The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the "stop": history of a devotion

The Sacred Heart of Jesus represents Christ's love for humanity. It is one of the most widespread devotions in the Catholic world and has given rise to a very traditional piece: the "detente".

Khartes Medals

The Sacred Heart of Jesus, turned into jewelry

Sacred Heart of Jesus Scapular€55I want itSacred Heart Bracelets (Detente)€35I want itSacred Heart of Jesus Enamel and Lapis Lazuli Medal€65I want it

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Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pompeo Batoni, 1767 (Wikimedia Commons, public domain)

History of the devotion

The devotion to the Heart of Jesus has existed since the Middle Ages, but spread especially from the 17th century thanks to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun from Paray-le-Monial who, between 1673 and 1675, claimed to have received several revelations from Christ showing her his heart. Its feast is celebrated on the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi.

What is a detente

The detente is a small emblem with the image of the Sacred Heart and the phrase "Stop, the Heart of Jesus is with me". It was worn sewn to clothing or hung around the neck as a sign of protection against evil and danger.

Our Sacred Heart medals

Enamel and lapis lazuli Enamel and natural pearls Red enamel and pearls Scapular Detente Bracelets Enamel bracelet

Fun facts

• During the 1720 plague epidemic in Marseille, nuns distributed detentes to the population, and their use spread throughout Europe.
• In Spain, many soldiers wore the detente sewn to their uniform for protection.
• In 1919 Spain was consecrated to the Sacred Heart on the Cerro de los Ángeles, in Getafe, considered the geographical center of the peninsula.
• The image of the heart with flames, thorns, and a cross has also become an icon of design and fashion.

Facts you can check

• On May 14, 1733, in Valladolid, the young Jesuit Bernardo de Hoyos claimed to have received this promise from Christ: "I will reign in Spain and with more veneration than in other places". He died in 1735, at the age of 24, and was beatified in Valladolid in 2010. Source
• Pope Leo XIII, with the encyclical Annum Sacrum (May 25, 1899), decreed the consecration of all humanity to the Sacred Heart. The consecration was prayed on June 11 of that year. Source
• The first monument on the Cerro de los Ángeles was inaugurated by Alfonso XIII on May 30, 1919. It was destroyed on August 7, 1936, and the current one, with an 11.5-meter image, was consecrated on June 25, 1965. Source
• In 2024 Pope Francis dedicated his encyclical Dilexit nos ("He Loved Us"), dated October 24, to the Heart of Jesus. Source

Why give a Sacred Heart piece as a gift

It is a gift to entrust to someone starting a new stage, going on a trip, or going through a difficult time. Our "detente" bracelets, scapulars, medals, and Sacred Heart earrings are also colorful pieces to wear every day.

Sacred Heart Pendant
€40

Enamel cross medal
€49

Discover our scapulars, Sacred Heart and crosses, designed by us and handmade in Spain.