Today is a First Friday, and so the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is particularly in the forefront of our minds. Our Lord said to St Margaret Mary Alacoque: ‘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’.

Here is a prayer which you may wish to say: ‘Almighty and everlasting God, look upon the heart of Your well-beloved Son and upon the praise and satisfaction which He offers to you in the name of all sinners; and grant them pardon when they seek Your mercy. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever.

May this First Friday be a source of great blessing to you, and may Our Lord be very close to you this day.