your best; as long as you have prayed from an approved translation of the LotH on both those days, you shall have fulfilled your obligation. 

Finally, concerning any evening Nuptial Masses already scheduled for Saturday, June 13 after the Anticipated Mass (for the Sacred Heart) of Sunday has already been celebrated: given the timing of this decree and wedding plans already made in some parishes, I permit celebrants to use the Ritual Mass for Holy Matrimony all the same, notwithstanding the usual precept that on a Solemnity, Ritual Masses are forbidden. To the extent necessary, in accordance with c. 87 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law, I dispense from the relevant liturgical law in this regard.

Anything to the contrary notwithstanding. 

Thank you for joining me in this important and special commemoration. Please note that in due time, a section of the diocesan web site will be set up for this local celebration, including additional resources and indications in both English and Spanish.

Given at the Chancery in Birmingham on the 28th day of April in the year of the Lord 2026.