January

“To live Jesus is to have the name of Jesus engraved on one’s heart.” ~ St. Francis de Sales

The month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. The feast day of the Holy Name is observed on January 3rd of each year. 

St. Bernardine of Siena was especially devoted to the Holy Name of Jesus. He carried a monogram of the Holy Name with him when he went out preaching. It featured the initials IHS, surrounded by rays, and painted on a wooden tablet. The Christogram IHS denotes the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek, iota-eta-sigma (ΙΗΣ). It is also commonly explained as an abbreviation for Iesus Hominum Salvator (Latin for Jesus, Savior of Men).

St. Bernardine used his wooden monogram to bless the sick and displayed it at the end of his sermons, asking the faithful to prostrate themselves in adoration. He encouraged the faithful to place this monogram over the gates of the city and above the doors of their homes. This is a beautiful custom that you can practice at your own home. 

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