The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus

The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus

The Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus is an optional memorial in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, celebrated on January 3. It honors the name given to the Christ Child at His circumcision eight days after His birth, as described in the Gospel: "He was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb" (Luke 2:21). The name "Jesus," meaning "Yahweh saves" or "God saves," reflects His mission as Savior. In the current General Roman Calendar, this feast was restored in 2002 as an optional memorial on January 3, while January is traditionally dedicated to devotion to the Holy Name.

 History

Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus has deep scriptural roots, particularly in St. Paul's words: "At the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Philippians 2:10). Early Christians revered the name, using it in prayers and exorcisms, but a distinct feast emerged later.

The feast originated in the late 15th century, promoted locally by bishops in parts of Europe (including England, Scotland, Germany, and Spain). It was formally granted to the Franciscans in 1530 and extended to the universal Church in 1721 by Pope Innocent XIII, originally celebrated on the Sunday between January 1 and 6 (or January 2 if no such Sunday). In the pre-Vatican II calendar, it fell on the second Sunday after Epiphany or January 2. The 1969 calendar revision removed it as a separate feast (since the naming is commemorated on January 1), but retained a votive Mass; Pope St. John Paul II restored it as an optional memorial on January 3 in 2002.

 Devotion

The modern surge in devotion began in the 15th century with Franciscan saints Bernardine of Siena (1380–1444) and John of Capistrano (1386–1456). Amid social strife in Italy, St. Bernardine preached powerfully on the saving power of Jesus' name, urging people to replace factional symbols with the Holy Name. He displayed a tablet with the IHS monogram at the end of sermons, leading to miracles, healings, and conversions. Despite initial accusations of superstition, Pope Martin V approved the devotion. This practice spread widely, with the monogram inscribed on homes and public buildings.

Later, St. Ignatius of Loyola adopted the IHS as the emblem of the Jesuits (Society of Jesus), founded in 1540. Devotional practices include bowing the head at the mention of "Jesus" during Mass, the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus (approved for public use and carrying a partial indulgence), and the Holy Name Society, promoted by Dominicans.

The Litany invokes Jesus under titles like "Son of the living God," "King of glory," and "Lamb of God," seeking mercy and deliverance.

 The IHS Symbol

The IHS monogram (or Christogram) is central to this devotion. It derives from the first three letters of "Jesus" in Greek: ΙΗΣΟΥΣ (Iota-Ηta-Sigma, transliterated as IHS). Early Christians used such abbreviations (nomina sacra) in inscriptions and manuscripts. The symbol appeared as early as the 3rd century and on 8th-century coins.

St. Bernardine popularized a stylized version: IHS in gold letters on a blue field, surrounded by radiating sunrays, often with a cross above the H. Later interpretations include the Latin backronym "Iesus Hominum Salvator" ("Jesus, Savior of Humanity"), though this is secondary. The Jesuits enhanced it with three nails below, symbolizing the Passion.

Today, IHS adorns altars, vestments, and churches worldwide as a reminder of Christ's saving name.

 Sources

- Catholic Encyclopedia (New Advent): Entries on "Feast of the Holy Name," "Holy Name of Jesus," and "IHS Monogram."

- Wikipedia: "Holy Name of Jesus" and "Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus."

- USCCB and EWTN: Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus.

- Various Catholic sites: Catholic Culture, Jesuit resources, and historical accounts of St. Bernardine.