The First Saturday Devotion

In the July 13, 1917 apparition at Fatima, Our Lady said, “I shall come to ask for…the Communion of Reparation on the first Saturdays.” She came expressly to request this devotion when she appeared to Sister Lucia on December 10, 1925, in Pontevedra, Spain, where she was preparing to start her religious life.

The Practice of the First Saturday Devotion During the Corona Pandemic

As we are receiving many questions about the upcoming First Saturday in April and its Devotions, here is a quick synopsis from our National Coordinator, Deacon Bob Ellis. For further information, please do not hesitate to email rellis@bluearmy.com or 920-371-1931.

How are we to practice the First Saturday Devotion if there are no Masses on the first Saturday of April and possibly beyond?

1. This presents no obstacle to the praying of the rosary and spending fifteen minutes keeping Our Lady company.
2. Since Jesus told Lucia that the confession could be within eight days or even longer still, our confessions can be made whenever possible as long as we make the intention.
3. Actual reception of Holy Communion will, of course, be impossible. Since heaven never demands what is impossible for us, a Spiritual Communion will be accepted until such time as Masses resume.

There are four elements of a Spiritual Communion:
1. Make an act of faith. The key here is to express to the Lord: our faith in his merciful love and his real presence in the Eucharist. …
2. Make an act of love. O Lord God, I love you above all things. …
3. Express our desire to receive him.
4. Invite Jesus to come into our hearts spiritually.

Here are two examples for your consideration:

St. Alphonsus aria de’ Liguori
My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things, and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though Thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee. Amen.

EWTN
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.

Thank you and GOD BLESS YOU! Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us! Saints Francisco and Jacinta, pray for us!

The Motives for the Devotion
Later, while Sister Lucia was in the chapel with Our Lord during part of the night of May 29-30, 1930, He explained the motivation for the devotion. This explanation answered the question posed by her confessor about why the number should be 5 Saturdays and not 9 to correspond with the 9 First Fridays, or 7 to correspond with Our Lady’s 7 sorrows.
Our Lord responded that there are 5 ways that people offend and blaspheme against the Immaculate Heart of Mary:
1. Offences or blasphemies against the Immaculate Conception – its denial and/or ridicule
2. Against her perpetual virginity
3. Against her divine maternity, refusing to accept her as the Mother of God and mother of all mankind
4. Those who implant in children’s hearts, indifference, contempt and even hate against our Immaculate Mother
5. Insults directed against her sacred images –displays of indifference or ridicule, and the infliction of damage to them.

The essential elements of the practice of First Saturday Communions of Reparation
With the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart for these five offenses, we are asked to:
1. Go to confession (Can be within 8 days before or after the First Saturday)
2. Receive Holy Communion
3. Pray five decades of the Rosary
4. Keep Our Lady company for 15 minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary

The Great Promise
Our Lady promised to assist all those who will practice the devotion of the first Saturday on five consecutive months with the graces necessary for salvation at the hour of their death.

Promise not a guarantee of heaven
It would be a serious mistake to think that those who practice the devotion on five consecutive First Saturdays are guaranteed passage into heaven when the moment of their death arrives. Our cooperation with grace is always required.

A life-long devotion, not merely five First Saturdays
The promise associated with the practice of the devotion on five consecutive First Saturdays has been mistakenly construed by many to mean that, once one has completed a series of five, they have accomplished the devotion and are finished. This was not Our Lady’s intention in making the promise, and has resulted in far fewer people practicing the devotion. Our regular practice of the First Saturdays is a sign of our devotion to the Immaculate Heart and a desire on our part to make reparation for the blasphemies against her.

First Saturday Devotion Resources

Our 8-page First Saturday brochure gives detailed information on the devotion, available at only $1 per copy.

Also available is a First Saturday trifold pamphlet for $.40 each. A 40% discount is offered on purchases of 100 or more on either of these items.

A most complete and comprehensive treatment of the devotion with Rosary meditations and information about the blasphemies against the Immaculate Heart is our First Saturday Treasures booklet for $5.

Give Me Consolation is a First Saturday Personal Prayer Journal that provides a step-by-step process to fulfill the particular elements of the First Saturday devotion. The selected prayers and meditations make it easy to respond to Mary’s urgent request for this timeless devotion. $11.95.