What is First Friday Mass?
The Code of Canon Law states that “The penitential days and times in the universal Church are every Friday of the whole year and the season of Lent” (Canon 1250). This is because Jesus suffered and died for us on a Friday, thus winning our salvation. But what makes the first Friday of the month special in particular? Why should you go?
St. Margaret Mary Alocoque recieved several promises from the Lord. One of them stated – “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 Fridays, 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” (The Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary).
In addition to this, It was also promised to her that anyone who practiced this devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which includes Mass, Communion, confession and even an hour of Eucharistic Adoration for every first Fridays of nine consecutive months, would be granted the following…
1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will give peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. I will be their refuge in life and especially in death.
5. I will abundantly bless all their undertakings.
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 speedily to great perfection.
9. I will bless those places wherein the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and venerated.
10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
11. Persons who propagate this devotion shall have their names eternally written in my Heart.
In a nutshell, the Church grants a Plenary indulgence to those who attend Mass and receive Communion in honor of The Sacred Heart of Jesus on the First Friday of each month for nine consecutive months:
“In Catholic theology, an indulgence is a remission of temporal punishment due to sins that have already been forgiven through the sacrament of confession. Plenary indulgences go beyond partial remissions and offer complete purification, wiping away all temporal punishment for past sins, making the soul as pure as a newly baptized infant” (Unlocking Spiritual Blessings: Understanding Plenary Indulgences and How to Obtain Them, 2023).
Read more about the incredible life of St. Margaret Mary Alocoque here.
What are Plenary Indulgences
Plenary indulgences are profound gifts offered by the Catholic Church, providing a path to spiritual purification and closeness to God. Rooted in the belief of God’s boundless mercy, plenary indulgences hold immense significance for believers seeking to deepen their faith and draw closer to their Creator. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning and importance of plenary indulgences and the steps you can take to obtain one.
Understanding Plenary Indulgences
In Catholic theology, an indulgence is a remission of temporal punishment due to sins that have already been forgiven through the sacrament of confession. Plenary indulgences go beyond partial remissions and offer complete purification, wiping away all temporal punishment for past sins, making the soul as pure as a newly baptized infant.
The Significance of Plenary Indulgences
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation: To obtain a plenary indulgence, start by receiving the sacrament of confession. Confess your sins with genuine contrition and a desire to amend your life.
- Reception of the Eucharist: Participate in the Holy Mass and receive the Eucharist with a heart full of love and reverence for Christ.
- Prayer for the Intentions of the Pope: Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, usually an Our Father and a Hail Mary.
- Detachment from Sin: Foster an inner detachment from all sin, even venial sins, with the firm resolve to avoid them in the future.
- Performance of Works of Mercy: Engage in acts of charity and mercy, such as caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, or comforting the sorrowful.
- A Pilgrimage or Holy Visit: Participate in a designated pilgrimage or visit a sacred place, reflecting on the spiritual significance of your journey.
How to Obtain a Plenary Indulgence
- The Sacrament of Reconciliation: To obtain a plenary indulgence, start by receiving the sacrament of confession. Confess your sins with genuine contrition and a desire to amend your life.
- Reception of the Eucharist: Participate in the Holy Mass and receive the Eucharist with a heart full of love and reverence for Christ.
- Prayer for the Intentions of the Pope: Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father, usually an Our Father and a Hail Mary.
- Detachment from Sin: Foster an inner detachment from all sin, even venial sins, with the firm resolve to avoid them in the future.
- Performance of Works of Mercy: Engage in acts of charity and mercy, such as caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, or comforting the sorrowful.
- A Pilgrimage or Holy Visit: Participate in a designated pilgrimage or visit a sacred place, reflecting on the spiritual significance of your journey.
Conditions for Receiving Plenary Indulgences
It’s important to note that to obtain a plenary indulgence, one must fulfill the following conditions:
- Have the intention to gain the indulgence.
- Be in the state of grace, having confessed any mortal sins.
- Perform the prescribed actions with genuine devotion and love for God.
- Complete all the requirements within the designated timeframe set by the Church.
Plenary indulgences offer believers a powerful opportunity to seek God’s mercy, cleanse their souls, and draw closer to the divine. Embracing the significance of these spiritual blessings, Catholics can deepen their faith, nurture their relationship with God, and experience the liberating joy of forgiveness. By fulfilling the conditions and performing the necessary acts with sincerity and devotion, believers can confidently seek and obtain the precious gift of a plenary indulgence, knowing that God’s boundless mercy awaits those who seek Him with open hearts.
Our First Friday Devotion begins with Adoration and Confession from 8 to 8:45 p.m., followed by Mass at 9 p.m. on the first Friday of each month.