First Saturday devotions
The next most important day in a regular month was First Saturday devoted to
our Lady of Fatima. Meditation was followed by the Holy Sacrifice of the
Mass, the rosary and Benediction. Confessions were heard afterwards but
because of the large number of people Father James G. Prior, C.M.,
Pastor
of the Our Lady
of Mount Carmel has always been kind enough to come over to assist Monsignor.
For This Devotion
The practice of the five First Saturdays in reparation belongs to this new chapter of the sanctification and the eternal salvation of the redeemed.
Why precisely five First Saturdays?
In a letter given by Sister Lucia to Fr. Jose Bernardo Gonzalves on June 12, 1930, she said while in the convent chapel on the night of May 29-30, Our Lord revealed the reason for the five Saturdays.
"My daughter, the motive is simple: there are five ways in which people offend, and blaspheme against the Immaculate heart of Mary.
1. The blasphemies against the Immaculate Conception.
2. Against her virginity
3Against the divine maternity, refusing at the same time t o accept her as the Mother of all mankind.
4. Those who try publicly to implant in the children's hearts, indifference, contempt and even hate against this Immaculate Mother.
5. Those who insult her directly in her sacred images."
