Mass at St Anne's School on the First Friday of the month ...

I was delighted to celebrate Mass at our parish primary school of St Anne's this morning, the First Friday of the Month, in honour of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

It was very encouraging to see so many children, parents, members of staff and governors who had come to Mass at 8 O'clock in the morning. What better way to start the school day!

The numbers were so great that sadly some people had to stand outside. Fortunately we were blessed with fine weather today.

I look forward to my return visit to the school for Mass on the First Friday of next month, 5th December.

First Fridays

Today being the first Friday in May I have just celebrated a votive Mass of the Sacred Heart. I thought it might be helpful to explain a little about the Nine First Fridays Devotion to the Sacred Heart for those who are not familiar with this devotion. For those who wish to find out more, I refer you to the excellent site Catholic Culture. Here is a brief summary based on their description.

In apparitions to St Margaret Mary Alacoque, a 17th Century Visitation nun, Jesus promised through the mercy of his Divine Heart that all who receive Holy Communion on nine first Fridays of consecutive months would receive the grace of final repentance.