First Friday

Today is the first Friday of the month. Have I ever mentioned First Friday devotions here in The Inn? I can't remember. In any event, I was thinking about it today after reading last night once again about Our Lord's particular desire that the King of France consecrate his nation and his family to the Sacred Heart. I'll try later to find something about that of a reasonable length to publish here. In the meantime, the old prayer of consecration to the Sacred Heart composed by Pope Leo XIII. We used to pray it at St Basil's in Los Angeles on First Fridays years ago when Msgr Hawkes was still in charge. It's been a long time since I've heard it prayed publicly.

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us, humbly prostrate before Thine altar.

We are Thine and Thine we wish to be; but to be more surely united with Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Thy most Sacred Heart.

Many, indeed, have never known Thee; many, too, despising thy precepts, have rejected Thee.

Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart.

Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.

Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that soon there maybe but one flock and one Shepherd.

Be Thou King of all those who are still involved in the darkness of idolatry and Islamism, and refuse not to draw them all into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Thine eyes of mercy toward the children of that race, once Thy chosen people. Of old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Savior; may it now descend upon them a laver of redemption and of life.

Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church, assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation: to It be glory and honour forever. Amen.

There is a popular precis of the devotion here. And see Pope Pius XII's encyclical Haurietis Aquas here.