I am blessed to be the director of a small Catholic ministry that promotes the Sacred Heart of Jesus and building a life rooted in this devotion. One of the greatest fruits I have seen is marriages being strengthened. A few years back there was a young couple that was newly married that came to a priest on the brink of divorce. They were angry, frustrated and deeply hurt by one another. The priest challenged them to give Jesus nine days of prayer and see if their hearts start to change before walking away, they agreed and even welcomed an image of the Sacred Heart as a focus point and later did the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in their home as well.

Through prayer, repentance for past wounds and selfishness, and a renewed commitment to one another and grow in virtue, they began the slow work of rebuilding their marriage. They came to an important realization: they were working constantly and investing very little into their home life and relationship. When they invited Jesus into the center of their marriage, everything began to change and many years later, they are still together and raising a family.

Mother Teresa once said, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” This truth is especially powerful when it comes to loving your spouse. Strong marriages form strong families—and strong families renew the world.

It is important to say clearly: if you are in an abusive marriage, seek help immediately. The Church supports your safety and dignity. At the same time, we must acknowledge that our culture often does not support marriage. Divorce is frequently presented as an easy solution rather than the last resort. As Catholics, we are called to be rooted in grace and devotion—especially devotions that strengthen us when marriage feels difficult.

Interestingly, research supports what the Church has long taught. According to findings from the Pew Research Center, Catholics have one of the lowest incidences of divorce in the United States, with about 19% reporting divorce, compared to an overall divorce rate of approximately 44%. Even more striking, Catholics who are active in their parishes are significantly less likely to divorced. God has great plans for us, and he desires not only our happiness but our holiness. He wants us to raise a family that is happy, healthy and holy, so we must ditch our vices and live out our vocation with love.

Here are several truths the Sacred Heart reminds us of in times of struggle:

1. Jesus gives us the grace we need

Jesus promises to give us all the graces necessary for our state in life. Marriage is not something we live out alone. When we turn to Him, He supplies what we lack—patience, humility, forgiveness, and perseverance.

2. Make your dwelling in the Heart of Jesus

Jesus told St. Margaret Mary Alacoque:
“Establish your dwelling in the amiable Heart of Jesus and you will find unalterable peace and strength to carry out all your good desires.”
When marriage feels heavy, His Heart becomes our refuge and strength.

3. Be sure your marriage is sacramental and grace-producing

If you are struggling, speak with your priest and bring your difficulties to the Lord. The grace of the Sacrament of Marriage is real and active. We are invited to go to confession, to live out the Church’s teaching on love and marriage, and to remember that marriage is for better or for worse. Often, healing begins by looking inward—asking how we can make our hearts more like the Heart of Jesus.

4. Surround yourself with the right support—and think honestly about the cost of divorce

Ask yourself: Who truly benefits from this divorce? What will be lost?
After speaking with a divorce lawyer, I was struck by the true impact of what happens when a family breaks up.  He affirmed that the losses are immense—especially when it comes to time with children and long-term financial consequences, including retirement. Many couples later regret not trying harder or not seeking the tools needed to strengthen communication and reduce stress. Some seasons of life are simply hard, but with growth in virtue and the right support—such as financial and marriage counseling, addiction recovery, parenting help—many difficulties can pass if the help you seek is aligned with your viewpoint. .

5. Love is not just a feeling that we take lightly

Love is a decision and a commitment that should never be taken lightly. Jesus shows us what love truly looks like—not through emotion alone, but through sacrifice, faithfulness, and self-giving. He loves us consistently, even when it costs Him everything.

Finally, we must remember this: we are all a work in progress. Marriage is a journey of ongoing conversion. The Sacred Heart invites us not to give up, but to keep returning—again and again—to His love, His mercy, His grace, and the eternal hope He offers.

Let us also walk with other couples who may need this guidance. While the Church emphasizes pre-marriage formation, we must also invest in marriage formation—through Catholic retreats, faithful books, strong parish life, and especially consecration and the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

To learn more, visit: welcomeHisHeart.com about devotion to the heart of Jesus or pick up my book, Holy Habits from the Sacred Heart by Ave Maria Press.