A Special Request from Our Lady
On December 10, 1925, Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia in Pontevedra, Spain, accompanied by the Child Jesus. She revealed her Immaculate Heart surrounded by thorns and made a profound request that would become one of the most important devotions of our time.
"Look, my daughter, at my Heart, surrounded with thorns with which ungrateful men pierce me at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. You at least try to console me and say that I promise to assist at the hour of death, with the graces necessary for salvation, all those who, on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, shall confess, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me."
On February 15, 1926, the Child Jesus appeared to Sister Lucia and explained the reason for five Saturdays:
Our Lady's Immaculate Heart is offended by five types of blasphemies and sins:
- Blasphemies against the Immaculate Conception - Denying that Mary was conceived without original sin
- Blasphemies against her Perpetual Virginity - Denying that Mary remained a virgin before, during, and after the birth of Jesus
- Blasphemies against her Divine Maternity - Denying or refusing to accept Mary as the Mother of God and Mother of all people
- Blasphemies of those who publicly seek to sow indifference, scorn, or even hatred of this Immaculate Mother - Actively working to turn people away from devotion to Mary
- The offenses of those who outrage her directly in her holy images - Desecrating or disrespecting images and statues of Our Lady
Through the Five First Saturdays devotion, we make reparation for these five categories of sins and console the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
To fulfill the First Saturday devotion properly, you must complete these five practices on the first Saturday of five consecutive months:
Confession
Go to Sacramental Confession with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Holy Communion
Receive Holy Communion on the First Saturday with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Recite Five Decades of the Rosary
Pray at least five decades (one complete set of mysteries) of the Holy Rosary with the intention of making reparation.
Meditate on the Mysteries for 15 Minutes
Spend fifteen minutes meditating on one or more mysteries of the Rosary, keeping Our Lady company.
Do All With the Intention of Reparation
All of these practices must be done with the specific intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the sins and blasphemies committed against her.
"I promise to assist at the hour of death with the graces necessary for salvation all those who, on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, shall confess, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me."
— Our Lady of Fatima to Sister Lucia
What This Promise Means
- Our Lady herself will be present at your death
- You will receive all the graces needed for salvation
- She will help you resist final temptations
- She will obtain for you the grace of final perseverance
This is one of the most generous promises ever made by Our Lady. It is not a guarantee of avoiding Purgatory, but it is a promise that you will not die in mortal sin and will be saved. This alone makes the devotion invaluable!
What if I miss a month?
If you miss a First Saturday, you must start over with five consecutive months. However, if you made a sincere effort but were prevented by circumstances beyond your control (illness, no priest available, etc.), Our Lady's mercy may still apply. Consult with your spiritual director.
Can I do this devotion more than once?
Absolutely! Many faithful Catholics complete the Five First Saturdays multiple times throughout their lives. Each time brings additional graces and consolation to Our Lady's Immaculate Heart.
What if First Saturday falls on a Holy Day?
The devotion can still be fulfilled. Attend Mass, receive Communion, and complete the other requirements. The devotion takes priority as it's a personal commitment to Our Lady.
Do I need to go to Mass on First Saturday?
While attending Mass is not explicitly required, it is the ordinary way to receive Holy Communion. Most Catholics fulfill this devotion by attending Mass on First Saturday morning. However, if you receive Communion at a Communion service or from a priest/extraordinary minister in another setting, the requirement is still fulfilled.
Can children make the First Saturdays?
Yes! Once a child has made their First Holy Communion, they can participate in this devotion. It's a beautiful way to teach children about reparation and devotion to Our Lady. Parents can help younger children with the meditation portion.
This prayer can be said before beginning your First Saturday devotions:
"O Most Holy Virgin, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of your Divine Son, I come to offer you this devotion of the Five First Saturdays in reparation for the blasphemies and ingratitude with which your Immaculate Heart is offended.
I unite my poor prayers and sacrifices with the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and with the perfect reparation of your Immaculate Heart, and I offer them all to the Eternal Father for the conversion of sinners and in reparation for sins committed against your Immaculate Heart.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee, and for all those who do not have recourse to thee, especially for the enemies of the Church and for those recommended to thee. Amen."
Here's a suggested schedule for fulfilling the First Saturday devotion:
During the Week Before First Saturday
Go to Confession (can be done up to 8 days before). Make sure you mention your intention of reparation to the Immaculate Heart.
First Saturday Morning
Begin your day with the intention of reparation. Attend Mass and receive Holy Communion in the state of grace.
Suggested: Arrive early and pray a Rosary before Mass begins.
Prayer and Meditation Time
If you haven't already prayed the Rosary before Mass, pray five decades now. Then spend 15 minutes in quiet meditation on the mysteries.
Tip: Stay in church after Mass for this quiet time with Our Lady.
Live in Grace
Continue your day in a spirit of reparation. Offer up small sacrifices and acts of love for the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Remember: The entire devotion should take about 1-2 hours on First Saturday (including Mass, Rosary, and meditation). This small sacrifice brings immense graces!
Begin Your First Saturdays Journey
Don't wait! The next First Saturday is your opportunity to begin this powerful devotion. Mark your calendar for the first Saturday of the next five months and experience the peace and grace that comes from consoling the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Next Steps:
- 1. Mark the next five First Saturdays on your calendar
- 2. Schedule Confession for the week before
- 3. Plan to attend Mass on First Saturday morning
- 4. Prepare your heart with the intention of reparation
- 5. Invite family and friends to join you!