First Friday Devotion

The First Friday Devotion is a Catholic practice of attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It arises from Jesus’ revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, where He expressed His desire to pour out His mercy and love on souls and to make reparation for the ingratitude and coldness shown to His Sacred Heart.

sacred heart of jesus devotion

  • Origin:

Between 1673–1675, Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and revealed the depths of His love symbolized by His Sacred Heart. In these visions, Jesus asked for acts of love, reparation, and devotion. The request for the Nine First Fridays was part of this message, with the promise of special graces for those who practice it with devotion and repentance.

 

  • Purpose:

The First Friday Devotion has three main purposes:

1. Reparation

To console the Heart of Jesus, wounded by sin, indifference, and forgetfulness, and to make reparation (Acts of love, Eucharistic devotion, sacrifices).

2. Growth in Love

To draw souls closer to Jesus’ Heart, experiencing His mercy and tenderness.

3. Renewal of Faith

To encourage habitually receiving the Eucharist, confession, and a deeper relationship with Christ.

 

  • How to Practice the First Friday Devotion:

To fulfill the devotion faithfully:

1. Receive Holy Communion

On the first Friday of nine consecutive months.
The Communion must be offered in reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

2. State of Grace

You must be in a state of grace when receiving Communion.
Confession does not need to be on Friday itself but should be reasonably close, especially if needed.

3. Intention of Reparation

Offer the Communion specifically:
“In reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”

Optional (but very beneficial):

 

  • Spiritual Value:

Catholics throughout the centuries highlight the spiritual fruits associated with the devotion:

1. Deepening intimacy with Christ

The devotion fosters a personal relationship with Jesus, centred on His sacrificial love.

2. Renewal of the heart

Regular confession and Communion help purify the soul, forming habits of virtue.

3. Graces promised by Jesus

Among the “12 Promises” given to St. Margaret Mary, the most well-known is:

    • “The grace of final repentance.”
      Jesus promised that those who complete the nine First Fridays will not die without receiving the sacraments and the graces necessary for salvation.

4. Peace within the family and home

Many promises pertain to households, such as bringing peace, healing spiritual wounds, and protecting the faithful.

5. Growth in Eucharistic devotion

Since the devotion centres on Communion, it reinforces love for the Holy Eucharist.

 

  • When to Pray:

    • Every First Friday of the month

    • Particularly meaningful during June, the Month of the Sacred Heart

    • In times when you seek mercy, renewal, or healing

 

  • The Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart:

Jesus gave St. Margaret Mary 12 promises for those devoted to His Sacred Heart. Some of the most cherished include:

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

    2. I will bring peace to their homes.

    3. I will comfort them in all their afflictions.

    4. I will be their secure refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.

    5. I will bless every place where an image of My Heart is exposed and honoured.

    6. Sinners will find in My Heart an infinite ocean of mercy.

    7. The lukewarm will become fervent.

    8. Fervent souls will quickly rise to great perfection.

    9. I will bless abundantly every work undertaken out of love for Me.

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

    11. Those who spread this devotion will have their names written in My Heart.

    12. The Great Promise: The grace of final perseverance.

    • Jesus promised that those who receive Communion on nine consecutive First Fridays, with the proper dispositions, “will not die in My displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments.”

(This does not guarantee salvation magically; the devotion disposes the soul to repentance and fidelity.)