FIRST SATURDAY DEVOTION PRAYERS

Components and Order of the First Saturday Devotion Prayers

 

The Five First Saturday Devotion holds a significant spiritual importance as a practice rooted in the messages conveyed by the Blessed Virgin Mary during the apparitions at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. This devotion, endorsed by the Catholic Church, emphasizes the observance of five consecutive first Saturdays to honour and console the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Participants engage in specific acts of reparation, including confession, Holy Communion, and meditation on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, as a means of seeking spiritual healing and promoting peace. The First Saturday Devotion stands as a heartfelt response to Mary's call for repentance, prayer, and devotion for the well-being of humanity.

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening Hymn

Sing a Hymn dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary or one that fits the theme of reparation.

Litany of Reparation

Lord, have mercy on us,
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us,
Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.

Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I trust in You.
Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I believe in Your love for me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I am sorry for my sins.

Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I offer You my sorrow.
Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I repent of my ingratitude.
Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I renounce all sin.

Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I consecrate my heart to You.
Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I give You my life.
Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I am Yours forever.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,**
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Make our hearts like Yours.

Let us pray

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, wounded for our sins, and longing for our love, accept our reparation. In Your mercy, transform our hearts and grant us the grace to love You more deeply each day. We offer this prayer in union with the Immaculate Heart of Mary, our Mother, and in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.

Reading from Scripture

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbour his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the East is from the West, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.   - Psalm 103:8-13 (NIV)

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.  - Luke 6:36

I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.   - Luke 15:7

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.  - Acts 3:19

I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’" (Mary's fiat - her willing acceptance of God's plan)  - Luke 1:38

The Magnificat - Mary's song of praise, expressing her humility, gratitude, and faith in God.  - Luke 1:46-55

But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.    - Luke 1:30-33

Reflection

The Scriptures on mercy, repentance, and the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary offer a rich tapestry of spiritual insights. Psalm 103 paints a vivid picture of God's boundless mercy, inviting us to approach Him with gratitude for the forgiveness that knows no bounds. Luke 6:36, echoing Jesus' words, challenges us to embody this mercy in our interactions, fostering compassion and forgiveness.

The parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:7 resonates with the joy of repentance. It encourages us to embrace the transformative power of turning back to God, understanding that our repentance not only restores our relationship with Him but also brings joy to the heavens. Acts 3:19 reinforces this call to repentance, promising forgiveness and spiritual refreshment.

Turning to the virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Luke 1:38 captures Mary's profound fiat—her willing acceptance of God's plan. This serves as a timeless model for our own surrender to divine will, echoing a resounding "yes" in trust and obedience. The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) amplifies Mary's virtues of faith, humility, and gratitude, becoming an anthem of hope that God's mercy transcends generations.

Finally, Luke 1:30-33 unveils Mary's pivotal role in God's plan for salvation. In her obedience, we witness the embodiment of divine mercy taking on flesh. These passages collectively illuminate the beauty of God's mercy, the transformative power of repentance, and the virtuous example of Mary, inviting us to respond with gratitude, humility, and a resounding "yes" to God's unfolding plan in our lives.

The Holy Rosary

Begin the praying of the Holy Rosary with meditations on the mysteries appropriate for Saturdays. As you move through each decade.

The Joyful Mysteries

First - The Annunciation

In the quiet of Mary's "yes" to the angel Gabriel, we find the joy of surrendering to God's plan. This mystery invites us to reflect on our own openness to divine invitations, finding joy in trusting God's purpose for our lives.

Second - The Visitation

As Mary hastens to Elizabeth, we witness the joy of selfless service. This mystery prompts us to seek joy in reaching out to others, recognizing that our actions, no matter how small, can bring blessings to those in need.

Third - The Nativity

In the simplicity of the stable, the world receives the gift of God made flesh. Contemplating the Nativity encourages us to find joy in the humble and ordinary, recognizing the extraordinary love that dwells in the midst of simplicity.

Fourth - The Presentation

As Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the temple, we encounter the joy of dedication and surrender. This mystery invites us to present our lives to God, finding joy in the act of surrender and trust.

Fifth - The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

In the moment of finding Jesus, Mary and Joseph experience a mix of anxiety and relief. This mystery prompts us to reflect on the joy of rediscovering our connection with God when we feel lost, reminding us that even in moments of apparent absence, God is near.

The Sorrowful Mysteries

First - The Agony in the Garden

Amidst the shadows of the olive trees, Jesus faces the depth of human suffering. This mystery calls us to find solace in prayer during our own moments of agony, trusting that God's grace sustains us in times of trial.

Second - The Scourging at the Pillar

As Jesus endures the scourging, we witness the profound reality of redemptive suffering. This mystery prompts us to reflect on finding purpose and meaning even in the midst of life's challenges, trusting in God's transformative power.

Third - The Crowning with Thorns

In the humiliation of the crown of thorns, Jesus bears the weight of human pride. This mystery invites us to seek humility, recognizing the joy that comes from embracing the virtue that aligns us more closely with Christ.

Fourth - The Carrying of the Cross

As Jesus carries the cross, we reflect on the journey of self-denial and sacrifice. This mystery encourages us to find joy in acts of selfless love, understanding that our burdens, when embraced for the sake of others, can lead to redemption.

Fifth - The Crucifixion

At the crucifixion, we witness the ultimate act of love. This mystery prompts us to contemplate the joy found in embracing the crosses of our lives, trusting that, like Christ, our sacrifices can bring about redemption and new life.

The Glorious Mysteries 

First - The Resurrection

In the empty tomb, we encounter the joy of new beginnings. This mystery invites us to embrace the hope that comes from Christ's resurrection, trusting that God can transform even the darkest situations into opportunities for renewal.

Second - The Ascension

As Jesus ascends into heaven, the disciples are left with a promise of the Holy Spirit. This mystery encourages us to find joy in anticipating the fulfillment of God's promises, recognizing that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and empower us.

Third - The Descent of the Holy Spirit

In the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we witness the birth of the Church. This mystery prompts us to seek joy in the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, empowering us to live out our faith and share God's love with others.

Fourth - The Assumption

As Mary is assumed into heaven, we contemplate the joy of the fulfillment of God's plan. This mystery encourages us to find joy in the hope of our own eternal destiny, trusting in God's promise of everlasting life.

Fifth - The Coronation

In the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven, we glimpse the joy of eternal glory. This mystery prompts us to reflect on the ultimate joy that awaits those who persevere in faith, knowing that, through God's grace, we are called to share in the joy of heavenly glory.

The Luminous Mysteries

First - Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan

In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus submits to John's baptism, revealing His humility and solidarity with humanity. This mystery calls us to embrace the grace of our own baptism, finding renewal and purpose in the waters of rebirth.

Second - The Manifestation at Cana

At the wedding feast, Jesus performs His first miracle, turning water into wine. This mystery invites us to ponder the joy of God's abundant grace in our lives, trusting that He can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Third - Proclamation of the Kingdom of God

In proclaiming the Kingdom, Jesus calls us to repentance and belief. This mystery prompts us to reflect on our response to His invitation, finding joy in aligning our lives with the values of God's Kingdom and spreading His message of love.

Fourth - The Transfiguration

On the mountaintop, Jesus is transfigured in radiant glory. This mystery encourages us to seek moments of spiritual clarity and transformation in our own lives, trusting that God's light can illuminate even the darkest corners of our hearts.

Fifth - Institution of the Eucharist

In the Upper Room, Jesus institutes the Eucharist, offering His body and blood for our nourishment. This mystery calls us to find profound joy in the sacrament of the Eucharist, where we encounter the real presence of Christ and experience communion with Him.

Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of heaven and earth, and tender Mother of humanity, in accordance with thy ardent wish made known at Fatima, I consecrate to thee myself, my brethren, my country, and the whole human race.

Reign over us and teach us how to make the Heart of Jesus reign and triumph in us and around us, as It has reigned and triumphed in thee.

Reign over us, dearest Mother, that we may be thine in prosperity and in adversity, in joy and in sorrow, in health and in sickness, in life and in death.

O most compassionate Heart of Mary, Queen of Virgins, watch over our minds and hearts and preserve them from the deluge of impurity which thou didst lament so sorrowfully at Fatima.

We want to be pure like thee. We want to atone for the many sins committed against Jesus and thee. We want to call down upon our country and the whole world the peace of God in justice and charity.

Therefore, we now promise to imitate thy virtues by the practice of a Christian life without regard to human respect.

We resolve to receive Holy Communion on the First Saturday of every month and to offer thee five decades of the Rosary each day, together with our sacrifices, in the spirit of reparation and penance. Amen.

Prayer of Petition

For the Pope and the Universal Church

Heavenly Father, we humbly lift up our Holy Father, Pope [Pope's Name], and all the leaders of the Universal Church. Grant them wisdom, strength, and guidance as they shepherd your flock. May the First Saturday Devotion deepen their devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, leading the Church to greater holiness and unity.

For the Reparation of Sins

Merciful Lord, we offer this prayer for the reparation of sins, seeking Your forgiveness and mercy. Through the First Saturday Devotion, may our hearts be purified, and may we, as a community, atone for offenses committed against the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

For Families and Communities

Loving God, bless our families and communities with the grace to live out the First Saturday Devotion faithfully. May the practice of confession, Holy Communion, and prayer bring healing, unity, and holiness to our homes, fostering a culture of love and respect among all its members.

For Peace in the World

Prince of Peace, in a world often marked by discord and strife, we pray for peace. Through the intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, may nations turn to prayer, penance, and reconciliation. May the First Saturday Devotion be a source of grace, fostering understanding and cooperation among all peoples.

**5. For Personal Intentions and Needs:**

Gracious God, we bring before You our personal intentions and needs, confident that You hear our prayers. Through the First Saturday Devotion, grant us the strength to overcome our challenges and the grace to live according to Your will. We entrust our desires and struggles to the loving intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Amen.

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invoking her under various titles and seeking her intercession.

Closing Prayer

Dear God, as we conclude this blessed First Saturday Devotion, we lift our hearts to You in gratitude for the grace-filled moments we have shared in prayer, reflection, and communion. We stand before You, O God, seeking the strength and fortitude to remain faithful to the teachings of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Grant us the wisdom to internalize His divine wisdom, to walk in His footsteps with unwavering faith, and to spread His message of love and compassion to all those we encounter. May the flame of our devotion burn bright, lighting the path of our journey towards You.

In the quiet moments of this devotion, we have heard the echoes of Your love, felt the warmth of Your presence, and experienced the gentle nudges of Your Spirit. As we return to the ebb and flow of our daily lives, may Your grace sustain us, empowering us to live out the messages of Fatima with courage and conviction.

Father, instill in our hearts a deep and abiding love for You and for our neighbors. May our actions, guided by the teachings of Christ, be a testament to the transformative power of Your grace. Help us to be beacons of light, illuminating the world with acts of kindness, mercy, and love.

We entrust our journey to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Fatima. Through her loving guidance, may we be ever attuned to the whispers of Your will and find strength in her example of unwavering faith and complete surrender to Your divine plan.

As we disperse from this sacred moment, bind us together in a spirit of unity and shared purpose. May the seeds of devotion planted today blossom into a garden of love, kindness, and holiness in our lives.

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Final Hymn

A closing hymn dedicated to Mary.