Why do Catholics go to church on the first Friday of the month?

Answer 1

Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the late 17th century. He made 12 promises to her. The last promise, also called the Great Promise, was: "I promise you, in the excessive mercy of My Heart, that My omnipotent love will grant the grace of final repentance to all those who will receive Holy Communion on the First Friday of the month for nine consecutive months. They will not die in My disgrace, nor without having received the Holy Sacraments, and in those last moments My Heart will be a safe refuge for them." The promises have been meticulously examined and approved by the Sacred Congregation of Rites and confirmed by Pope Leo XII in 1827.

Answer 2

The First Friday of each month is normally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (unless a big feast day trumps it), and the promises that Our Blessed Lord made to St. Margaret Mary are listed below, to acquire them, one must go to confession and receive Holy Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months, see link below the answer box.

In the apparitions to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Jesus gives these twelve promises for those who are devoted to His Sacred Heart.

Prayer:

The Twelve Promises of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary for those devoted to His Sacred Heart:

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of their death.
5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source of an infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.
9. I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.
10. I will give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be effaced.
12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under my displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

"Look at this Heart which has loved men so much, and yet men do not want to love Me in return. Through you My divine Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth."