It's likely you've seen this image or one similar to it with the letters "IHS" in a church, in a book, in a work of art, on a crucifix, or on the side of a building (especially if you've been to Europe).  While you may know that it is a Catholic symbol, you might not know why.  

The letters IHS are a "Christogram" or a way they used to write "Jesus Christ."  In Greek, Jesus name is spelled: ΙΗΣΟΥΣ. Early Christians would shorten this and only write the first three letters: ΙΗΣ (the Greek letter sigma, Σ, is written as an "S" in the Latin alphabet).  In a time when Christianity was illegal and Christians persecuted, this shortened version was used to secretly mark tombs and holy sites. 

This Christogram became much more prominent in the 15th century when St. Bernadine of Siena promoted reverence to the Holy Name of Jesus and encouraged Christians to put IHS on the doorways of their homes. As of the 16th century, it also became the monogram of the Society of Jesus started by St. Ignatius.

Ways to celebrate:

• Everytime you hear Jesus' name, bow your head in reverence

• Using a Rosary, see if you can think of a different title for Jesus for each bead

• Change your phone wall paper to the "IHS" image

• Pray the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

• Recite the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus

• Listen to or sing hymns honoring his name

  • Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

  • All Hail the Power of Jesus' name

• Pray the Golden Arrow Prayer (especially when you hear someone profane Jesus' name). Learn about the background and power of this prayer given to Sr. Mary of St. Peter by Jesus himself

  • Save it to your phone for easy access