Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

Three dozen Catholics in Tubac, Arizona, have been gathering over the course of five months on the first Saturday to fulfill a request made by the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima. According to Our Lady to Fatima visionary Lucia, on December 10, 1925, those who participate in this devotion will receive assistance at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for the salvation of their souls.

Julie Grotheer, a parishioner at St. Ann’s, shared that they started the devotion on January 1, 2022, and have continued to do so several times. This communal practice has brought the Tubac community closer together, with 25 to 40 Catholics attending each month. The devotions include Mass, Marian hymns, praying the rosary, and scripture meditations.

Explaining the significance of the Five First Saturdays devotion, Grotheer noted that Jesus explained to Lucia that there are five offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The act of reparation is seen as a way to make amends for these wrongdoings and show love and devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Grotheer emphasized the importance of prayers in fighting against evil and spreading grace and healing in the world. She mentioned, “Mary is the Mother of peace. Our Lady has promised that, in the end, her Immaculate Heart will triumph. We choose to be her loyal children and spread grace and healing in our broken world.”

Encouraging others to join in this devotion, Grotheer highlighted the peace and blessings it brings to individuals, the parish, the nation, and the world. She expressed, “Our Lady has definitely blessed us by encouraging us in this devotion and providing us with peace.”

In conclusion, Grotheer invited everyone to participate in making an act of reparation to console the Blessed Mother's Heart. Whether done individually or as a group, the Five First Saturdays devotion promises generous graces and blessings from the Blessed Mother.