January, the month of the Holy Name of Jesus

The month dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus is January. This association is not symbolic by chance, but has its origins in the liturgical calendar and events related to the birth of Christ.

Jesus was born on 25 December, and Jewish tradition dictates that a child be circumcised and officially given his name eight days after his birth. This corresponds to 1 January. For a long time, this date was celebrated as the Feast of the Circumcision and the Imposition of the Name of Jesus.

Why the Church begins the year with this devotion

Dedicating the month of January to the Holy Name of Jesus has a strong spiritual significance. It is about beginning the new year by placing one's life under the sign of salvation. The Name of Jesus means "God saves," and invoking it from the very first days of the year means entrusting one's plans, trials and hopes to Christ. This devotion invites the faithful to begin the year in a spirit of trust, prayer and inner focus.

A devotion rooted in the history of the Church

Over the centuries, devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus has developed, thanks in particular to figures such as St. Bernardine of Siena, who encouraged the invocation of the Name of Jesus as a source of peace and spiritual renewal. This devotion was officially recognised by the Church, further strengthening the link between the month of January and the Holy Name. Even today, January remains a special time to meditate on the profound meaning of the Name of Jesus and to invoke it in daily prayer.

Living the month of January under the Holy Name of Jesus

Honouring the Holy Name of Jesus during the month of January can take simple forms. Invoking this Name in personal prayer, meditating on its meaning, or entrusting the coming year to Christ are all ways of living this devotion.

January thus becomes a time of spiritual foundation, a starting point for moving forward into the year with faith and hope.