The Sacred Heart Miracle: Divine Mercy Amidst Mount Pelée's Fury

The Eruption of Mount Pelée

On May 8, 1902, Ascension Day, the volcano at the peak of Mount Pelée erupted violently, discharging lava and ash that devastated the city of Saint-Pierre in Martinique, leaving it in ruins. In contrast, the village of Morne-Rouge, situated between Saint-Pierre and Mount Pelée, was mysteriously spared from the catastrophe.

Divine Intervention

During the eruption, the inhabitants of Morne-Rouge, who were deeply devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, flocked to their parish church to seek protection. They prayed fervently to Our Lady of Deliverance, hoping for a miracle.

The Eucharistic Miracle

As the volcano erupted, the parish priest, Fr. Mary, responded to the villagers' cries for help by offering general absolution and distributing Holy Communion. He then exposed the Blessed Sacrament for public adoration. During this moment of crisis, a woman in the congregation cried out, "The Sacred Heart of Jesus is in the Host!" Many witnesses reported seeing an apparition of Jesus in the Host, displaying His Sacred Heart crowned with thorns and dripping with His Precious Blood. This vision lasted for several hours and only ceased when the Blessed Sacrament was reposed in the tabernacle.

The Aftermath

The village of Morne-Rouge was miraculously spared from the destruction on May 8, allowing the local population to reconcile with God and receive the sacraments, preparing them to die in a state of grace if necessary. However, on August 30 of the same year, a subsequent violent eruption of Mount Pelée ultimately destroyed Morne-Rouge.

This extraordinary event remains a powerful testament to faith and divine mercy, illustrating how the villagers' devotion and prayer led to a miraculous intervention during a time of great peril.