On the third apparition of the Lady of the Rosary, she proclaimed her plead for the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart. The Lady had also mentioned that on the first Saturday of every month, communions of reparation was to be made in atonement for our sins. Eight years later, Mary and the Child Jesus appeared to Lucia Dos Santos, who was then staying at the House of the Dorothean Sister in Pontevedra, Spain, and revealed a heart encircled with thorns with which is pierced with the ungrateful acts of humanity.
The Lady, then, promised to be of assistance at the hour of our deaths to those who make reparation to her, that we may merit the necessary graces for salvation. She pointed out that the First Saturdays of the five successive months, going to confession, receiving Holy Communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, would help bring about a frame of mind and heart to repent through the month and not just on the first Saturday.
Why Five Saturdays?
Catholic Christians have always honored the Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday because of her constant faith in Jesus on the first Holy Saturday before His resurrection. The Lord further explained to Lucia in 1930 that this was because of the five kinds of offenses and blasphemies against her Immaculate Heart which are:
- Blasphemies against her Immaculate Conception;
- Blasphemies against her perpetual virginity;
- Blasphemies against the divine and spiritual maternity of Mary;
- Rejection and dishonor of her sacred images; and
- Neglect of implanting in the hearts of children the knowledge and love for the Blessed Mother.
Five First Saturday Devotions
There are essential elements of the Saturday devotion solely intended to make reparations to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which include:
- Confession
Confession eight (8) days prior to or after the first Saturday is essential to start offering reparation for the offenses against our Lady. This shall be repeated for five (5) consecutive months, without interruption. - Holy Communion
Attending the Holy Mass and receiving the Holy Communion with pure intentions of making reparation and repentance for our sins is another step towards salvation. The Communion should be received on the first Saturday of the month. Otherwise, we may offer Spiritual Communion:My Jesus, I believe that You are in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I long for You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You have already come, I embrace You and unite myself entirely to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
- Holy Rosary
Reciting the five (5) decades of the Holy Rosary some time during the day to make reparation to our Mother’s Immaculate Heart. - Meditating the mysteries of the Holy Rosary
Fifteen (15) minutes of meditation on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary can be done by reading the biblical texts of the mysteries and reflecting on its contents. This act is in addition to praying the Holy Rosary. - Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
This prayer can be used to conclude the devotion. This prayer commemorates the joys, sorrows, and unconditional love of our Blessed Mother.O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Heavenly beauty and splendor of the Father, You are the most valued Heavenly treasure.
New Eve, immaculate in soul, spirit, and body, Created of the godly seed by the Spirit of God, You are the spiritual Mother of mankind.
Pure Virgin, full of grace then and now, Your whole being was raised Heavenly in full glory, To be elevated above all the hosts within the Kingdom of God.
O Heavenly Mother, Queen of Heaven and earth, I recognize the glory of your highest title, The Immaculate Heart of Mary!
Loving Mother, dispenser of endless blessings, You who continuously intercedes on our behalf, Please present my need before your loving Son Jesus.
(In your own words, make your special request here. Do not just mention a word. Speak to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as you would speak to another person, begging your Heavenly Mother to plea to Jesus on your behalf, that you be granted this special request.)
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, I know that you are now presenting my need before Jesus, For you have never turned away those in dire need.
Mother dearest, I await your favorable answer, Submitting myself to the Divine Will of the Lord, For all glories are His forever and ever.
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