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This is the Liturgy of the Hours for January 24. Your local date is .
January 03
The Most Holy Name of Jesus
Optional Memorial
The veneration of the Holy Name of Jesus has deep roots in Christianity, with early mentions in Acts 4:10 and Philippians 2:10. The IHS monogram, derived from the Greek name ΙΗΣΟΥΣ (Jesus), was used on altars and objects since early Christianity, symbolizing devotion to Christ. Official recognition came in 1274 at the Council of Lyons under Pope Gregory X, and the Feast of the Holy Name was established in 1530.
Prominent medieval figures like Saint Anselm of Canterbury, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, and the Dominican friar Henry Suso promoted the devotion, viewing the Holy Name as spiritually powerful. The hermit, mystic and religious writer Richard Rolle compared its invocation to a “healing ointment” for the soul. In the 14th century, Blessed Margaret Ebner wrote extensively about its transformative power.
The 15th century saw widespread popularity, led by Franciscan priest Saint Bernardine of Siena, who displayed the IHS monogram in gold during sermons. Pope Martin V eventually endorsed Bernardine’s efforts, and the monogram became common in Italy, inscribed on homes and venerated at the basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome.
In the 16th century, the Jesuits adopted the IHS monogram as their emblem, adding a cross and three nails, and dedicated their mother church in Rome, the Church of the Gesù, to the Most Holy Name of Jesus. Devotion to the Holy Name continues today, with numerous religious communities formed in its honor since the Middle Ages.
Prayer to the Most Holy Name of Jesus attributed to Saint Bernardine of Siena
Jesus, a name full of glory, grace, love and strength!
You are the refuge of those who repent,
our banner of warfare in this life,
the medicine of souls,
the comfort of those who mourn,
the delight of those who believe,
the light of those who preach the true faith,
the wages of those who toil,
the healing of the sick.
To You our devotion aspires;
by You our prayers are received;
we delight in contemplating You.
O Name of Jesus,
You are the glory of all the saints for eternity.
Amen.
Note: Optional Memorials and Commemorations are optional celebrations and, at present, we do not include content specific to these special days. This “About Today” is provided so that you can celebrate this feast as you worship Christ.
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