If you’ve heard of First Fridays devotion but aren’t entirely sure what it’s about or why it’s important, you’re not alone! It’s one of the beautiful and rich traditions within the Catholic faith, and it carries deep spiritual significance. Whether you’re already familiar with this devotion or are just beginning to learn about it, this post will walk you through the ins and outs of First Fridays devotion and why it’s something worth participating in.
What is First Fridays Devotion?
First Fridays devotion is a practice of honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus by attending Mass and receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month. It’s part of a broader devotion to the Sacred Heart, which has been a significant part of Catholic spirituality for centuries.
What is the History of First Fridays Devotion?
The devotion itself comes with a promise made by Jesus Christ to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the late 17th century. Jesus revealed to St. Margaret Mary the immense love He has for humanity, especially through His Sacred Heart. He promised that those who make a sincere effort to honor His Sacred Heart, particularly through the First Friday devotion, will experience special graces and spiritual benefits. This devotion to the Sacred Heart has been fully approved by the Catholic Church, and Christ gave a ‘Great Promise’ of final repentance to those who faithfully practice the First Fridays Devotion.
The Promises of First Fridays
Jesus gave a set of promises to those who practice the First Fridays devotion in a spirit of love and devotion. These promises include:
- Assistance at the hour of death – Jesus promises that He will give special graces at the moment of death to those who receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of every month for nine consecutive months. This means they will receive the strength and peace to face death with confidence in His love.
- Grace and mercy for the soul – Not only at the hour of death but also throughout one’s life, the person will be blessed with graces to remain faithful to God and be strengthened in times of trial.
- A heart united to the Sacred Heart – Jesus promises to be especially close to those who make an effort to honor His Sacred Heart, bringing them deeper intimacy with Him.
How to Practice the First Fridays Devotion
If you’re thinking about starting the First Fridays devotion, here’s how you can participate:
1. Attend Mass on First Fridays
Every month, you’ll want to attend Mass on the first Friday of the month. This is the central part of the devotion, as you’re honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Eucharist.
2. Receive Holy Communion
Make sure to receive Holy Communion in a state of grace. The Church encourages making a good confession before receiving Communion if you’re aware of any serious sins.
3. Spend Time in Prayer
While the Mass itself is the most important part, spending additional time in prayer, especially before the Blessed Sacrament, is highly encouraged. Offer your prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and ask for His mercy and help in your spiritual journey.
4. Practice Acts of Reparation
In addition to attending Mass and receiving Communion, many people add personal prayers of reparation. These prayers are offered to make up for the sins of others and to console the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who suffers from the indifference and rejection of His love.
The Nine First Fridays
The promises Jesus made to St. Margaret Mary are tied to the practice of receiving Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months.
The nine First Fridays devotion is a way to receive grace and strength to deepen your relationship with Jesus and offer reparation to His Sacred Heart.
Why Should You Practice First Fridays Devotion?
You might be wondering: Why is this devotion so powerful? Well, the Sacred Heart of Jesus represents His great love for humanity, and through this devotion, we’re called to respond to His love. Here’s why you should consider making the First Fridays devotion a regular part of your spiritual life:
1. A Deeper Relationship with Jesus
The First Fridays devotion helps you to grow in your relationship with Jesus, particularly by spending time with Him in the Eucharist. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the heart of Jesus, which is always full of mercy and love.
2. Grace for Your Spiritual Journey
Jesus promised that those who honor His Sacred Heart would receive graces to persevere in faith and to grow in holiness. If you’re looking for spiritual strength and guidance, this devotion is a powerful way to receive it.
3. Peace in Times of Trial
Jesus offers comfort to those who turn to Him in their struggles. The First Fridays devotion is a way of seeking peace and solace from the Sacred Heart, especially during difficult times.
4. The Promise of Assistance at the Hour of Death
For those who complete the nine consecutive First Fridays, there’s the incredible promise that Jesus will be especially near at the moment of death, offering the grace to die in His loving embrace. This is a powerful reason to take up the devotion, knowing it brings great peace and hope.
First Fridays devotion is a beautiful and simple way to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It’s a powerful way to receive spiritual graces, draw nearer to Jesus, and console His Heart with your prayers and devotion. It’s an invitation to enter more deeply into God’s love and to respond with faith, hope, and love.
So, why not start this month? Set aside the first Friday to attend Mass, receive Communion, and offer your prayers of reparation. By doing so, you’ll be joining the countless others who have found peace, strength, and spiritual joy through this beautiful devotion.
Additional Resources
Keep the momentum going—Jesus is calling you deeper. If you’re ready to build a stronger prayer life, these step-by-step guides will help you draw closer to Him through simple, powerful forms of prayer:
- How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet: A simple and beautiful way to entrust yourself and the world to God’s mercy.
- The Ultimate Guide to the Mysteries of the Rosary: Dive deeper into the life of Christ through the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries.
- How to Pray with Ignatian Contemplation: Learn how to pray with Scripture in a way that engages the imagination and heart.
- How to Pray the Rosary: A simple guide to get started (or re-started) with this beloved Catholic devotion.
- Litany of Humility: A Prayer for Lent: A bold and challenging prayer that invites you to follow Christ through surrender and humility.
- How to Pray the Angelus: A daily devotion that marks the Incarnation and sanctifies your day through simple prayer.
- How to Pray: Novenas: Everything you need to know about praying novenas with purpose and confidence.
Give
