I learned about the First Saturdays devotion years ago. I thought it might be something I should do later in my life when I had more time. However, last year, I became more inspired to complete this devotion thanks to the devout moms in my homeschooling group.
The group goes to First Friday masses together, which are on the first Friday of each month. This pushed me to try to complete the First Fridays devotion. I have been working on this devotion since last fall, but I forgot about it in January and had to start again. The First Friday devotion seemed easier for me to complete with 2 small children and lots of responsibilities, since you just have to attend mass the first Friday of each month for nine consecutive months and say the prayers. I also wanted to complete the First Saturdays devotion, but it seemed a little too overwhelming to me, especially to complete both devotions at the same time.
However, with the consecration of Russia and Ukraine by Pope Francis last month, I was inspired even more and really pushed in the direction of completing the First Saturdays devotion. I decided that if this is God’s will, He will make it happen for me and that I just need to do my best to try and complete it.
First Saturdays Devotion: What Is it?
In 1917, Mary, Mother of God, appeared to 3 shepherd children, Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco in Fatima, Portugal. Years later, on December 10, 1925, Our Lady promised Sister Lucia she would “…assist at the hour of death, with the graces necessary for salvation, all those who on the first Saturdays of five consecutive months confess, receive Holy Communion, pray a Rosary, and keep me company for a quarter of an hour meditating on the fifteen mysteries with the intention of offering me reparation.”
I believe Our Lady and I think this is an incredible promise full of mercy from Jesus. On February 15, 1926, Sister Lucia asked Our Lord if it was alright if people went to confession 8 days before or after the first Saturday and He indicated that it was. He replied to her “Yes, it can even be within many more days, provided they are in the state of grace when they receive Me, and have the intention of offering reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
When completing the First Saturdays devotion, we must offer this in reparation for the blasphemies and ingratitude of unrepentant sinners and for peace in the world.
Reasons for the Devotion
Our Lord told Sister Lucia on Mary 29, 1930 the reason for the First Saturdays devotion. “My daughter, the reason is simple. Against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, five kinds of offenses and blasphemies are committed:
- Those committed against the Immaculate Conception
- Those committed against the virginity of Our Lady
- Those committed against the Divine maternity, refusing at the same time, to accept her as the mother of men
- Those committed by men who publicly attempt to instill indifference, scorn and even hatred for this Immaculate Mother in the hearts of children
- Those committed by men who insult her directly in her statues”
I began completing the First Saturdays devotion this month. I was by myself and decided to go to our adoration chapel to meditate on the mysteries of the rosary. If you have never meditated on the mysteries of the rosary, know that it is very powerful. In my experience, it was, especially being in front of the Blessed Sacrament. It is not required for you to go to adoration to pray the rosary or to meditate on the mysteries of the rosary, but I would do it again. It made me feel very close to Our Lord. The experience of meditating on the mysteries of the rosary was very different from praying the rosary. I was only focused on the events of Jesus’ life here on earth and it was very emotional.
Let me know in the comments if you have completed the First Saturdays devotion or if you are thinking about it! Please also check out my Flame of Love book review, another promise made by Our Lord.
