# The Promise of the First Saturdays
*2017-05-27*

> Bill Young explains the Fatima promise of the First Saturdays, shares personal experiences with the Legion of Mary, and offers practical tips for fulfilling the devotion.

## The Fatima Promise

Our Lady of Fatima appeared to Sister Lucia on December 10, 1925 and promised that anyone who, in reparation to her, observes the First Saturday of five consecutive months—confessing, receiving Holy Communion, praying the Rosary for at least fifteen minutes, and meditating on its mysteries—will receive the graces necessary for salvation at the hour of death. The associated prayer asks God to fill our hearts with confidence in the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to grant us whatever spiritual or temporal grace we need through Christ.

## Spreading the Message

I ordered inexpensive cards (about 16 cents each) that explain the promise and have been giving them to members of the Legion of Mary. The Legion also blesses homes: a statue of Mary is placed, the Rosary is prayed, holy water is sprinkled, and each room is blessed. One family reported seeing Mary smile during the concluding prayers, a reminder that the Blessed Virgin is present and active in our lives.

## Personal Encounters with Grace

After my personal consecration to Mary, I experienced a series of small signs—a picture of Jesus on my wall seemed to look at me, and later the image appeared to smile during a prayer at 3 a.m. These moments reassure me that the special graces promised for the centennial of Fatima are indeed at work, even amid the many evils of our time.

## Living the First Saturday Devotion

The devotion is simple to incorporate. Most parishes offer confession on Saturday between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; after confession, pray the Rosary and meditate on its mysteries, then attend the 5:00 p.m. Mass. The schedule may vary slightly, but the essential elements—confession, Communion, Rosary, and meditation—are always present. Once you have the routine down, the rest falls into place.

## Encouragement to Share and Serve

Private revelations like Fatima are meant to inspire us, not stay hidden. By sharing the promise and the accompanying prayer cards, we may lead others to return to the Church, consecrate themselves to Mary, or begin the First Saturday practice. The Legion of Mary, retreats, and local ministries provide concrete ways to grow in faith and serve the Lord.

*The First Saturday promise offers a simple, powerful path to grace that we are called to live out and share with others.*