What Are First Thursdays?
Many Catholics are familiar with First Fridays and First Saturdays, but fewer know about the beautiful and spiritually rich devotion of First Thursdays. Rooted in Eucharistic reparation and the suffering of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, First Thursdays offer a powerful way to grow closer to Jesus and deepen one’s love for the Blessed Sacrament.
In this article, we’ll explore the origin, purpose, and practice of this devotion, along with practical ways to observe it in your own spiritual life.
Table of Contents
The Origin of the First Thursday Devotion
The devotion to First Thursdays traces back to the Holy Hour of Reparation, which was inspired by the agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane on Holy Thursday night. It was promoted by several saints and mystics, particularly:
- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who had visions of Christ requesting reparation for the indifference shown to Him in the Eucharist.
- Blessed Alexandrina da Costa, a 20th-century mystic from Portugal, who said Jesus requested a specific First Thursday devotion in honour of His Eucharistic love and agony.
“I want that every Thursday night, from 11 to 12, be an hour of immense prayer to console Me for so much sin.” – Jesus to Blessed Alexandrina
This devotion is considered a private devotion, meaning it is not a universal or liturgical requirement for all Catholics but is strongly encouraged for personal spiritual growth. It offers a beautiful way to deepen our love for Christ in the Eucharist.
Why Thursdays?
Thursdays hold deep Eucharistic and spiritual significance in the Church:
- Holy Thursday commemorates the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood at the Last Supper.
- It also marks the Agony in the Garden, where Christ experienced deep sorrow and loneliness as He prepared for His Passion.
- In this moment, Jesus asked His apostles:
“Could you not watch one hour with Me?” – Matthew 26:40
First Thursdays are thus an opportunity for Catholics to respond to that call—to spend one hour with Jesus, especially in Eucharistic Adoration, consoling Him for the sins of the world and the indifference shown toward His Real Presence.
What Is Eucharistic Reparation?
Eucharistic reparation means making amends to Jesus for sins committed against the Blessed Sacrament. These may include:
- Sacrilege (e.g., receiving Communion unworthily)
- Indifference or lack of reverence toward the Eucharist
- Neglect of Adoration or disbelief in Christ’s Real Presence
By offering our prayers, time, and sacrifices in reparation, we console the Heart of Jesus and unite ourselves more closely with His love and suffering.
“Let every knee bend before the great mystery of love: the Eucharist.” – St. John Paul II
How to Practise the First Thursday Devotion
There are no rigid rules, but here are recommended steps for observing First Thursdays:
1. Attend Mass (if possible)
Offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on this day is a powerful way to honour Christ’s Eucharistic love.
2. Spend a Holy Hour in Adoration
Make a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament—ideally between 11 p.m. and midnight, echoing the hour Jesus spent in Gethsemane. However, if this time is difficult due to work or family obligations, you can still observe the devotion at another hour of the day.
During this time, you can:
- Meditate on Christ’s Agony in the Garden (Matthew 26:36–46)
- Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary
- Read passages from the Gospels or spiritual writings
- Offer reparations for sins against the Eucharist
- Pray for priests, whose ministry was instituted on Holy Thursday
“The Eucharist is the supreme proof of the love of Jesus. After this, there is nothing more but Heaven itself.” – St. Peter Julian Eymard
3. Make an Act of Reparation
Offer heartfelt prayers of sorrow and love to Jesus. This may be done using a traditional formula or in your own words. A simple Act of Reparation might be:
“O Jesus, truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament, I offer Thee my prayers and sacrifices in reparation for all the outrages, sacrileges, and indifference shown toward Thy Eucharistic Heart. I love Thee, I believe in Thee, I adore Thee, and I trust in Thee.”
This is also a moment to deepen your personal connection with Christ—speak to Him from your heart.
4. Offer Up Sacrifices or Fasting
Like the First Fridays or First Saturdays, it is meritorious to offer some form of penance or sacrifice in union with Jesus’ suffering. This could be abstaining from a meal, giving up comfort, or offering acts of love and kindness.
Promises and Graces Associated with the Devotion
Blessed Alexandrina da Costa recorded that Jesus promised special graces to those who honour His request on First Thursdays, particularly those who:
- Receive Communion in a state of grace
- Make a Holy Hour in reparation
- Meditate on His Eucharistic sorrow and love
These promises are part of private revelation and are not formally recognised by the universal Church as a required devotion—but many have experienced spiritual renewal, healing, and deeper intimacy with Christ through this practice.
First Thursdays and Vocations
This devotion is also closely tied to praying for priests. Since the priesthood was instituted on Holy Thursday, First Thursdays are an ideal time to:
- Pray for holy and faithful priests
- Offer reparation for unfaithful clergy
- Ask Jesus to raise up new vocations
“Without priests, there is no Eucharist.” – Pope St. John Paul II
You can include this prayer for priests:
“Lord Jesus, eternal High Priest, guard and sanctify Your priests. Pour out upon them the gifts of the Holy Spirit so they may lead souls to You. Raise up holy vocations in Your Church.”
Link to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The First Thursday devotion is also deeply connected to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which emphasises Christ’s immense love and His desire for reparation. The Sacred Heart devotion, particularly popularised by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, complements First Thursdays by calling the faithful to respond to the love of Jesus with love, prayer, and penance.
“Behold this Heart which has so loved men…” – Jesus to St. Margaret Mary
Final Thoughts: Watch One Hour with Him
In our busy world, Jesus still gently asks:
“Could you not watch one hour with Me?”
The devotion of First Thursdays is a powerful way to answer that call. It is a monthly opportunity to pause, adore, console, and love Jesus in the Eucharist—especially during a time when belief in His Real Presence is waning.
Let us join the saints and mystics in making reparation, loving our Eucharistic Lord, and strengthening the Church through this hidden but holy devotion.
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“O Jesus, truly present in the Most Holy Sacrament, I adore You. I console You. I love You.”
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