9 First Fridays Devotion

A Powerful Path of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

What is the Nine First Fridays Devotion?

The Nine First Fridays Devotion is a deeply reverent Catholic practice rooted in the love and mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It involves receiving Holy Communion on the first Friday of nine consecutive months with the intention of making reparation for the offenses committed against the Sacred Heart.

This devotion is a response to a divine invitation. Jesus Himself requested it through His private revelations to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, promising extraordinary graces for those who honor His Sacred Heart in this way.

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A Brief History

In 1673–1675, Jesus appeared multiple times to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun in France. He revealed His Heart as a burning furnace of love for humanity—wounded by indifference, sacrilege, and ingratitude. To repair this damage, He asked for acts of reparation, especially through Holy Communion received on nine consecutive First Fridays.

This request was confirmed by the Church and has been encouraged by many popes, saints, and spiritual leaders since then.

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The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart

To those who practice devotion to His Sacred Heart, Jesus made 12 specific promises—with a special emphasis on the 9 First Fridays. These promises are treasures of divine mercy:

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 secure refuge during life and, above all, in death.
5. I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
9. I will bless every place in which an image of My Heart is exposed and honored.
10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.
12. The all-powerful final promise: I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in My displeasure, nor without receiving the Sacraments. My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in that last moment.

Why It Matters

We live in a world where the Heart of Jesus continues to be wounded—through sin, indifference, and neglect of His Real Presence in the Eucharist. The Nine First Fridays Devotion is a powerful act of reparation, intercession, and love. It not only transforms your heart but consoles the Heart of Christ.

This devotion is also an act of spiritual warfare—breaking spiritual lukewarmness, drawing souls into a deeper relationship with Jesus, and preparing hearts for a holy death.

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How to Do the Nine First Fridays Devotion

To properly observe this devotion, here’s what you must do:

1. Receive Holy Communion

• On the first Friday of nine consecutive months.
• The Communion must be received in a state of grace.
• If needed, go to Confession beforehand (within about 8 days before or after, as long as you're not in mortal sin at the time of receiving).

2. Intend to Make Reparation

• This is the heart of the devotion. Your reception of Holy Communion must be offered in reparation for the sins committed against the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
• You can offer this intention silently before receiving Communion.

3. Stay Consistent

• If even one First Friday is missed, the devotion must start over.
• The graces promised require the full nine consecutive months as a sign of persevering love.

4. Spend Time with Jesus

• While not strictly required, it is highly encouraged to spend time in prayer before the tabernacle or in Adoration.
• Offer prayers of love, thanksgiving, and sorrow for sins that offend His Sacred Heart.

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Why Should I Start Now?

This devotion is an invitation to deepen your relationship with Jesus and to live with eternity in mind. It’s simple, but deeply powerful. If you’ve never completed it, there’s no better time to start than now.

Whether you’re seeking spiritual breakthrough, inner healing, or simply to love Jesus more—this devotion is for you.

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Ready to Begin?

Check your calendar for the next First Friday, and make your intention clear. Go to Confession if needed. And begin your nine-month journey of love and reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Let His Heart become your refuge—and your strength.

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“Behold this Heart which has loved men so much, yet is so little loved in return.”

— Our Lord to St. Margaret Mary