Our Lady originally asked the faithful to observe the Five First Saturdays by going to Confession and receiving Holy Communion on five consecutive first Saturdays, praying five decades of the Rosary, and meditating for 15 minutes on the Rosary’s mysteries—all with the intention of making reparation to her Immaculate Heart for the sins of mankind.
However, in later private visions and apparitions, Sister Lucia shared with Our Lord the practical difficulties some people faced in completing all these conditions. In His mercy and compassion, Our Lord allowed certain modifications to make the devotion more accessible:
- Confession does not need to take place strictly on the First Saturday. It may be done within a reasonable time before or after, as long as the person is in a state of grace when receiving Communion and has the intention of offering it in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
- If someone forgets to make this intention during Confession, it can be made at their next opportunity.
- It is not necessary to meditate on all the mysteries of the Rosary during the 15 minutes of reflection—meditating on one or a few is sufficient.
With these merciful adaptations granted by Our Lord Himself, the faithful are encouraged not to delay or avoid this powerful devotion, which Our Lady so urgently requests.
Info from americaneedsfatima.org