February 15, 1926 the Child Jesus alone came to visit Sr. Lucia and asked if the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary was being propagated. Sr. Lucia spoke of a difficulty some people have in confessing on the first Saturday, and asked if they might be allowed eight days in order to fulfill Our Lady’s requests. Jesus answered: “Yes, even more time still, as long as they receive Me in the state of grace and have the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

Five decades of the Rosary may be recited at any time or place; yet, since one will be attending Mass in order to receive Holy Communion, a very desirable time and place would be before or after Mass in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Meditation on the mysteries according to one’s capacity is an essential condition for praying the Rosary. Yet, involuntary distractions do not rob the Rosary of fruit if one is doing the best he can.

Our Lady requested at Fatima, “Keep me company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary.”

Requirements: Make Confession on the Saturday or within 8 days, Receive Holy Communion with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray 5 decades of the Rosary and meditate an additional 15 minutes on the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

It is sometimes asked why Our Lady asked for Communions of reparation on five first Saturdays, instead of some other number. Our Blessed Lord answered that question when He appeared to Sr. Lucia May 29, 1930. He explained that it was because of five kinds of offenses and blasphemies against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, namely: blasphemies against her Immaculate Conception, against her perpetual virginity, against the divine and spiritual maternity of Mary, blasphemies involving the rejection and dishonoring of her images, and the neglect of implanting in the hearts of children a knowledge and love of this Immaculate Mother.

All of the conditions mentioned above should be fulfilled with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On the occasion of the visit of the Child Jesus to Sr. Lucia (Feb. 16, 1926), she asked: “My Jesus, what about those who forget to make the intention?”Jesus answered: “They can do so at their next confession, taking advantage of their first opportunity to go to Confession.”

The above are the minimum requirements for fulfilling the conditions of Our Lady’s promise to obtain for us “at the hour of death the graces necessary for salvation.” Yet, these Communions of reparation, as has been pointed out, are only a portion of the devotion of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Let us be aware of the need of reparation all through the month, and not just on the first Saturday.

Litany of Loreto

V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ have mercy on us.
V. Lord have mercy on us. Christ hear us.
R. Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of Virgins, [etc.]
Mother of Christ,
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled,
Mother most amiable,
Mother most admirable,
Mother of good Counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Savior,
Virgin most prudent,
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice,
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honor,
Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,
House of gold,
Ark of the covenant,
Gate of heaven,
Morning star,
Health of the sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of Patriarchs,
Queen of Prophets,
Queen of Apostles,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen of Confessors,
Queen of Virgins,
Queen of all Saints,
Queen conceived without original sin,
Queen assumed into heaven,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
Queen of families,
Queen of peace,

V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
R. Spare us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
R. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we thy servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be freed from present sorrow, and rejoice in eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

Act of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

O Holy Mother of God, ever Virgin Mary, we wish to make reparation to thine Immaculate Heart for the many offenses that thou receivest from ungrateful mankind. We grieve at the disbelief in the marvelous favors with which God has blessed thee: in thine Immaculate Conception, in thy perpetual virginity, in thy divine maternity, and in thy motherhood of men. We desire to compensate thee for the insults thou receivest. We wish to console thee for the refusal of thine own children to attend to thee, to confide in thy loving care, and to honor and love thee.

We are sorry for the many sins against holy purity which offend God so grievously and cause special sorrow to thine Immaculate Heart. We desire to console thee by our efforts to be most careful to practice this holy virtue. What grief it brings to thy maternal heart to see so many of thy children on the wide road to eternal ruin. We offer thee our sacrifices for their salvation.

We offer to thine Immaculate Heart, merciful Mother and Holy Queen, the praise and love of all the angels and saints. Together with them and thy devoted sons and daughters on earth, we honor and love thee, holy Mary. We will imitate thy beautiful virtues, thy faith, and humility, thy love and purity. Help us, Holy Virgin, in our faltering efforts.

Compassionate Mother, look upon the poor sinful suffering children of the entire human family. Remember the cruel anguish thy heart suffered for their salvation with Jesus crucified on Calvary. By His Precious Blood save them. Draw them out of the darkness and despair of their misery and sin. May thine Immaculate Heart bring all of us to the light, the holiness, and peace of the Kingdom of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Amen!