You have likely noticed that we have changed the heading design of the Shrine bulletin. It now includes the monogram IHS. This an abbreviation, using the first three letters of the Holy Name of Jesus in Greek, which is written IHΣOYΣ. In Latin the sigma Σ looks like S, hence the IHS Christogram. In the early Church it was a secret code to indicate a Christian grave or home. Later It took on a second meaning as an acronym for the Latin Iesus Hominum Salvator, meaning Jesus Savior of Mankind.

In the 15th Century the great Franciscan preachers St. Bernadine of Siena and St. John Capistrano used this symbol, surrounded by rays, to promote devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. Largely due to St. Bernadine’s influence, the name of Jesus was added to the Hail Mary around this time. A century later St. Ignatius of Loyola adopted the IHS as the symbol of the Jesuit Order. Finally, the Holy Name Society, promoted by the Order of Preachers, continues to spread this beautiful devotion. We have an active branch of the Society here at Holy Rosary Shrine.

The Holy Name of Jesus represents the person of Our Lord and thus has a power to transform our lives and the world. “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2: 10-11) May we always say the Holy Name with reverence and respect, and may it draw us into an ever deeper union with Him through the Immaculate Heart of Our Blessed Mother.

Amen.

— Fr. Peter