In the July 13, 1917 apparition at Fatima, Our Lady said, “I shall come to ask for…the Communion of Reparation on the first Saturdays.”  She came expressly to request this devotion when she appeared to Sister Lucia on December 10, 1925, in Pontevedra, Spain, where she was preparing to start her religious life.
Later, while Sister Lucia was in the chapel with Our Lord during part of the night of May 29-30, 1930, He explained the motivation for the 5 First Saturdays devotion. Our Lord said that there are 5 ways that people offend and blaspheme against the Immaculate Heart of Mary:

1. Offenses or blasphemies against the Immaculate Conception – its denial and/or ridicule
2. Against her perpetual virginity
3. Against her divine maternity, refusing to accept her as the Mother of God and mother of all mankind
4. Those who implant in children’s hearts, indifference, contempt and even hate against our Immaculate Mother
5. Insults directed against her sacred images –displays of indifference or ridicule, and the infliction of damage to them.

Hence, with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart for these five offenses, we are asked to:

1. Go to confession (Can be within 8 days before or after the First Saturday)
2. Receive Holy Communion
3. Pray five decades of the Rosary
4. Keep Our Lady company for 15 minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary

Our Lady promised to assist all those who will practice the devotion of the first Saturday on five consecutive months with the graces necessary for salvation at the hour of their death.

Beginning August 1, 2020, confessions will be heard from 8:00-8:20 AM and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered at Holy Rosary Church on every First Saturday of the month.

How are we to practice the First Saturday Devotion if we cannot attend Mass and/or receive Holy Communion due to COVID-19:

1. There is no obstacle to the praying of the rosary and spending fifteen minutes keeping Our Lady company.
2. Since Jesus told Sr. Lucia that the confession could be within eight days or even longer still, our confessions can be made whenever possible as long as we make the intention.
3. If actual reception of Holy Communion is impossible, remembering that Heaven never demands what is impossible for us, a Spiritual Communion will be accepted until such time as you are able to resume attendance at Masses.

Act of Spiritual Communion by St. Alphonsus Liguori
My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things, and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though Thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee. Amen.