The Five First Saturdays Devotion is one of the most powerful but often overlooked Marian devotions in the Catholic Church. Requested by Our Lady of Fatima, this devotion is a response to the growing sins of the world and a means of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
In this guide, we’ll explore the origins of the devotion, how to practice it, and why it remains vital for Catholics today.
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What Is the Five First Saturdays Devotion?
The Five First Saturdays Devotion was revealed by Our Lady of Fatima to Sister Lúcia dos Santos, one of the three children who witnessed the Fatima apparitions in 1917. On December 10, 1925, in Pontevedra, Spain, the Blessed Virgin appeared to Sister Lúcia alongside the Christ Child and asked for reparation to her Immaculate Heart.
Mary specifically requested that Catholics dedicate the first Saturday of five consecutive months to acts of devotion in reparation for the offenses committed against her Immaculate Heart.
Jesus Himself later explained the reason for five Saturdays:
“My daughter, the motive is simple: there are five kinds of offenses and blasphemies committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary…”
– Revelation to Sister Lúcia, May 29, 1930
These five offenses include:
- Blasphemies against the Immaculate Conception
- Blasphemies against Mary’s Perpetual Virginity
- Blasphemies against her Divine Maternity, refusing to recognize her as Mother of all men
- Instilling indifference, hatred, or scorn toward Mary in the hearts of children
- Direct insults or desecration of her holy images
The devotion serves as a means of repairing these grave offenses while drawing closer to Our Lady and her Son, Jesus Christ.
How to Practice the Five First Saturdays Devotion
To fulfill the requirements of this devotion, Catholics must complete the following four actions on the first Saturday of five consecutive months:
1. Go to Confession
Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation within eight days before or after the First Saturday with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
2. Receive Holy Communion
Attend Mass and receive the Eucharist on the First Saturday, offering it in reparation for sins against Mary’s Immaculate Heart. If receiving on that day is impossible, a priest may grant permission to receive the following Sunday.
3. Pray the Rosary
Recite five decades of the Rosary while meditating on its mysteries. This prayer honors Our Lady and brings special graces to those who pray with devotion.
4. Meditate for 15 Minutes on the Mysteries of the Rosary
Spend an additional 15 minutes in quiet reflection on one or more of the Rosary mysteries. This meditation is separate from the recitation of the Rosary itself and should be done with the intention of consoling Our Lady’s heart.
The Promises of the Five First Saturdays Devotion
Our Lady made a powerful promise to those who faithfully complete the Five First Saturdays:
“I promise to assist at the hour of death, with the graces necessary for salvation, all those who, on the First Saturday of five consecutive months, shall confess, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the fifteen mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me.”
– Our Lady of Fatima, December 10, 1925
This means that those who fulfill this devotion will not die without the grace needed for their salvation—a remarkable assurance of Our Lady’s maternal intercession.
Why the Five First Saturdays Devotion Matters Today
In a world increasingly turning away from God, this devotion remains more relevant than ever. Through it, Catholics:
- Make reparation for the sins of the world
- Draw closer to Jesus and Mary
- Receive special graces for their own salvation
- Help bring about the triumph of the Immaculate Heart, as promised at Fatima
Pope St. John Paul II himself said:
“The message of Fatima is more relevant and urgent today than it was in 1917.”
The world is in dire need of prayer, penance, and devotion to Our Lady. By embracing the Five First Saturdays, we answer her urgent call for reparation and conversion.
Will You Answer Our Lady’s Call?
The Five First Saturdays Devotion is a simple yet powerful way to deepen your faith and contribute to the salvation of souls. If you haven’t started yet, this is the perfect time to begin.
💠 Mark your calendar for the next First Saturday and commit to completing the devotion.
🙏 Our Lady is waiting for your response—will you say yes?
READ MORE: DEVOTIONS SECTION
READ MORE: WHAT IS THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY