this day. Sacred Heart Fires are lit in the Bozen (Bolzano) area of Italy, among others. Since 2002, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is also a special day of prayer for the sanctification of priests. In 2009, the feast marked the beginning of a "Year for Priests". Dates The feast is celebrated on the third Friday after Pentecost, the first one after the former octave of Feast of Corpus Christi. The earliest possible date is May 29, as in 1818 and 2285. The latest possible date is July 2, as in 1943 and 2038. Therefore, it is the last feast date of the year dependent on the date of Easter. Recent dates through to 2030: – – See also Prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart References Catholic holy days May observances June observances July observances Holidays based on the date of Easter