In 1917 at Fatima, Our Lady told the shepherd children: "God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart."
Later, in 1925, she appeared to Lucia and revealed exactly how: The Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays. She promised to assist at the hour of death with all graces necessary for salvation those who practice this devotion.
The 4 Conditions
You must do the following on the First Saturday of 5 consecutive months:
- Go to Confession (Within 8 days before or after).
- Receive Holy Communion (In a state of grace).
- Pray 5 Decades of the Rosary.
- Keep Mary Company for 15 Minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary.
Crucial: All of these must be offered with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Why 5 Saturdays?
Jesus revealed to Lucia that there are 5 kinds of offenses against Mary's Immaculate Heart:
- Blasphemies against her Immaculate Conception.
- Blasphemies against her Perpetual Virginity.
- Blasphemies against her Divine Maternity (refusing to recognize her as Mother of God and Mother of men).
- Offenses by those who instill indifference or hatred for her in children's hearts.
- Offenses by those who outrage her directly in her holy images.
The Meditation (15 Minutes)
This is separate from the Rosary itself. It is "keeping Mary company." You can:
- Read Scripture related to one mystery (e.g., the Nativity) for 15 minutes.
- Meditate silently on the 15 mysteries.
- Talk to Mary about her life and sorrows.
FAQ
What if I miss a month?
You (usually) have to start the count of 5 over again. The point is perseverance and consistency.
Can I go to Confession on Saturday evening?
Yes. Confession can be up to 8 days before or after, as long as you are in a state of grace when you receive Communion on Saturday.
Why does reparation matter?
Can we really "repair" damage done to Mary? Yes. Just as a child can comfort a mother who has been insulted by another child, our love "consoles" Mary's heart and opens floodgates of grace for the conversion of sinners (especially in Russia, as prophesied).
This Saturday could be your first. Check the calendar, find a Mass time on the MyPrayerTower app, and begin this powerful journey of reparation.