In the Catholic calendar, certain days are set apart for special devotions. Among the most powerful are First Friday and First Saturday devotions.
These aren't just optional practices—they're traditions rooted in apparitions, promises, and Church teaching. They've been practiced by Catholics for over a century. And they've produced saints.
Let's explore what these devotions are, why they matter, and how you can participate.
First Friday Devotion: The Sacred Heart
The Origin
In the 17th century, Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690), a French nun. He revealed His Sacred Heart—its love for humanity, its desire for devotion, and His promises for those who honor it.
Jesus asked for:
- First Friday devotion (to receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month)
- The Holy Hour (optional, but recommended)
- The promotion of the devotion
The Promise
For those who practice First Friday devotion (receiving Holy Communion on 9 consecutive First Fridays), Jesus promised:
- Grace in life: The grace of final repentance
- Comfort at death: He will be with them at the hour of death
- Secure refuge: A refuge in the Sacred Heart
- Blessings on their home: Blessings on everything they own
The Requirements
To fulfill the First Friday devotion:
- Receive Holy Communion on the first Friday of each month
- Do so for 9 consecutive months (this creates a "first Friday novena")
- Have the intention to honor the Sacred Heart (you don't need to state it explicitly—just intend to receive for that purpose)
Additional (Optional) Practices
- The Holy Hour: Spend one hour in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament on First Friday (Jesus asked for this, especially between 11 PM and midnight)
- Visit the Blessed Sacrament: Even a short visit counts
- Wear the Sacred Heart badge/pin: This is a sacramental
First Saturday Devotion: The Immaculate Heart of Mary
The Origin
In 1917, Our Lady appeared to the three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She asked for:
- The Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
- First Saturday devotion (to receive Holy Communion on the first Saturday of each month)
Specifically, Our Lady asked for Communion on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, with the intention of making reparation to Mary's heart.
The Promise
For those who practice First Saturday devotion (9 First Saturdays, or specifically 5), Our Lady promised:
- Salvation: The conversion of Russia (at the time, this was specific)
- Protection: Safety from communist and secular attacks
- Comfort: Mary would assist at the hour of death
The Requirements
To fulfill the First Saturday devotion:
- Receive Holy Communion on the first Saturday of each month
- Do so for 5 consecutive months (or 9, if doing both devotions)
- Have the intention: Make an act of reparation to the Immaculate Heart
The 5 First Saturdays
The specific requirements for the 5 First Saturdays ( Fatima request):
- Go to Confession (can be done 8 days before or after, but within the month)
- Receive Holy Communion
- Pray 5 decades of the Rosary
- Meditate for 15 minutes on one of the mysteries (Joyful, Sorrowful, or Glorious)
First Friday + First Saturday Combined
Many Catholics do both devotions—completing 9 consecutive months that include both First Friday and First Saturday. This is a powerful spiritual practice.
A Note on Confession
For First Friday: If you're in a state of mortal sin, receive the Eucharist worthily.
For First Saturday: The specific Fatima request included Confession—but you can receive the Eucharist worthily by being in a state of grace.
Why These Devotions Matter
1. They're Rooted in Apparitions
These aren't invented traditions—they come from Jesus and Mary themselves, through St. Margaret Mary and Our Lady of Fatima.
2. They're about Reparation
We live in a world that offends God constantly. These devotions are a way to "make up" for offenses—to offer love in return for hatred.
3. They Build Habits
Doing something monthly builds spiritual discipline. It's a rhythm that sustains faith.
4. They Promise Grace
The promises are specific: grace at the hour of death, comfort, protection. That's not magic—but it's real.
How to Start
Step 1: Mark Your Calendar
Note the First Friday and First Saturday of each month. Set reminders.
Step 2: Go to Mass
Attend Mass on those days. If your parish doesn't have daily Mass, find one nearby or adjust your schedule for Sunday Mass.
Step 3: Receive Communion
Approach the altar with reverence. Receive the Body of Christ.
Step 4: Pray
Add a decade of the Rosary or more. Visit the Blessed Sacrament if possible.
Step 5: Keep It Up
Do this for 9 months (or 5). Build the habit. Trust the promise.
Common Questions
What if I miss a month?
Start over. The tradition requires consecutive months. One missed month breaks the sequence.
What if I can't get to Mass?
Do your best. If there's no Mass available, you can't receive. But don't intentionally skip.
Do I need to go to Confession?
For First Friday: It's required if you're in a state of mortal sin. For First Saturday: Fatima specifically asked for Confession—but if you've already been to Confession recently, you may receive.
Can I do both?
Yes! Many Catholics do both First Friday and First Saturday—completing the 9 months for both devotions.
A Short Prayer for First Friday
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I thank You for Your great love, revealed in Your Heart, broken on the cross for me. I offer my Communions this month to honor Your Heart and to make reparation for all who offend You. Grant me the grace of final perseverance. Amen.
A Short Prayer for First Saturday
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer you my Communions this month to honor your Heart and to make reparation for all who offend you. Obtain for me the grace of a happy death, through your maternal intercession. Amen.
Conclusion: Make the Commitment
First Friday and First Saturday aren't just "nice practices." They're devotions with specific promises. They create rhythm. They build discipline.
Start this month. Mark your calendar. Receive Communion. Pray.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
Begin your First Friday devotion:
- Use the MyPrayerTower app to track your First Friday devotions
- Light a Virtual Candle to honor the Sacred Heart
- Set up reminders via Telegram for each First Friday
A Prayer for Grace
As you reflect on these spiritual truths, we invite you to join us in this prayer:
"Lord Jesus, we thank You for the wisdom of the Church and the witness of the saints. Grant us the grace to live out our faith with joy and perseverance. May our prayers be a sweet incense rising to Your throne, and may Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen."
Deepen Your Spiritual Journey
If you found this reflection helpful, we invite you to explore more ways to strengthen your faith with MyPrayerTower:
- Join our Prayer Wall: Share your intentions and pray for others in our global community.
- Light a Virtual Candle: Offer a symbolic light for your loved ones or special intentions.
- Get the MyPrayerTower App: The full spiritual experience on your Android device.
- Chat with our Telegram Bot: Get daily readings, saint stories, and prayer reminders directly on Telegram.
May God bless you and keep you always in His grace.