THE NINE FIRST FRIDAYS DEVOTION: THE PROMISES OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
The Nine First Fridays devotion is a cherished practice of the Church that draws us into the compassionate and merciful Heart of Jesus. More than a ritual, it is a response to Christ’s longing for love and reparation, a way of consoling His Heart wounded by sin and indifference, and a path of grace leading us deeper into union with Him.
A Brief History of the DevotionThe devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus took clearer form in the 17th century through the revelations of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun in Paray-le-Monial, France. Jesus showed her His Heart aflame with love for humanity, lamenting the coldness and ingratitude He received in return. He asked for acts of reparation and, in particular, the practice of receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months, promising special graces to those who fulfilled this request.
The Nine First Fridays PromisesAmong the twelve promises Jesus gave to St. Margaret Mary, the following are traditionally associated with those who observe the Nine First Fridays devotion:
1️⃣ I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.2️⃣ I will establish peace in their homes.3️⃣ I will comfort them in their afflictions.4️⃣ I will be their secure refuge during life, and especially at the hour of death.5️⃣ I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.6️⃣ Sinners will find in my Heart an infinite ocean of mercy.7️⃣ Tepid souls shall become fervent.8️⃣ Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.9️⃣ I will bless every place in which an image of my Heart is exposed and honored.🔟 I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.1️⃣1️⃣ Those who promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart, never to be blotted out.1️⃣2️⃣ I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Communion on the First Fridays for 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 that last moment.
How to Practice the Devotion 1. Receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months. 2. Offer each Communion in reparation for the offenses against the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 3. Go to Confession if needed (within about eight days before or after) to receive Communion in a state of grace.
A Final ThoughtThe Nine First Fridays devotion is an invitation to console the Heart of Jesus and to let His love transform our hearts. It is a pathway of mercy, trust, and hope—a promise that, in His Sacred Heart, we will always find refuge, strength, and the grace to persevere to the end.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
A Brief History of the DevotionThe devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus took clearer form in the 17th century through the revelations of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun in Paray-le-Monial, France. Jesus showed her His Heart aflame with love for humanity, lamenting the coldness and ingratitude He received in return. He asked for acts of reparation and, in particular, the practice of receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months, promising special graces to those who fulfilled this request.
The Nine First Fridays PromisesAmong the twelve promises Jesus gave to St. Margaret Mary, the following are traditionally associated with those who observe the Nine First Fridays devotion:
1️⃣ I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.2️⃣ I will establish peace in their homes.3️⃣ I will comfort them in their afflictions.4️⃣ I will be their secure refuge during life, and especially at the hour of death.5️⃣ I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.6️⃣ Sinners will find in my Heart an infinite ocean of mercy.7️⃣ Tepid souls shall become fervent.8️⃣ Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.9️⃣ I will bless every place in which an image of my Heart is exposed and honored.🔟 I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.1️⃣1️⃣ Those who promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart, never to be blotted out.1️⃣2️⃣ I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Communion on the First Fridays for 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 that last moment.
How to Practice the Devotion 1. Receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months. 2. Offer each Communion in reparation for the offenses against the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 3. Go to Confession if needed (within about eight days before or after) to receive Communion in a state of grace.
A Final ThoughtThe Nine First Fridays devotion is an invitation to console the Heart of Jesus and to let His love transform our hearts. It is a pathway of mercy, trust, and hope—a promise that, in His Sacred Heart, we will always find refuge, strength, and the grace to persevere to the end.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.