First Friday tomorrow and then First Saturday

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

First Friday devotions in Reparation to the Sacred Heart, and First Saturday devotions in Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary were far more common in days past than they seem to be today in some countries or in some areas of some countries.

Nevertheless, these devotions are important for they help to kindle in us the Fire of Love God placed in our hearts at Baptism. If anyone reading this is unfamiliar with First Friday devotions see HERE

Anyone unfamiliar with First Saturday devotions see HERE

If you cannot participate in Mass and Holy Communion, perhaps you can pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary with greater attention and devotion offering your love in Reparation. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is another beautiful prayer, or simply offer your own words as you work. Some little sacrifice offered with great love can please the Hearts of Jesus and Mary more than most of us realize. We can so often neglect the little things that can become “great” with love.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

It’s also Mary’s month

 

[MariaChristi]

Thanks for your reply, Rose!

Yes, August has traditionally been the month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. We hear comparatively little about Mary in these days as compared with other days – at least in my lifetime. Nevertheless, Jesus spoke to “His Little flock” and so we must keep alert to all He tells us in Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium (the teaching authority of the Catholic Church).

Today is First Saturday, and also the Feast of St. John Vianney, Patron of Parish Priests. There are still some priests I know who are truly devoted to Jesus through Mary, and we need to pray for all clergy, especially today, as we offer this First Saturday in Reparation to Mary’s Immaculate Heart. She has been one with Jesus in suffering especially from those in the clergy – but all of us have by our sins, pierced those two hearts.

Yesterday, on First Friday, one of our older Legion of Mary Members was buried, and at her Mass the priest gave a beautiful homily on her love for Mary and her concern for others. Her Baptismal name was Mary, but everyone knew her as “Molly”. She was involved in Prison Ministry and was greatly loved by the young women whom she served as she visited them each week and shared Jesus, as Mary did. How appropriate, I thought, that God would have many of us Legion of Mary members present at her Mass to recommit ourselves to the loving service of others for love of Jesus and Mary!

Faith works works through Divine Charity. In the end Mary’s Immaculate Heart will triumph. Jesus came the first time through Mary and His Final Coming at the end will be through Mary as well. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. Sacred Heart of Jesus, we trust in You!