First Friday Devotion to Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Twelve Promises

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus falls on the Friday after the ...

The First Friday Devotions are a set of devotions created to fulfill the special desire of our Lord Jesus Christ, revealed to Saint Margaret Mary, that the First Friday of each month (nine consecutive months) be consecrated to the devotion and adoration of His Most Sacred Heart. And through this devotion to offer reparations for sins.

According to the words of Christ through His apparitions to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, there are several promises to those that practice the First Friday Devotions:

We find in the book ‘First Friday Devotion’ by Aquinas and More,  a quote of the message that was revealed:

“In the excess of the mercy of my Heart, I promise you that my all powerful love will grant to all those who will receive Communion on the First Fridays, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: they will not die in my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and my Heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour.”

The devotion consists of several practices that are performed on the first Fridays of nine consecutive months. On these days, a person is to attend Holy Mass and receive communion. If the need arises in order to receive communion in a state of grace, a person should also make use of the Sacrament of Confession before attending Mass. In many Catholic communities the practice of the Holy Hour of meditation during the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during the First Fridays is encouraged. These Holy Hours usually conclude with the Benediction, or a blessing of the congregation with the Blessed Sacrament.

THE TWELVE PROMISES

  • I will give them all of the graces necessary for their state of life.
  • I will establish peace in their houses.
  • I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
  • I will be their strength during life and above all during death.
  • I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings.
  • Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.
  • Tepid souls shall grow fervent.
  • Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
  • I will bless every place where a picture of my heart shall be set up and honored.
  • I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
  • Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.
  • I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who shall receive communion on the First Friday in nine consecutive months the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving their sacraments; My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment