First Friday

Whatever happened to the strong emphasis on "making the nine First Fridays?", that is, attending Mass for nine consecutive Fridays in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The practice had its origin in the 12 promises made to St. Mary Alacoque in the 17th century by Jesus; one of the promises was guaranteed salvation to those who fulfilled this practice.  With Vatican II came a change in attitude, shifting more to praying the Scriptures, serving the poor, and integrating Mass into our prayer lives as best we can.  So the urgency of "making the nine First Fridays" diminished, and it seems that today they come and go without notice. 
Yet, we at Central Catholic continue the practice as best we can,  and this morning a good number of parents, faculty and students attended.  It was a good way to start this day and an opportunity to find rest for our souls and pray for the deceased members of our Central Catholic Family.
 Without resorting to the "magical" effect of making the First Fridays, it might be time for a return to a voluntary effort to attend Mass on the First, or any Friday, to commemorate the death of Jesus on a Friday, and to restore a sense of gratitude for the sacrificial death of Jesus for our salvation.  And if not on Fridays, then the First Saturday, dedicated in a special way to Mary, might serve this purpose, in addition to honoring her and the part that she plays in our salvation.
Bro. Rene