Five First Saturdays

Last year the church celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Marian apparitions to three young children at Fatima. Most Catholics are familiar with Our Lady of Fatima, have seen this image, and know that these apparitions have been approved by the Church. However, somewhat less well known is that when Mary appeared to the children, she asked them (and us) to do several specific things, and she promised if we (Catholics) observed her requests, there would be peace in the world. I want to share about one of her specific requests — making Five First Saturdays — that Mary asked of the Church during these apparitions.

The First Saturday devotion is separate from the First Friday devotion, although they are often confused. Many Catholics are not familiar with making the First Five Saturdays – In Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, but it continues to be important today. As mentioned above, this devotion is in response to our Lady of Fatima’s request to make reparation to her Immaculate Heart, performed with the intention of reparation for blasphemies against the Immaculate Heart for at least five consecutive Saturdays.

There are many pamphlets (and even on-line resources) available that explain in detail the history and specifics of this devotion. However, the four elements that Mary requested are straightforward; they are (1) reception of Communion, (2) Confession (on or shortly before or after the First Saturday), (3) recitation of the five-decade rosary, and (4) mediating for 15 minutes on one or more of the mysteries of the rosary — for five consecutive first Saturdays.

Let me conclude with a quote from Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, who is a modern-day champion of the rosary and Marian devotion. He wrote, “I highly recommend it (making the Five First Saturdays) as a great spiritual practice! Get a monthly tune-up with Confession, Mass, Communion and immersing yourself in the Mysteries of the Rosary, all offered in reparation for the many serious offenses committed against Our Lady. Make the First Saturdays throughout your life for love of Our Lady and reap huge spiritual rewards.”

TOM MONAGHAN is Legatus’ founder, chairman, and CEO.