Catholic Activity: Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus

Here are some suggestions on how to celebrate the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. Pope John Paul II has restored the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus to January 3. Also, the month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus.

DIRECTIONS

The name Jesus was given to the Holy Child at God's command (Luke 1:31). The Holy Name is all-powerful because of the Person who bears it. We honor it because of the command of Christ, that we should pray in His Name and because it reminds us of all the blessings we receive through our Holy Redeemer. Hence St. Paul was able to write to the Philippians: "…at the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth" (Phil 2:10). By means of this devotion we also make amends for improper use of the Holy Name.

On this day you might incorporate into your prayers some special prayers of reparation to Jesus for the blasphemies against His Holy Name. The Church has granted an indulgence of 7 years for the recital of the Litany of the Most Holy Name. The feast of the Holy Name is a good time to explain the meaning of the monogram "IHS" to the children.

[Editor's Note: An indulgence is the remission before God of the temporal punishment due for sins already forgiven as far as their guilt is concerned. The Enchiridion of Indulgences issued on June 29, 1968, changed partial indulgences to be designated only with the words "partial indulgence," without any determination of days or years. An partial indulgence still applies for recital of this litany. The Divine Praises is also appropriate. Also, a partial indulgence is gained by just invoking the name "Jesus." You could also teach your children the practice of bowing one's head at the name of Jesus. --JGM]

Activity Source: How to Make Your House a Home by Rev. Bernard Stokes, O.F.M., Family Life Bureau, Washington D.C., 1955