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.