# The great promise of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
*2017-05-11*

> Bill Young discusses the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima and the specific spiritual practices associated with the Five First Saturdays devotion.

## The Apparitions at Fatima

The story begins with the three shepherd children of Fatima—Blessed Francisco, Blessed Jacinta, and Lucia. The Most Holy Virgin Mary appeared to them six times, starting on May 13, 1917, and continuing on the 13th of every month until October 13, 1917. During these visits, Our Lady asked the children to recite the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world and an end to the war.

## The Vision of Hell and the Call to Reparation

During the apparition on July 13, 1917, Lucia witnessed a terrifying vision of hell, seeing demons and condemned souls immersed in fire. Our Lady explained that this was where the souls of poor sinners go and told the children that to save them, God wanted them to establish a devotion to her Immaculate Heart in the world. She warned that if people did not stop offending God, another war would begin under the reign of Pope Pius [unclear], which would be worse than the first.

## The Consecration of Russia

Our Lady requested the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart and the practice of communions of reparation on the First Saturdays. She warned that if these requests were not heeded, Russia would spread her errors throughout the world, leading to wars and the persecution of the Church and the Holy Father. However, she promised that in the end, her Immaculate Heart would triumph.

## The Great Promise of the Five First Saturdays

On December 10, 1925, the Virgin Mary appeared again to Lucia. Accompanied by a child, she showed her heart surrounded by thorns, which were pierced by the ingratitude of people. She asked for comfort and reparation through the practice of the Five First Saturdays. Our Lady made a 'Great Promise': she promised to assist those who follow this devotion in the hour of their death with all the graces necessary for their salvation.

## How to Practice the Devotion

To receive the promise of assistance at the hour of death, one should perform the following for five consecutive First Saturdays: receive the Sacrament of Confession with the intention of making reparation to Our Lady (if unable to confess on the Saturday, it is sufficient to do so within eight days before or after), receive Holy Communion in a state of grace, recite the Holy Rosary (at least the third part), and meditate for fifteen minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary, all with the intention of making amends for offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart.

## The Five Offenses

When asked why the devotion required five consecutive Saturdays, Lucia explained that it was to make amends for five specific offenses: blasphemies against the Immaculate Conception, against her virginity, and against her divine maternity; the refusal to accept her as the mother of all people; and the indifference, contempt, or hatred shown toward her, including those who insult her holy images.

*The devotion to the Five First Saturdays is a powerful means of reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and carries a promise of grace at the hour of death.*