What is the first friday devotion

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) reported visions of Jesus Christ directing her to promote devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on nine consecutive First Fridays in reparation for sins and in order to show love to Jesus. In return for this act of devotion, which usually includes Mass, Communion, and Confession (within 7 days before or after) on the first Friday of the month, our Blessed Savior promised St. Margaret Mary the following blessing:

"In the excess of the mercy of my Heart, I promise you that my all powerful love will grant to all those who will receive Communion on the First Friday, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: they will not die in my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and my Heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour."

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an ancient Catholic devotion wherein the Heart of Jesus is viewed as a symbol of God's boundless and passionate love of mankind.  The earliest known hymn to the Sacred Heart, "Summi Regis Cor Aveto," is believed to have been written by the Norbertine Herman Joseph (d. 1241) of Cologne, Germany. The Hymn begins: " I hail Thee kingly Heart most high."

While it is true that Jesus asked for "nine consecutive" First Fridays, we will be celebrating ALL of the First Fridays... united our heart to His and asking for His mercy for the whole world.