The First Five Saturdays

At Fatima, Our Lady told the shepherd children that God wished to establish in the world devotion to her Immaculate Heart. In 1925, she appeared to Lucia (now a postulant) to explain exactly what this meant.

The Requirements

For five consecutive months, on the first Saturday, we must do four things with the intention of making reparation for the offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary:

1. Go to Confession

This can be done within 8 days before or after, provided you are in a state of grace when receiving Communion.

2. Receive Holy Communion

Also known as the Communion of Reparation. Offer it for the insults Mary receives.

3. Pray Five Decades of the Rosary

Ideally, meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary.

4. Keep Mary Company for 15 Minutes

Separate from the Rosary, spend 15 minutes meditating on one or more mysteries of the Rosary with the intention of keeping her company.

Why Five?

There are five main offenses against the Immaculate Heart:

1. Rejection of her Immaculate Conception.
2. Rejection of her Virginity.
3. Rejection of her Divine Maternity and refusal to accept her as the Mother of all mankind.
4. Turning children against her.
5. Desecration of her images.

The Promise

To those who faithfully practice this devotion, Mary promises "to assist them at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for the salvation of their souls."

This is a beautiful way to console our Mother and secure the grace of a holy death.