Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

In a world where corporate names and logos are highly protected, it’s refreshing to delve into the meaning behind the Feast of the Holy Name, a significant celebration in the Christian Church. This feast focuses on the name of Jesus, derived from the Hebrew name Joshua or Yehoshuah, translating to “Yahweh is salvation” or “Yahweh will save.” This highlights the importance of Jesus’ name in the Christian faith.

Historically, the Feast of the Holy Name, also known as the Feast of the Circumcision, was influenced by the writings of St. Paul. In the book of Philippians, Paul emphasizes the exalted status of Jesus’ name, a sentiment that resonated through the ages. The devotion to the Holy Name gained momentum in the 12th century, largely thanks to the efforts of Cistercian monks and nuns. However, it was St. Bernardine of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan, who popularized it as a means to resolve class conflicts and family feuds in Italian city-states.

The devotion spread further through the preaching of Franciscan and Dominican orders and was widely promoted by the Jesuits in the 16th century. Official recognition came in 1530 when Pope Clement V approved a specific Office of the Holy Name for the Franciscans, and in 1721, Pope Innocent XIII extended its observance to the entire Church.

The Feast of the Holy Name serves as a reminder for Christians to continuously honor and venerate the name of Jesus. This celebration is not just a historical or religious observance but a call to embrace the love of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, and to let this love grow in every heart.

Photo credit: Sebastian Duda / Shutterstock.com