Dear Parishioners,

As you may know, every month on the first Saturday, we dedicate our morning Mass to the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Since August is the month of the Immaculate Heart, it is appropriate to call attention to this devotion.

Why does Mary have an Immaculate Heart? It is because she is the Immaculate Conception, conceived without any Original Sin. Because she lacks sin, she can be fully receptive to the grace of God. So, she becomes a model of holiness for all of us to strive towards. Christ lifts her to a whole new level of sanctity because it is fitting for Him to do so for His mother.

Why do we have a five first Saturdays devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary? One key reason is that Our Lady of Fatima in 1917 revealed that she wished to see this devotion established in the whole world. She said in that apparition, “My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God.” She was particularly concerned with the conversion of sinners and world peace. But, the devotion is especially in reparation for sin against the Immaculate Heart. Such sins include blasphemy and ingratitude. Our Lady promised that everyone who performs this devotion for five first Saturdays in a row will be given the graces that will assist us in the hour of death, graces needed for salvation, that souls will be saved and that there will be peace.

What does the First Saturday devotion consist of? First, one must go to confession a week before or a week after the first Saturday, or any time in between. That is why I offer confession after the Mass. Second, one must receive communion. Third, one has to pray the rosary and also meditate on the mysteries of the Rosary for 15 minutes in front of the Blessed Sacrament. All of this must be done with the intention of making reparation to Mary.

This is a really demanding devotion. However, it is well worth it. Jesus wants to make us more and more like His mother. And it’s by sacramental confession we overcome our sins, Holy Communion unites us more to Christ, and the rosary that makes us think more like Mary. So, may we all continue to strive for holiness.

God bless!

Fr. Carter

P.S. Also, each first Saturday daily Mass is said in the Extraordinary Form (Traditional Latin Mass) with Chant. Now that we have the dispensation from Rome, we can fully enjoy the ancient traditions of the Church.