In 1672 a young girl from France, now known as Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, was visited by Our Lord in such a special and profound way that would transform the world. This visitation was the spark for the devotion of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was during the many visitations that Christ explained the devotion to the Sacred Heart and how He wanted people to practice it. In order to better realize the infinite love of the Son of God, as manifested in the incarnation, in His Passion and in the adorable Sacrament of the Altar, we needed a visible representation of this love. He then attached many graces and blessings to the veneration of His adorable Sacred Heart.
Twelve Promises to Those Who Hold a True Devotion to His Sacred Heart:
1. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
2. I will give peace to their families and will unite families that are divided.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. I will be their refuge during life and above all in death.
5. I will bestow the blessings of Heaven on all their enterprises.
6. Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall rise quickly to great perfection.
9. I will bless those places wherein the image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored and will imprint My love on the hearts of those who would wear this image on their person. I will also destroy in them all disordered movements.
10. I will give to priests who are animated by a tender devotion to my Divine Heart 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 effaced.
12. THE GREATEST PROMISE – I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate(Receive Holy Communion) on the First Friday in nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence: they will not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their Sacraments. My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.
It is important to note in order to obtain the GREAT PROMISE that the Nine Fridays must be made in honor of Christ’s Sacred Heart, meaning, practicing devotion and having a great love of His Sacred Heart. They must be on the first Friday of the month for nine consecutive months, and Holy Communion must be received. If one were to start on the First Friday and not keep the others then one would have to start over. Many great sacrifices must be made in order to obtain this final promise but the grace when receiving Holy Communion on First Friday is indescribable!