Philippine Diocese to Promote First Saturday Devotion in Honor of Blessed Mother Mary

A Filipino bishop has taken steps to promote the Five First Saturdays Devotion in honor of the Blessed Mother Mary in his diocese, calling it the “Forgotten story of Fatima.”

In a circular dated July 2, Bishop Guillermo Dela Vega Afable of the Diocese of Digos, southern Philippines, wrote, “It is not merely one among many other Marian devotions. It has profound and consequential implications for world peace and harmony.”

“At its heart is the Communion of Reparation, a plea Our Lady made repeatedly, one that we are being called to respond to more urgently today,” he said.

This year marks the centennial anniversary (1925–2025) of the apparition of Our Lady to Sr. Lucia in Pontevedra, Spain.

“This is a most opportune time, especially during this Jubilee Year of Hope, for the Church and for all of humanity to take seriously the message and request of Our Blessed Mother at Fatima and Pontevedra,” the prelate added.

The Pilgrim Image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Pontevedra will visit the Diocese of Digos from July 25 to 30, 2025, beginning in Bansalan on July 25, then proceeding to Mary Mediatrix, Digos, on July 26; Malita on July 27; Padada on July 28; and Sta. Cruz on July 29.

During this visitation, the diocese will launch a campaign to promote the Five First Saturdays Devotion by making a pledge at every church visited.

On the first Saturday of five consecutive months, Catholics are encouraged to perform the First Saturday Devotion, which is an act of reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It includes confession, receiving Holy Communion, praying the Rosary, and meditating for fifteen minutes on the mysteries of the Rosary.

This devotion, believed to bring blessings and graces—including assistance at the hour of death, is one that the Virgin Mary requested during her apparitions in Fatima.