Traditionally, the month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus
Devotion to Jesus’ name dates back to the time of the apostles. Over the years, the Franciscans and many saints have promoted devotion to his holy name. St. Bernard (1090-1152) wrote a hymn about it. St. Bernadine of Siena (1380-1444) was instrumental in having the name of Jesus added to the Hail Mary.
Pope Sixtus V (155-1590) even granted an indulgence for praying, ”Praised be Jesus Christ.”
Since the end of the 15 century local parishes have celebrated the feast in various times throughout the liturgical year—usually on the Sunday between January 1 and 6.
Pope Innocent XIII (1721-1724) extended the feast to the whole Church, and in 1721 it became part of the Calendar, only to be removed when the calendar was revised in 1969.
In 2002, Pope St. John Paul II restored the feast as an optional memorial for the first free day after January 1.
Praised be Jesus Christ, Now & Forever.
Pope Sixtus V Untranslated Document Signed as Pope Sixtus V, Dated June 15, 1585 Coat of Arms of Pope Sixtus V Pope Innocent XIII Signed Christmas Greeting From Cardinal de’Conti on December 14th, 1713 Coat of Arms of Pope Innocent XIII Pope John Paul at Closing Mass of WYD Denver in Chasuble Zucchetto Belonging to Pope Saint John Paul II From 1999 Coat of Arms of Saint John Paul II