Pope Leo XIV often speaks of seeming hopelessness and the need to trust in God’s providence. In a memorable speech, he put it into the context of Holy Saturday: “… the mystery of Holy Saturday. It is the day of the Paschal mystery in which everything seems immobile and silent, while in reality an invisible action of salvation is being fulfilled” (General Audience, Sept. 24, 2025).
It was 100 years ago on Dec. 10, 1925, that Our Lady expressed her request to the venerable Sister Lucia of Fatima: “… all those who for five months, on the first Saturdays, go to confession, receive Communion, say five decades of the rosary and keep me company for 15 minutes meditating on the mysteries of the rosary, with the purpose of reparation to me, I promise to assist them at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for the salvation of their souls.”
Where are we in sharing and experiencing the Paschal mystery?
As Pope Leo XIV goes on to say, “Christ descends into the realm of the dead to bring the news of the Resurrection to all those who were in darkness and in the shadow of death. This event, which the liturgy and tradition have handed down to us, represents the most profound and radical gesture of God’s love for humanity.”
Have we answered affirmatively to Our Lady’s request for reparation for five months on First Saturdays?
Jon Gauthier is an author and member of St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte.