Devotion to the First Fridays and First Saturdays incorporates devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary into our monthly routines.
In the 17th century, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a cloistered nun, began receiving visions in which Christ asked her to foster devotion to His Sacred Heart. One of the devotions received through these visions is the “First Friday devotion,” which calls for the faithful to receive the Eucharist on the first Friday of the month for nine consecutive months in honor and reparation of Jesus’ Sacred Heart.
Jesus revealed several promises for those who observed First Friday devotions, including reception of the sacraments before death, perseverance in the Faith, and consolation of Christ’s love at one’s death.
The First Saturday Devotion is another way to devote yourself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and honor our Holy Mother.
When the Virgin Mother appeared to the three children at Fatima in 1917, she told the oldest child, Lucia, that she would grant special graces to persons who practiced the First Saturday devotion.
On the first Saturday of every month, the faithful should go to Confession, receive Holy Communion, say the Rosary, and meditate on the Mysteries of the Rosary for fifteen minutes.
Check out Mike Aquilina and Regis J. Flaherty’s book The How-To Book of Catholic Devotions to discover more devotions and prayers to incorporate into your daily life, sold here.
