The First Friday Devotion was given to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque by Jesus who also gave her the Twelve Promises.
We are fortunate that we and our children were able to complete this devotion at least once. We helped each the children make all nine Fridays after their First Communions. Even though we can always improve our devotion in the future, it is neat to know that all of us have been able to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus in this way.
The Sacred Heart coloring page is fun for the Feast of the Sacred Heart which is on the second Friday after Trinity Sunday; or during June, which is the Month of the Sacred Heart.
This devotion is also great for teaching how much Jesus loves children.
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Every once in awhile it is good to refresh children's memory about the First Friday Devotion, especially when you've skipped a First Friday. Good Sacred Heart activities include:
Because He loves us so much, Jesus chose St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a simple nun, to spread devotion to His Sacred Heart.
Through several apparitions He taught her a devotion that was to become known as the Nine First Fridays and the Holy Hour of Reparation to His Sacred Heart.
He also asked that the feast of the Sacred Heart be established.
Eventually she received the support of Blessed Claude La Colombiere, the community's confessor for a time, who declared that the visions were genuine.
On top of trying to keep the First Friday devotion, you can have a family holy hour that you keep at a regular time each week or month. For years and years we've had our holy hour right after Saturday morning Mass.
It's been a great way for our family to remember the First Saturday devotion. It has helped all our children make both devotions.
As our older children have gotten their driver licenses, they've been able to help us cover that hour more easily.
Perhaps you can do the same? It's wonderful to have this as a family habit to have help remembering the right weekend.
My favorite reference to the devotions for First Friday are in the New Marian Missal right after the Ordinary of the Mass.
It includes the eleven wonderful Promises that Jesus gave to St. Margaret Mary and the nine First Fridays promise.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Let us pray. May Thy Holy Spirit, we beseech Thee, Lord, enkindle in our hearts that fire which our Lord Jesus Christ came to cast on earth and desired so earnestly to see enkindled.
R. Amen.
Jesus made these promises to those who consecrate themselves and make reparation to His Sacred Heart:
Go to Confession and Communion on the first Friday of each month for nine consecutive months and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.
As with most devotions that parishes practice, this First Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart should be made publicly. This is the Mass to attend if you are starting your nine First Fridays.
If there is no such public devotion, make the devotion privately; going to Confession and Communion and pray for the intentions of the reigning Pope.
We post a reminder in our near monthly ezine. Would you like a reminder of upcoming First Fridays and Saturdays?
These should help warm our First Friday devotion to His Sacred Heart:
Consecrate yourself personally to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and recite the Consecration prayer daily for One Fold and One Shepherd.
Participate in the Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion daily if possible for with the intention to make Reparation.
Offer a Holy Hour once a week for Reparation; and encourage others to do the same.
Consider yourself encouraged. :-)
Sources:
The Mass on the feast of the Sacred Heart is beautiful!
Isa Grimer in England has a wonderful website that explains the Holy Hour and Father Mateo Crawley-Boevey's Enthronement to the Sacred Heart in the home and his monthly night adoration in the home.
Fr. Mateo was also devoted to St. Margaret Mary Alaquoque after his visit to her tomb. The story is wonderful and the books on his work and life read like a thrilling adventure. May God grant us many more such valiant priests.
For more information see Isa's very informative Sacred Heart Holy Hour website here.
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