January holds a significant place in the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar. This is a time when the Church honors the Holy Name of Jesus, an observance deeply rooted in the faith’s history and theology. This article will explore the reasons behind January’s dedication to the Holy Name of Jesus, some significant feast days and saints associated with this devotion, ways to participate and learn more, and Catholic prayers in honor of the Holy Name.
Why is January Dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus?
The Catholic Church has dedicated each month of the year to a particular devotion. For January, it is the Holy Name of Jesus. The choice of January for this devotion is linked to the Feast of the Circumcision of Christ, which used to be celebrated on January 1st, eight days after Christmas, in keeping with Jewish custom. This was when Jesus was officially given His name, which in Hebrew means “God Saves.”
The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus celebrated on January 3rd, further confirms this dedication. This feast was initially granted to the Franciscans in 1530 and has since spread throughout the Church. It serves as an opportunity for the faithful to express love and reverence for the Holy Name, and also as a reminder of the power and sanctity of Jesus’ name, which should always be spoken and heard with profound love, respect, and reverence.
Key Catholic Feast Days in January
January is a month rich in liturgical celebrations focused on Our Lord and His Blessed Mother. It begins on January 1st, now the Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. This feast highlights Mary’s role in the Incarnation of Her divine Son, whose name was revealed to her by the angel Gabriel and formally given to Jesus on this day.
The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, as discussed above, falls on January 3rd.
The Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, commemorates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, recognizing Him as the Messiah and Savior of the world.
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, marking the beginning of His ministry and confirming His identity as the Son of God, usually falls on the second Sunday of January and concludes the Christmas season.
Catholic Saints and the Holy Name of Jesus
Numerous saints have held a deep devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, among them are St. Bernardine of Siena, St. Alphonsus Liguori, St. Bernard of Clairvaux and St. Ignatius of Loyola.
St. Bernardine, a renowned Franciscan preacher, popularized the IHS monogram — a symbol of Jesus’ name. He encouraged the faithful to venerate this monogram, which led to it becoming a common Catholic symbol of devotion seen on altars, vestments and churches throughout the world.
St. Alphonsus Liguori, a bishop and Doctor of the Church, composed a beautiful prayer to the Holy Name of Jesus (see below). His writings frequently reflected his profound reverence for Jesus’ name.
St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote a beautiful piece about the Name of Jesus, which he stated “produces in us holy thoughts, fills the soul with noble sentiments, strengthens virtue, begets good works, and nourishes pure affections.” He goes on to explain that all Christian help, defense, goodness and light springs from that Holy Name.
St. Ignatius and his first companions wished their new society to be designated by the name of Jesus. Thus the Jesuit order is not named for St. Ignatius, but is called the Society of Jesus and the early Jesuits pledged readiness to shed their blood for that Name.
7 Ways to Grow in Devotion to the Holy Name this January
Here are some practical ways you can dedicate January to the Holy Name of Jesus.
- Make frequent acts of reparation to the Holy Name. Whenever you hear someone blaspheme the Holy Name, say, “Blessed be the Name of the Lord.”
- Loving aspirations: Repeat the name of Jesus throughout the day saying, “My Jesus”, or “Jesus, I love you.” Set reminders on your phone or use sticky notes to prompt you to say His name frequently. This constant repetition will help cultivate a deep love and devotion to Him.
- Spend time in mental prayer, meditating on the Holy Name of Jesus, its power and its gentleness in our lives. Allow His name to penetrate your heart and mind, filling you with His presence and peace.
- Memorize Scripture that highlights the power of the name of Jesus.
“And in that day you shall not ask me anything. Amen, amen I say to you: if you ask the Father anything in my name, he will give it you.” – John 16:23
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” – Acts 4:12
“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:9-11
- Pray the Mass with special attention to the moments when the name of Jesus is invoked reflecting on the salvific power of the Sacred Liturgy.
- Practice acts of charity in the name of Jesus. As you serve others and extend love and mercy, do so with a conscious intention of honoring His name.
- Strive to live a life that reflects the virtues of the name of Jesus recalling the meaning of His name as Savior and His invitation to participate in the saving work of His Passion.
Further Reading on the Holy Name Devotion
Several books and articles provide valuable insights for those interested in deepening their understanding of this devotion.
- The Biblical Names of Jesus: Beautiful, Powerful Portraits of Christ by Paul Thigpen, a journey through Sacred Scripture, focusing on the typologies of Jesus through his unique names.
- The Wonders of the Holy Name by Fr. Paul O’Sullivan, delves into the power and significance of Jesus’ name.
- The Holy Name of Jesus – New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia
- Society of the Holy Name – New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia
- Saint Bernardine of Siena: The name of Jesus is the glory of preachers – Vatican.va
Prayers Honoring the Holy Name of Jesus
Many Catholic prayers honor the Holy Name of Jesus. The Jesus Prayer, simple yet profound, says: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This prayer is a humble acknowledgment of our need for Jesus’ saving grace.
The Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus: For the Love of Our Lord is a more comprehensive prayer, invoking Jesus’ name in various forms and seeking His mercy.
Here is St. Alphonsus Liguori’s Prayer to the Holy Name of Jesus, another beautiful tribute to His name:
O my Jesus, thou art the Savior who hast given Thy blood and Thy life for me, I pray Thee to write Thy adorable name on my poor heart; so that having it always imprinted in my heart by love, I may also have it ever on my lips by invoking it in all my necessities. If the devil tempts me, Thy name will give me strength to resist him; if I lose confidence, Thy name will animate me to hope; if I am in affliction, Thy name will comfort me by reminding me of all Thou hast endured for me. If I find myself cold in Thy love, Thy name will inflame me by reminding me of the love Thou hast shown me. I have fallen into so many sins, because I did not call on Thee; from henceforth Thy name shall be my defense, my refuge, my hope, my only consolation, my only love. Thus do I hope to live, and so do I hope to die, having Thy name always on my lips. Amen.
The Golden Arrow was a prayer given by our Lord to Sr. Mary of St. Peter for the reparation of blasphemy against His Holy Name:
May the most holy, most sacred, most adorable, most incomprehensible and unutterable Name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored and glorified in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Amen.
Learn more about the Devotion of the Holy Face and the Golden Arrow prayer.
Conclusion
The dedication of January to the Holy Name of Jesus is a rich tradition that invites us to reflect on the power, significance, and sanctity of Jesus’ name. This January let us especially speak and think of Jesus with profound respect and reverence and let us find ways to honor His name in our thoughts, actions, and prayers. As we grow in this devotion to Jesus, it will strengthen our faith in Him, deepen our love for Him and draw us closer to Him by the power of His Name.