First Friday Traditional Latin Mass
December 6, 2019 6:00pm in St Stephen Church

Margaret Mary Alacoque was born on 22 July, 1647 and died on 17 October, 1690. From her early childhood Margaret showed intense love for the Blessed Sacrament, and preferred silence and prayer to childish amusements.

Throughout her life Margaret found consolation in the Blessed Sacrament, and Christ made Himself visually apparent to her. This did not surprise her, and she thought others had the same Divine assistance. Although tempted by the luxuries and distractions of the world, Margaret

entered the Visitation Convent in 1572, where her visions became known. Because of her perceived “special status,” she was subjected to many trials to prove her vocation. She showed obedience, humility, and invariable charity towards those who persecuted her.

First Friday Devotion

Jesus recounted the following to St. Margaret Mary, and this devotion has been recognized by the Church:

“To all those who, during nine months on end, will receive Holy Communion on the first Fridays of every month.  I promise the Grace of final perseverance. They will not die in My disgrace, but will receive the Sacraments (if necessary), and My Heart will be sure shelter for them in that extreme moment.”

The First Friday promises of our Lord to St. Margaret Mary: 

  1.  I will give them graces necessary for their state of life.
  2.  I will establish peace in their houses.
  3.  I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
  4.  I will be their strength during life and 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.