Every first Saturday of the month, faithful of all ages gather at Saint Michael Church in Atlantic City for prayer, confession and communal worship.
Known as First Saturday Devotion, these days offer attendees moments of peace, reflection and renewal – a retreat from daily burdens and a call to deepen their faith.
“The First Saturday Devotion is perfect for anybody in any season, but especially for those who need consolation,” said Kimberly Pacis, 28, a parishioner at Mater Ecclesiae in Berlin. “Our lives are so busy and burdened with many things, but for a few hours, you can just get away and be with the Lord.
The practice – which includes the recitation of the Rosary, meditation on its mysteries, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Mass – has become a source of spiritual renewal for many. It is overseen every month by the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal.
Pacis has faithfully made the 45-minute drive since the devotion was first introduced at Saint Michael Church, Parish of Saint Monica, in 2018.
“After spending so much time with our Lord and for Our Lady, He just gives us so much peace and joy,” she said. “It’s overflowing in my heart after I leave.”
The First Saturday Devotion originated from the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. According to tradition, the Blessed Mother requested that the faithful observe five consecutive first Saturdays by attending Mass, receiving Holy Communion, and praying the Rosary and its mysteries for 15 minutes. The devotion is offered in reparation for offenses against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
For many participants, it provides a spiritual rest. “I feel like I’ve been on a retreat,” said Bob Sullivan, 75, a parishioner at Church of the Holy Family, Sewell, and a devoted attendee. “All of the other things in your life are there, but now you’re re-centered in the Lord, and you know He will see you through it all.”
Sister Monica Ward, CFR, finds great joy in witnessing the community come together in devotion. She believes it draws people closer to the Blessed Mother and, ultimately, to Christ.
“The day is a way to be grateful to Our Lady for all that we’ve received from God through her hands.” she said. “There’s a lot of bad news in the world, but it gives people hope and strengthens them in their faith and their sense of community in the Church.”
The First Saturday Devotion typically lasts three hours, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and runs annually from January to May. Each Saturday carries a specific intention, seeking reparation for a particular offense against Mary’s Immaculate Heart. The next devotion, scheduled for March 1, will be offered for those who blaspheme against Mary’s Divine Motherhood. Many attendees also bring personal intentions for healing, peace or spiritual guidance.
One of the most powerful moments is the healing procession, where a priest carries the Blessed Sacrament amongst the pews, allowing each person to have a private moment with Christ.
Pacis, who was asked to capture photos of the event, recalled a particularly moving moment from a recent Saturday. “I got to see up close people’s personal moments – people, even children, beginning to cry, just staring at the Blessed Sacrament. It’s such an intimate and beautiful thing to experience.”
While some come alone, Pacis enjoys sharing the experience with others. For the upcoming First Saturday, she plans to bring her future godson, who is preparing for baptism and full initiation into the Church at the Easter Vigil.
For those considering attending for the first time, Pacis offers reassurance. “If anybody is hesitating, I think they should be encouraged that this is a time for them just as much as it is for Our Lady.”
For more information, visit https://www.franciscansisterscfr.com/st-michael.
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