The customary observance of the first Friday of each
month, encouraged by the Church, is based on a promise
made to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690), that
special favors, such as the grace of final perseverance,
would be given to those who received Holy Communion on
nine successive first Fridays.
Our Lord appeared to St. Margaret-Mary Alacoque asking
her to receive Him in Holy Communion on the first Friday of
every month and to meditate on His passion from 11:00
p.m. to 12:00 midnight each Thursday. He also revealed to
her twelve promises for all who are devoted to Most His
Sacred Heart.
1. "I will give them all the graces necessary in their state
of life."
2. "I will establish peace in their homes."
3. "I will comfort them in their afflictions."
4. "I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all
in 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 thee in the excessive mercy of My Heart
that My all-powerful love will grant to all 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 the
Sacraments; My Divine Heart shall be their safe
refuge in this last moment."