Nine First Fridays Devotion to The Sacred Heart of Jesus beginning Friday, Oct 3

You are invited to join us on First Friday mornings every month, starting on October 3, 2025, to participate in a special devotion. We will be starting the Sacred Heart Novena prayer at 7:25 am, followed by a 7:30 am votive Mass, to celebrate the Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Devotion to the Sacred Heart is a centuries-old Catholic practice centered on Jesus’ deep, personal love for each of us. It focuses on His Heart not just as a symbol, but as the real, living source of divine love, mercy, and compassion. Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 1600s and revealed His Heart burning with love, asking her and all of us to “Behold this Heart which has so loved men... and is so little loved in return.” He asked for a special devotion to His Sacred Heart — especially on First Fridays — to make reparation for the sins of the world and to draw souls into His merciful love. This devotion helps us to grow closer to Jesus personally, heart to heart. It helps us find peace, strength and mercy in His presence. Lastly it calls us to respond to His love with love, trust and faithfulness. 

To fulfill the requirements of the Nine First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an individual must also receive Holy Communion on the First Friday of the month for nine consecutive months, go to confession within one week each month of the First Friday, and have the intention of making reparation for the Sacred Heart of for the sins and ingratitude of humanity.  

Jesus made these promises to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque regarding those who practice the Nine First Fridays and have a deep devotion to His Sacred Heart. The Twelve Promises listed below includes the “Great Promise” (number 12).

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life. 
 2. I will establish peace in their homes. 
 3. I will comfort them in all their afflictions. 
 4. I will be their strength during life and above all during death. 
 5. I will bestow a large blessing upon all their undertakings. 
 6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy. 
 7. Tepid souls shall grow fervent. 
 8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection. 
 9. I will bless every place where a picture of my heart shall be set up and honored. 
 10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts. 
 11. Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out. 
 12. I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant all to those who communicate 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.

All are welcome to join us in prayer.    Nine months will bring us to conclude in June, which is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You can find more information about this devotion in the brochures in the atrium and by visiting www.carmelitesistersocd.com/devotion-to-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus