ST. CLAIR SHORES — When John LoVasco, 85, began his ministry, he admits it was slow to start.

“The plane was on the runway,” he says, “but it was stalling.”

A belief in his mission bolstered him and he refused to give up. Fifty years later, the Men of the Sacred Hearts continues to be a flourishing ministry in the Archdiocese of Detroit.

In 1964, LoVasco met Fr. Francis Larkin, SSCC, who encouraged him to begin the Men of the Sacred Hearts apostolate. After viewing a film with him about enthroning homes, schools and businesses to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, LoVasco recalls the film’s end, where Jesus stands with open arms, signifying: “This is not the end. It is the beginning.”

A fire was lit.

“I remember feeling that I had to do something,” he said. He bought the film and a projector and started showing it to groups of friends, businessmen, etc., “but it wasn’t going anywhere.”

He went back to Fr. Larkin, who told him the missing link was to include Our Lady of Fatima. So, LoVasco asked families to allow her into their home for a week at a time, and with that, there was a “greater response” because of the connection between the mothers of the families and the Blessed Mother.

Cardinal John Dearden approved the Men of the Sacred Hearts apostolate in 1964, “and it hasn’t stopped in 50 years,” LoVasco says with a smile.

 

‘Inviting Christ into our homes’

While the apostolate was gaining momentum, LoVasco would also ask the families to join in his ministry. Today, there are 165 members of the Men of the Sacred Hearts.

Those who ask that their businesses be enthroned have a prayer service, along with a picture of the Sacred Heart, which is given to them, and a rosary and prayer cards. By having their businesses enthroned, not only are they publicly recognizing Jesus, but they are encouraging others to seek God into their lives as well.

“We are inviting Christ into our homes and businesses. We let Him down but He doesn’t let us down,” LoVasco said.

Dan Weingartz of Weingartz Supply Co., a local landscaping and snow equipment supplier, agrees. The faith life of this family-owned business is evident through the picture of the Sacred Heart, which hangs on the walls at all five locations. “We did this for His protection. We really need this because there are challenges and we want that guidance,” said Weingartz, a member of St. Lawrence Parish, Utica,

With locations in Utica, Ann Arbor, Cedar Springs, Farmington Hills and Clarkston, Weingartz says, “Everything we do in business is for the glory of God, and it’s a promise we live up to.”

Homes and schools may also be enthroned, LoVasco said. When homes are enthroned, families are given a 3-foot tall statue of Our Lady of Fatima that stays with the family for a week, or longer.

A school enthronement places Jesus as the leader of the school administrators, faculty, staff, and students, and is acknowledged as a friend, guide, counselor and spiritual physician.

So far in 2014, LoVasco has visited 30 homes, with 30 more in waiting, he says. “It’s providential.”

“What motivates you is seeing these results,” he says, “like a garden that doesn’t produce flowers, but then everything blooms.”

 

A family affair

He does admit that he could not have come this far in his ministry had it not been for his devoted wife of 58 years, Catherine.

“Once we became engaged, Catherine put the rosary in my hand and we’ve said it every day since,” LoVasco said.

Catherine LoVasco, 81, nods her head and says, “I prayed that she would send someone to me who would love her as much as I did.”

The couple, members of St. Lucy Parish in St. Clair Shores, still love to dance, but it’s their 10 children, 19 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who keep them busy.

She fully supports her husband in his ministry, and says he is one of the most charitable people she knows. “We shop together on Friday,” Catherine LoVasco says and laughs, “and when we go shopping, I look for him because he is usually showing other women how to choose the good watermelons and cantaloupes.”

LoVasco, who in his early years used to drive a produce route, can tell you a thing or two about a good honeydew — “Look for the ends to be soft at each end,” he says without hesitation.

Their devotion to the apostolate runs deep. “We hope this never stops,” says Catherine LoVasco. “This is so important. Jesus gave directions to St. Margaret Mary that she continue to bring all families to Christ.”

For information, call (586) 264-8550, or visit www.menofthesacredhearts.org.

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Michelle Samartino is a freelance writer.

The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart

Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary between 1673-75. Among the words spoken to her, she heard Jesus make several promises to those who would respond to the pleadings of His heart and make an effort to return to Him. They have come to be known as the 12 Promises:

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.

2. I will give peace in their families.

3. I will console them in all their troubles.

4. They shall find in my heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.

5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.

6. Sinners shall find in my heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.

8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.

9. I will bless the homes in which the image of my Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honored.

10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.

11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in my heart, and it shall never be effaced.

12. The all-powerful love of my heart will grant to all those who shall receive communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace and final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their sacraments; my heart shall be their assured refuge at the last hour.