Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

Most Catholics are familiar with the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima, Portugal, to three young cousins—Lucia de los Santos, Jacinta, and Francisco Marto—between May 13 and October 13, 1917. However, fewer may be aware that the practice of praying the rosary on first Saturdays for five consecutive months began later in 1925. This devotion was requested by Our Lady to Sister Lucia and continues to be observed a century later.

One of the oldest practices of this devotion in the Diocese of Orlando is held at Queen of Peace Parish in Ocala. Father Patrick O’Doherty noted that his parishioners were already engaging in this devotion when he arrived 35 years ago. The devotion is currently led by Leona LaMotte and her friend Linda Olson. LaMotte expressed her deep connection to this practice due to its origin from Our Lady's request.

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady spoke to Lucia, who later became a Discalced Carmelite nun. She conveyed a promise: “Behold, my daughter, my heart encircled with thorns... I promise to assist at the hour of death... all who on the first Saturday of five consecutive months confess their sins... with the purpose of making reparation to my Immaculate Heart.” LaMotte described these words as profoundly meaningful.

The devotion attracts between 75 and 150 participants each time it is held. LaMotte encourages them to engage deeply with the mysteries being meditated upon during their prayer sessions.

Jesus provided an explanation for the Five Saturdays' Devotion on May 29-30, 1930, revealing that it was meant as reparation for five types of offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary. These include blasphemies against her Immaculate Conception and virginity among others.

Father O’Doherty shared his personal reflections on Mary’s role in his life: “Mary is the woman in my life,” he said. He recalled how contemplating Mary’s life helped him understand his own spiritual calling.

Kathleen and Kevin Stancik previously participated in Queen of Peace's devotion before moving their participation to St. John the Baptist in Dunnellon where Father Ramón Bolatete initiated a similar practice supported by local Knights of Columbus members.

Kevin has long maintained a personal devotion stemming from childhood experiences while Kathleen emphasized communal prayer's added benefits: “Saying it as a group brings more graces.”

Michael Zirkle from diocesan financial operations shares his appreciation for Marian devotions inspired by familial influences; he recounts crafting rosaries during childhood which reinforced his faith journey into adulthood leading him toward organizing similar activities within Epiphany Parish alongside fellow parishioners like Michael Halsema who views such practices integral parts towards living out Catholic faith authentically today despite societal challenges faced globally now more than ever before according Carmen Rosado whose commitment spans decades reflecting both heritage connections through grandparental influences alongside marriage vows symbolizing shared dedication throughout lifetime together united under common purpose aligned closely following examples set forth originally back then still relevant even now continuing onward unchanged essentially proving timelessness inherent found therein ultimately perhaps best encapsulated simply thusly stated succinctly yet powerfully nevertheless: "It is evangelization."