The First Friday of every month is a day when we traditionally honor the Sacred Heart. Our Lord told St. Margaret Mary Alacoque:
“I promise you in the unfathomable mercy of My Heart that My omnipotent love will procure the grace of final penitence for all those who receive Communion on nine successive first Fridays of the month; they will not die in My disfavor, or without having received the Sacraments, since My Divine Heart will be their sure refuge in the last moments of their life.”
“It is no wonder, therefore, that our predecessors have constantly defended this most approved form of devotion — the pious devotion of the faithful toward the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus [and] the custom of receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday of every month at the desire of Christ Jesus, a custom which now prevails everywhere” (Pope Pius XI).
First Fridays–or the yearly Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus–would be wonderful days to consecrate yourself (offer yourself and all aspects of your life) to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and thereafter to renew your consecration.
We are pleased to offer you a consecration prayer written by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the Visitation Nun asked by Our Lord to spread devotion to His Sacred Heart.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, have mercy on us!
What Is the First Friday Devotion?
The First Friday devotion is a monthly practice of honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially through participation in Mass and worthy reception of Holy Communion. It emphasizes gratitude for Christ’s love and reparation for sin and indifference.
The nine First Fridays are traditionally observed on nine consecutive months. The practice should not be treated as a mechanical guarantee; it is an invitation to conversion, perseverance, sacramental life, and deeper trust in the mercy of Christ.
How to Observe First Friday
Prepare for Holy Communion with prayer and, when needed, the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Attend Mass if possible, offer the day in reparation, and spend time thanking Jesus for his love. You may also renew a personal or family consecration to the Sacred Heart.
Our Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus provides a traditional prayer for beginning or renewing this devotion.