First Friday again, and once more an opportunity to let ourselves bathe in the light of the Sacred Heart. In case you may have forgotten or perhaps never knew here is a little word about the First Friday Devotion:
“To those who show him love and who make reparation for sins, however, our Lord made a great pledge: "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 disfavour, or without having received the sacraments, since my divine heart will be their sure refuge in the last moments of their life." The great promise of the Sacred Heart is most consoling: the grace of final perseverance and the joy of having Jesus' heart as our sure refuge and Infinite Ocean of mercy in our last hour.
To gain this grace, we must:
- Receive Holy Communion on nine consecutive first Fridays.
- Have the intention of honouring the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of reaching final perseverance.
- Offer each Holy Communion as an act of atonement for offenses against the Blessed Sacrament.
Let us pray
Almighty and everlasting God, look upon the heart of your well-beloved Son and upon the praise and satisfaction which he offers to you in the name of all sinners; and grant them pardon when they seek your mercy. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. Amen