In addition to this being the first week of the Lenten season, we also observe the First Friday of the month of March. This is a perfect time to learn about the special devotion to the Sacred Heart, brought about by apparitions of Our Lord Jesus Christ to a saintly French nun in the 17th century, St. Margaret Mary Alocoque. Who is this saint and why are First Friday devotions a treasure in the Catholic Church?

St. Margaret Mary was a French nun and mystic (1647-1690), who promoted the devotion to the Sacred Heart as we know it today. She prayed nearly unceasingly to Our Lord, in reparation for sinners. She received visions of Our Lord, and starting in 1673, had the privilege of receiving them often over the period of a year and a half. Our Lord especially requested that souls make a devotion to His Sacred Heart, with Mass attended in reparation for sins committed. He told St. Margaret Mary that he wanted souls to attend Mass and receive Holy Communion worthily for 9 consecutive months, on the first Friday of the month. Like many who receive the special privilege of having a vision of Our Lord, she was a simple, quiet, and unknown person, and therefore, she was persecuted when she spoke about the visions.

Like all approved devotions in the Catholic Church, the purpose is to bring us closer to Jesus Christ. One of the most beautiful parts about this devotion is that St. Margaret Mary wrote about the specific graces that Jesus promised to people who participate and follow the First Friday devotions; these are referred to as the 12 First Friday promises. The 12 promises are available on many Catholic websites, and a printed copy is available in the John Paul II Chapel.

At Our Lady of the Lake, we have Eucharistic Adoration available every Tuesday & Thursday (8:30am - 10:00pm) and also on First Fridays of every month (8:30am - 8:00pm). After the Friday 8:00am Mass in the Daily Mass Chapel, there is exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction at 8:50am. Following Benediction, the Eucharist is moved to the John Paul II Chapel for the remainder of the day. All are
welcome to come to Eucharistic Adoration during any of the open hours. If you would like to sign-up for a specific hour each week or each month, please contact Jane Stone at 952-472-3825.