The First Fridays Devotion originated in the appearance of Jesus to Sr. Margaret Mary Alacoque at Paray-le-Monial, France. She reported that Jesus appeared to her a number of times over an 18-month period (1673-1675). The first was on December 27, 1673, the feast of St. John the Evangelist. Several promises were made to those who practice the First Fridays Devotion.

"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 devotion consists of several practices that are performed on the first Fridays of nine consecutive months. On these days, a person is to attend Mass and receive Communion. If the need arises, in order to receive communion in a state of grace, a person should also make use of Confession. In many Catholic
communities the practice of the Holy Hour of meditation during the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during the First Friday.

Jesus made the following 12 promises to St. Margaret Mary in favor of those who keep the first 9 Fridays.

1. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their homes.
3. I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
4. I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.
5. I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
6. Sinners will find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
9. I will bless every place in which an image of My Heart is exposed and honored.
10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart.
12. I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in My disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.