The prophet Elisha told Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan to be healed. This angered Naaman; it was not how he expected to be healed. He wanted something different. How could something so simple work? Fortunately, a servant convinced him; he bathed seven times in the Jordan and was healed. (2 Kings 5:9-14)
Mary has likewise given us a simple way to heal ourselves and the world! Mary told Lucia, the Fatima visionary that if people entrusted themselves to her Immaculate Heart and practiced the Five First Saturdays, wars, famines, and persecutions of Christians would be prevented. In addition, those who practiced the Five First Saturdays, Mary promised to assist at the hour of their death.
I would like to propose that we at St. Peter Church make a serious commitment to our Lady to do as she requested. Practicing the Five First Saturdays is not difficult. On the first Saturday of the month, go to Confession, receive Holy Communion, pray five decades of the Rosary, and keep Mary company for fifteen minutes while meditating on one or more of the mysteries of the Rosary doing all with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
If all of us began practicing the Five First Saturdays, we could make a real difference in the world! To aid us in keeping this devotion, on the weekend prior to the first Saturday, a box explaining how to keep the devotion will be put in the parish bulletin as a reminder.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
Fr. Tim Byerley Pastor