Honoring the Holy Name of Jesus this January: Unveil the Power of this Life-Changing Catholic Devotion

The Church dedicates the entire month of January to the Holy Name of Jesus–“...name that is above every name” (Phillipians 2:9). What a way to kick off a new year!

Let’s dive into the history and significance of this devotion, as well as ways you can practice it in your home and community this month. 

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"In the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth and under the earth" (Phil 2:10). 

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Everything about our Lord is Holy, including His name. The name of Jesus was chosen by God for His only Son; the angel Gabriel, acting as God’s messenger, announces it to Mary when he announces God’s plan for her. 

The ancients believed that a person’s name expressed his nature, work, or mission and Jesus’ name is no different. It means “Savior” and clearly communicates to each of us the salvific work He accomplished through His life, death, and resurrection. 

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The History of the Devotion

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This devotion originated with 12th-century Cistercian monks and nuns but grew in popularity particularly through Saint Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan. Known for his passionate love of the Holy Name, St. Bernardine promoted its reverence by encouraging the faithful to inscribe “IHS,” a monogram of Jesus’ name in Greek, in their homes, churches, and public spaces.

In 1721, Pope Innocent XIII extended the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus to the entire Church. Today, the memorial is celebrated on January 3, reminding us of the importance of honoring the name of Jesus in our words, prayers, and actions. Devotion to the Most Holy Name is encouraged all year long but especially throughout January. 

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The Power of the Holy Name

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The name of Jesus is not merely a word; it is a prayer, a shield, and a source of strength for Christians. 

Invoking the name of Jesus has been a powerful practice throughout Christian history, used to combat temptations, bring peace in moments of distress, and even drive out evil. It is a name filled with authority, power, and love—a name that unites heaven and earth.

Read what the Scripture, the Church, and her saints had to say about the Holy Name:

“Was it not through the brilliance and sweet savor of this name, that God called us into His marvelous light?” (St. Bernardine of Siena)

“The sweet name of Jesus produces in us holy thoughts, fills the soul with noble sentiments, strengthens virtue, and nourishes pure affections.” (St. Bernard of Clairvaux)

“Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

“O God, our Savior, come to our help. Come for the sake of the glory of Your name. O Lord, our God, forgive us our sins. Rescue us for the sake of Your Name.” (Psalm 78:9)

“All who dwell in the heavens, those who abide upon the earth, and every one of those who are held in the depths of hell, bow down prostrate to this Name. This is the Name which gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, agility to the lame, speech to the mute, and life to the dead. The power of this name forced the mastery of the devil entirely from the bodies of the possessed.” (St. Peter Chrysologus)

“The name ‘Jesus’ contains all: God and man and the whole economy of creation and salvation. To pray ‘Jesus’ is to invoke him and to call him within us. His name is the only one that contains the presence it signifies. Jesus is the Risen One, and whoever invokes the name of Jesus is welcoming the Son of God who loved him and who gave himself up for him.” (CCC 2666)

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How to Honor the Most Holy Name of Jesus the Month

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Pray the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus
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This beautiful litany allows you to meditate on the many titles and roles of Jesus, deepening your love and understanding of Him. 

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Each invocation calls to mind a different aspect of His life and mission. Praying this litany can be a daily practice throughout January, perhaps as part of your morning or evening prayers, or even with your family, fostering a spirit of devotion and unity in the home.

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Use the Jesus Prayer in Your Daily Life
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The Jesus Prayer—"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner"—is a simple yet profound prayer rooted in the Christian tradition. It helps you keep Christ at the center of your thoughts and actions throughout the day. 

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Try repeating it during moments of stress, before making decisions, or even as you go about ordinary tasks like folding laundry or driving. This prayer can also be a tool for cultivating interior peace, as its rhythmic repetition helps quiet the mind and focus the heart on God.

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Speak the Name of Jesus Reverently
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In a world where the name of Jesus is often used casually or irreverently, Christians are called to speak His name with love and respect. 

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Make a conscious effort to pause and bow your head slightly whenever you say or hear His name, as a sign of reverence. Teach your children this practice as well, helping them to understand the sanctity of Jesus’ name. Additionally, consider beginning your prayers by saying His name slowly and intentionally, allowing it to draw your focus to His presence and love.

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Display a Christogram in Your Home

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Consider adorning your home with a Christogram, a visual representation of the Holy Name of Jesus that has been used throughout Christian history. The most well-known Christogram is the IHS monogram, derived from the first three letters of Jesus' name in Greek (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ). 

In addition to the IHS, there are other beautiful Christograms and symbols you might consider:

• Chi-Rho: An early Christian symbol formed by superimposing the first two letters of "Christ" in Greek (ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ).
• The Cross with the Name of Jesus: Sometimes, crosses feature the Holy Name or a Christogram at the center, emphasizing the connection between Jesus’ identity and His sacrifice.
• The Sacred Heart with the Name of Jesus: A devotional image combining the Holy Name with Christ's heart, symbolizing His love and mercy.

Displaying these symbols in your home—whether as wall art, a decorative plaque, or even embroidered on fabric—serves as a daily reminder of your faith and devotion to Jesus. Place the Christogram in a prominent area, such as above a prayer space, near a family altar, or at your entryway, as a testament to your love and reverence for His Holy Name.

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Share the Devotion with Others

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The Holy Name of Jesus is a devotion meant to be shared, as it reminds us of the universal call to honor and proclaim Christ’s name. Consider organizing a small prayer group at your parish to pray the Litany of the Holy Name together. 

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You might also share resources, such as holy cards or articles, that explain the significance of this devotion. Even a simple act like displaying a Christogram or discussing the beauty of the Holy Name with friends can plant seeds of faith and inspire others to draw closer to Jesus.

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This January, let the Holy Name of Jesus inspire and transform your life. Whether you whisper His name in a moment of need, meditate on His name in prayer, or simply pause to bow your head in reverence when you hear it spoken, allow this devotion to deepen your relationship with Christ.

This month, let us call upon the name of Jesus often and with great love, trusting in His power and mercy to guide us into the new year and beyond.

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