The First Fridays Devotion: Honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The First Fridays Devotion is a Catholic practice centered on honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus and His immense love for humanity. Rooted in the revelations of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, this devotion invites the faithful to receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months. It is an act of reparation for sins against His Sacred Heart and a profound expression of trust in His mercy.

The Sacred Heart and Its Message

The devotion to the Sacred Heart emphasizes Christ’s deep and personal love for humanity, symbolized by His heart, pierced for our sins. In the Gospels, Jesus expresses His love and invitation for all to come to Him:

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:28-29).

This devotion highlights His desire for repentance, reparation, and closeness with His followers.

Origins of the First Fridays Devotion

The First Fridays Devotion stems from Jesus’ private revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun in France, between 1673 and 1675. Jesus revealed His Sacred Heart to her, surrounded by flames of love, crowned with thorns, and pierced. He expressed sorrow over humanity’s indifference, ingratitude, and sins and called for reparation through prayer, penance, and reception of the Eucharist.

In these visions, Jesus gave St. Margaret Mary twelve promises for those who practice devotion to His Sacred Heart, including the promise of final perseverance:

I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving their Sacraments. My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

How to Fulfill the Devotion

To complete the First Fridays Devotion, one must:

Receive Holy Communion: Attend Mass and receive the Eucharist on the first Friday of nine consecutive months.

Offer the Intention of Reparation: Intend to make reparation for offenses and ingratitude toward the Sacred Heart.

Be in a State of Grace: Ensure that you have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation if necessary, to worthily receive Communion.

Trust in Jesus’ Promises: Approach the devotion with love and confidence in Christ’s mercy.

The Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart

Jesus shared twelve promises with St. Margaret Mary for those who honor His Sacred Heart:

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

2.     I will establish peace in their families.

3.     I will comfort them in all their afflictions.

4.     I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.

5.     I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.

6.     Sinners will find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

7.     Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.

8.     Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.

9.     I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart is exposed and honored.

10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.

11. Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.

12. I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving their Sacraments. My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

These promises reflect the boundless mercy and love of Christ for those who draw near to His heart.

Theological Significance

The First Fridays Devotion is an invitation to enter into a deeper relationship with Christ. By making reparation for sins and receiving the Eucharist with devotion, we unite ourselves to His sacrifice on the cross. It is a call to repentance, humility, and trust in His mercy.

Pope Pius XII, in his encyclical Haurietis Aquas, wrote of the Sacred Heart:

“It is the symbol and sensible image of the infinite love of Jesus Christ, a love which moves us to love in return.”

This devotion fosters a spirit of gratitude and reparation, helping us to live in union with Christ.

Spiritual Benefits

The First Fridays Devotion offers many spiritual blessings:

Increased Grace: Frequent reception of the Eucharist strengthens the soul and deepens intimacy with Christ.

Inner Peace: Trusting in Jesus’ promises brings comfort in times of trial.

Forgiveness and Healing: Reparation for sins brings peace to the heart and renewal in Christ.

Final Perseverance: The devotion assures Christ’s presence at the moment of death for those who complete it with love and faith.

Living the Devotion Today

The First Fridays Devotion is as relevant today as it was in St. Margaret Mary’s time. In a world marked by indifference, sin, and suffering, this devotion calls us to recognize Christ’s love and respond with gratitude, reparation, and trust. It also reminds us of the Eucharist’s central place in our faith, as a source of grace and a sign of Jesus’ presence among us.

A Call to Embrace the Sacred Heart

Through the First Fridays Devotion, Jesus invites us to draw close to His Sacred Heart, a wellspring of mercy and love. By receiving the Eucharist with devotion and making reparation for sins, we can console His heart and experience His transformative love in our lives. Let us answer His call and embrace this devotion, trusting in the promises of the Sacred Heart and striving to live as faithful disciples of His love.