The First Five Saturdays Devotion is a deeply meaningful practice within the Catholic faith, rooted in the messages delivered by the Virgin Mary during the famed apparitions at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. This devotion, specifically requested by Our Lady, is aimed at offering reparation for the offenses against her Immaculate Heart and brings with it promises of grace and spiritual protection.

The essence of the devotion is beautifully simple yet profound, involving attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion, reciting the Rosary, and spending time in meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary, all with the specific intention of making reparation to Mary. These acts are to be carried out on the first Saturday of five consecutive months.

The First Five Saturdays Devotion is not just a set of rituals; it is a journey into a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary, offering a path to spiritual growth and grace. This article will explore the origins, practices, and profound impact of the devotion, providing a guide for those looking to enrich their spiritual life through this beautiful Catholic tradition.

In the spring and summer of 1917, in the midst of World War I, three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, received a series of extraordinary visits from the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Fatima. These children, Lucia Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto, were entrusted with urgent messages for the world, coupled with requests for prayer and penance. The apparitions culminated in the miraculous "Sun Dance" witnessed by thousands, validating the children's experiences in the eyes of many skeptics.

Among the messages the Virgin Mary conveyed was a specific call for the practice of the First Five Saturdays Devotion. This request aimed to encourage the faithful to offer reparation for the sins committed against her Immaculate Heart and to pray for world peace. Mary's request was not just a call to individual conversion but also a roadmap for achieving peace on a global scale, tying personal spirituality directly to the larger concerns of the world.

This devotion's origin at Fatima places it at the heart of 20th-century Catholic spirituality, making it a pivotal element of modern devotional practice. The apparitions and the subsequent devotion have sparked a movement of prayer and penance, with the promises of the Virgin Mary offering hope and spiritual benefits to those who participate. The First Five Saturdays Devotion is thus not only a part of Catholic tradition but also a living bridge connecting the faithful across generations to the heart of Mary's message at Fatima.

The First Five Saturdays Devotion is a beautiful and simple practice that invites Catholics to deepen their faith through specific acts of devotion. At its core, the First Five Saturdays Devotion consists of four main components, all aimed at making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. To participate, one begins by going to Mass and receiving Holy Communion on the first Saturday of five consecutive months. This act of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist is a profound expression of love and a step towards fulfilling Mary's request.

In addition to attending Mass and receiving Communion, the devotion includes the recitation of the Rosary. Praying the Rosary allows individuals to meditate on the life of Jesus and his mother Mary, bringing them closer to the mysteries of their faith. Furthermore, the First Five Saturdays Devotion calls for a fifteen-minute meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary, separate from the Rosary itself. This meditation is a time for quiet reflection and connection with Mary's experiences and sorrows.

Lastly, confession is an essential aspect of the First Five Saturdays Devotion. While confession can be done on the same day, the Church allows a grace period of about a week before or after the first Saturday to fulfill this requirement. This sacrament of reconciliation is a powerful way to cleanse one's soul and make a sincere offering of reparation to Mary. Through these practices, the First Five Saturdays Devotion fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Catholic faith, enhancing one's spiritual journey and relationship with Mary and Jesus.

The Five First Saturdays Devotion comes with heartwarming promises from the Virgin Mary herself, making it an appealing spiritual practice for Catholics worldwide. When Mary appeared to the children in Fatima, she didn't just ask for prayers and penance; she also offered incredible promises to those who would commit to the Five First Saturdays Devotion.

One of the most striking promises is the assurance of special assistance at the hour of death, including the graces necessary for salvation. This means that those who faithfully complete the devotion are given a beautiful gift of hope and comfort, knowing that Mary will intercede for them, ensuring a peaceful journey to eternal life.

Another promise attached to the Five First Saturdays Devotion is that it will bring peace to the world and turn hearts away from sin, drawing them closer to God. This aspect of the devotion is not just about personal salvation; it's also about contributing to the greater good, healing the world through prayer and penance.

Through the Five First Saturdays Devotion, Mary promises a river of grace flowing into the lives of the faithful. This devotion is a pathway to spiritual growth, peace, and profound connection with the divine, enriched by the love and protection of the Virgin Mary. It's an invitation to step into a circle of grace, guided by Mary's promises, bringing light and hope to both the individual soul and the world at large.

Starting the First Five Saturdays Devotion is a step towards deepening your faith and experiencing the profound promises made by the Virgin Mary. Here’s a guide to help you begin this spiritually enriching journey:

• Mark Your Calendar: The First Five Saturdays Devotion requires commitment on the first Saturday of five consecutive months. Mark these dates on your calendar to ensure you remember and can plan accordingly.
• Attend Mass: Attending Mass on these Saturdays is crucial. It's not just about fulfilling an obligation but participating fully and receiving Jesus in the Eucharist with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
• Go to Confession and Receive Holy Communion: Receiving Communion is at the heart of the First Five Saturdays Devotion. Approach it with a clean heart, which means going to confession before, if possible. Confession can be done within eight days before or after the First Saturday, but closer to the day is better for maintaining the spirit of reparation.
• Pray the Rosary: Dedicate time to pray the Rosary, meditating on its mysteries. This prayer is a powerful way to reflect on the life of Jesus and His Holy Mother, bringing us closer to them.
• Meditate for 15 Minutes: Besides praying the Rosary, spend an additional 15 minutes meditating on one or more of the Rosary mysteries. This meditation is an opportunity to contemplate the life of Jesus and Mary more deeply, understanding their sacrifices and love for humanity.
• Intention: Throughout these practices, remember your intention should always be to make reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This intention is what gives the First Five Saturdays Devotion its significance and power.
• Stay Committed: The devotion requires consistency and faithfulness. If you miss a Saturday, don’t get discouraged. Simply start the cycle over. It’s the effort and intention that count most.
• Spread the Word: Share the beauty of the First Five Saturdays Devotion with friends and family. Encouraging others to participate not only helps spread devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary but also strengthens the faith community.

By following these steps, you begin a journey of faith and devotion, drawing closer to Mary and Jesus while fulfilling the requests made at Fatima. The First Five Saturdays Devotion is a pathway to spiritual growth and grace, offering peace and salvation to those who earnestly participate.

The devotion is to be practiced on the the first Saturday of five consecutive months. To practice the devotion, on each Saturday you should

• Go to confession
• Receive Holy Communion
• Say five decades of the rosary
• Spend fifteen minutes meditating on the rosary

A special grace of this devotion is that Our Lady will be present at the hour of death with the grace of final perseverance.

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Pray the Rosary

The First Five Saturdays Devotion is a powerful way to deepen your connection with Mary and enhance your spiritual journey. By attending Mass, receiving Communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on its mysteries, this devotion offers a unique path to grace and reparation. Engaging in this practice fosters a closer relationship with Jesus, aligning your heart with Mary's. Start this devotion and witness the power of prayer and dedication in your life.

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More Catholic Prayers

Embark on a spiritual journey with the First Five Saturdays Devotion, a practice that draws you closer to Mary and enriches your faith through prayer, meditation, and communion. This devotion, centered on reparation to Mary's Immaculate Heart, is a pathway to peace and grace. Find even more Catholic prayers and devotions on this page.

What is the First Five Saturdays Devotion?

The First Five Saturdays Devotion is a Catholic practice requested by the Virgin Mary during her apparitions at Fatima, Portugal. It involves going to Mass, receiving Holy Communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on the Rosary mysteries, all with the intention of making reparation to Mary's Immaculate Heart. This devotion is performed on the first Saturday of five consecutive months.

Why five Saturdays for the First Five Saturdays Devotion?

The Virgin Mary asked specifically for the devotion to be carried out on five consecutive Saturdays to make reparation for the five types of offenses and blasphemies committed against her Immaculate Heart. These include

• blasphemies against her Immaculate Conception
• blasphemies against her perpetual virginity
• blasphemies against her divine maternity
• instilling indifference, contempt, and even hatred towards her in the hearts of children
• the desecration of her images

Can I start the First Five Saturdays Devotion anytime?

Yes, you can begin the First Five Saturdays Devotion on the first Saturday of any month. The key is to complete the devotion on five consecutive first Saturdays. It's a personal journey of faith and reparation, so you can start whenever you feel called to do so.

What if I miss a Saturday during the First Five Saturdays Devotion?

If you miss a Saturday, the continuity is broken, and to fully follow the Virgin Mary's request, you should start the cycle over again from the beginning.

Do I need to go to confession on the first Saturday as part of the First Five Saturdays Devotion?

Confession is an essential part of the devotion, aiming to purify one’s heart before receiving Holy Communion. While it’s highly recommended to go to confession on the first Saturday, the Church allows for confession to take place within eight days before or after the first Saturday. The intention should still be to make reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

How can children participate in the First Five Saturdays Devotion?

Children can participate in the First Five Saturdays Devotion with the guidance of their parents or guardians. They can attend Mass, receive Holy Communion if they have made their First Communion, pray the Rosary, and spend time in meditation with the help of simpler, child-friendly meditations on the mysteries of the Rosary.

Is the First Five Saturdays Devotion relevant today?

Absolutely. The First Five Saturdays Devotion remains a means of spiritual growth and grace. It’s a call to prayer, penance, and conversion that transcends time, offering peace and salvation to the world and strengthening one's personal relationship with Mary and Jesus.

The First Five Saturdays Devotion offers an opportunity for spiritual growth and connection with the heart of Mary. Rooted in the messages of Fatima, this devotion is not just a set of actions but a journey towards deeper understanding, peace, and reparation. It's a call to reflect on the ways we can bring ourselves closer to Jesus and make amends for the pains of the world.

The beauty of the First Five Saturdays Devotion lies in its simplicity and the powerful promises attached to it. Whether you're seeking to deepen your faith, find spiritual guidance, or simply wish to answer the call of the Virgin Mary for reparation, this devotion offers a pathway filled with grace and blessings.

Now is the perfect time to start your journey with the First Five Saturdays Devotion. Mark your calendar, prepare your heart, and step into a practice that has transformed the lives of countless individuals around the world. Share this devotion with friends and family, encouraging them to join you in this spiritual journey.

Together, let's honor the requests of the Virgin Mary, embrace her promises, and contribute to a world filled with more grace, peace, and love. Start this coming Saturday, and see how this devotion can change your life and the lives of those around you.