8th October 2017 - Reflections on Fatima

On this weeks programme John is joined by our regular panellist Michael Keating and by Donal Foley, secretary of the World Apostolate of Fatima (England & Wales) to reflect on the message of Fatima in this centenary year. We have our regular reflection on the Sunday gospel as well as a quick visit to this weeks celestial guides and other odds & ends.

You can listen to the podcast of this weeks programme HERE.

Reflections on Fatima

Donal Foley & Michael Keating reflect and discuss the message of Fatima and its relevance for today especially in its centenary year. The call to devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the recitation of the rosary still echo today, 100 years after Our Lady asked the little seers of Fatima to share the message.

The Message of Fatima – Q&A with Donal Foley 

You can listen to the interview with Donal excerpted from the main programme podcast HERE.

Gospel  - Matthew 21:33-34

Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:"Hear another parable.There was a landowner who planted a vineyard,put a hedge around it, dug a wine press in it, and built a tower. Then he leased it to tenants and went on a journey.When vintage time drew near,he sent his servants to the tenants to obtain his produce. But the tenants seized the servants and one they beat,another they killed, and a third they stoned. Again he sent other servants, more numerous than the first ones,but they treated them in the same way. Finally, he sent his son to them, thinking,'They will respect my son.'But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another,'This is the heir.Come, let us kill him and acquire his inheritance.'They seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to those tenants when he comes?"They answered him,"He will put those wretched men to a wretched deathand lease his vineyard to other tenantswho will give him the produce at the proper times." Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures:The stone that the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone;by the Lord has this been done,and it is wonderful in our eyes?Therefore, I say to you,the kingdom of God will be taken away from youand given to a people that will produce its fruit."

Reflections on this weeks gospel:

Word on Fire
English Dominicans
Sunday Reflections
Centre for Liturgy

Liturgical odds & ends

Liturgy of the Hours - Psalter week 3, 27th week in ordinary time.

Saints of the Week

October 9th - Blessed John Henry Newman
October 10th - St Daniel Comboni
October 11th - St Canice also Pope St John XXIII
October 12th - St Cyprian
October 13th - St Edward the Confessor also St Benedict of Cupra
October 14th - Pope St Calistus I

Pope's Intentions October 2017

Workers and the Unemployed: That all workers may receive respect and protection of their rights, and that the unemployed may receive the opportunity to contribute to the common good.

Work brings a basic dignity to our human participation in God’s creation. Although we can cooperate in God’s work through our labor, and we can exercise creativity in the arts, speech, and thought, we cannot truly create out of nothing. Only God creates in this fashion, ex nihilo, and it was in this way that He created the world.

28th May 2017 - The Little Shepherds of Fatima: St Francisco & Jacinta Marto (Ascension Sunday)

On this weeks programme Michael Keating returns (at popular request 😃) to join with John and Shane to discuss the latest saints of the church - Francisco and Jacinta Marto - the little shepherds of Fatima. We have our regular reflection on this weeks Sunday gospel which is that of the Ascension as well as our regular round up of notices and saints of the week.

You can listen to the podcast of this weeks full programme HERE.

The Little Shepherds of Fatima

Michael Keating joins us again on this weeks programme and tell us the story of the two latest saints to the churches calendar - St Francisco and St Jacinta Marto - the little Shepheds of Fatima. Michael takes us through their short life story and their reactions to the events of Fatima and afterwards upto their young deaths during the Spanish Influenze epidemic. He also tells us about the story of Lucas Baptista, who was 5 years old in 2013, when he fell from a window and suffered traumatic brain injuries that doctors said would leave him severely mentally disabled or in a vegetative state, if he even survived. Lucas’ recovery, after his parents prayed to Jacinta and Francisco, was one of the miracles attributed to the children as part of the canonization process.

CNA - This is the miracle that led to the Fatima children's canonization

You can listen to this section of the programme excerpted from the main programme podcast HERE.

Gospel - Mathew 28:16-20

The eleven disciples went to Galilee,
to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them.
When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted.
Then Jesus approached and said to them,
"All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age."

Reflections on this weeks gospel:

• Vatican Radio - The Ascension of the Lord
• Word on Fire - Why the Ascension of the Lord matters
• Sunday Reflections
• English Dominicans
• Centre for Liturgy
• Communio - Ascension of the Lord

Liturgical odds & ends

Liturgy of the Hours - Psalter week 3; 7th week of Easter

Saints of the Week

May 29th - St Raymond and Companions
May 30th - St Joan of Arc
May 31st - The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary 
June 1st - St Justin Martyr
June 2nd - Ss Marcellinus and Peter (First Friday)
June 3rd - Irish Calendar - St Kevin (First Saturday)
June 3rd - Universal calendar - St Charles Lwanga & Companions, the Uganda Martyrs

Pope Francis’ Prayer to Our Lady of Fatima

On the eve of the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, May 12th, Pope Francis stood in prayer before Our Lady of Fatima, a highlight of his pilgrimage to Portugal for Saturday’s 100th anniversary of the first of the Virgin Mary’s 1917 apparitions to three shepherd children.

Outside the shrine, the pope led a prayer service with songs, accompanied by clergy and faithful, including nearly 1,000 children. The pope then presented Our Lady of Fatima with a “golden rose.”

Prayer of His Holiness Pope Francis
Fatima, Chapel of the Apparitions
May 12, 2017

The Holy Father:
Hail Holy Queen,
Blessed Virgin of Fatima,
Lady of Immaculate Heart,
our refuge and our way to God!

As a pilgrim of the Light that comes to us from your hands,
I give thanks to God the Father, who in every time and place
is at work in human history;
As a pilgrim of the Peace that, in this place, you proclaim,
I give praise to Christ, our peace, and I implore for the world
concord among all peoples;
As a pilgrim of the Hope that the Spirit awakens,
I come as a prophet and messenger to wash the feet of all,
at the same table that unites us.

Refrain (sung by the assembly):

Ave O Clemens, Ave O pia!
Salve Regina Rosarii Fatimae.
Ave O clemens, Ave O pia!
Ave O dulcis Virgo Maria!

The Holy Father:

Hail, Mother of Mercy,
Lady robed in white!
In this place where, a hundred years ago
you made known to all the purposes of God’s mercy,
I gaze at your robe of light
and, as a bishop robed in white,
I call to mind all those who,
robed in the splendour of their baptism,
desire to live in God
and tell the mysteries of Christ in order to obtain peace.

Refrain…

The Holy Father:

Hail, life and sweetness,
Hail, our hope,
O Pilgrim Virgin, O Universal Queen!

In the depths of your being,
in your Immaculate Heart,
you keep the joys of men and women
as they journey to the Heavenly Homeland.
In the depths of your being,
in your Immaculate Heart,
you keep the sorrows of the human family,
as they mourn and weep in this valley of tears.
In the depths of your being,
in your Immaculate Heart,
adorn us with the radiance of the jewels of your crown
and make us pilgrims, even as you were a pilgrim.

With your virginal smile,
enliven the joy of Christ’s Church.
With your gaze of sweetness,
strengthen the hope of God’s children.
With your hands lifted in prayer to the Lord,
draw all people together into one human family.

Refrain:

The Holy Father:

O clement, O loving,
O sweet Virgin Mary,
Queen of the Rosary of Fatima!
Grant that we may follow the example of Blessed Francisco and Blessed Jacinta,
and of all who devote themselves to proclaiming the Gospel.
Thus we will follow all paths
and everywhere make our pilgrim way;
we will tear down all walls
and cross every frontier,
as we go out to every periphery,
to make known God’s justice and peace.

In the joy of the Gospel, we will be the Church robed in white,
the whiteness washed in the blood of the Lamb,
blood that today too is shed in the wars tearing our world apart.
And so we will be, like you, an image of the column of light
that illumines the ways of the world,
making God known to all,
making known to all that God exists,
that God dwells in the midst of his people,
yesterday, today and for all eternity.

Refrain…

The Holy Father, with all the faithful:

Hail, Mother of the Lord,
Virgin Mary, Queen of the Rosary of Fatima!
Blessed among all women,
you are the image of the Church robed in paschal light,
you are the honour of our people,
you are the victory over every assault of evil.

Prophecy of the merciful love of the Father,
Teacher of the Message of Good News of the Son,
Sign of the burning Fire of the Holy Spirit,
teach us, in this valley of joys and sorrows,
the eternal truths that the Father reveals to the little ones.

Show us the strength of your protective mantle.
In your Immaculate Heart,
be the refuge of sinners
and the way that leads to God.

In union with my brothers and sisters,
in faith, in hope and in love,
I entrust myself to you.
In union with my brothers and sisters, through you, I consecrate myself to God,
O Virgin of the Rosary of Fatima.

And at last, enveloped in the Light that comes from your hands,
I will give glory to the Lord for ever and ever.
Amen.

Refrain…

Canonising the Little Shepheds of Fatima

CNA - (Fatima, Portugal, May 13, 2017).- Pope Francis officially declared Francisco and Jacinta Marto saints of the Catholic Church in front of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims at Fatima, Portugal – teaching us that even young children can become saints.

“For the honor of the Blessed Trinity, the exaltation of the Catholic faith and the increase of the Christian life, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and our own, after due deliberation and frequent prayer for divine assistance, and having sought the counsel of many of our brother Bishops, we declare and define Blessed Francisco Marto and Jacinta Marto to be saints,” Pope Francis exclaimed May 13 as the crowd roared with applause.

“We enroll them among the Saints, decreeing that they are to be venerated as such by the whole Church. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Pope Francis presided over their canonization Mass during his two-day pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal May 12-13 to take part in celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady of Fatima.

The brother and sister, Francisco and Jacinta, who tended to their families’ sheep with their cousin Lucia Santo in the fields of Fatima, witnessed the apparitions of Mary, now commonly known as Our Lady of Fatima.

In her message to the children, Mary brought with her requests for conversion, prayer (particularly the recitation of the rosary), sacrifices on behalf of sinners, and a three-part secret regarding the fate of the world. The children followed Mary’s requests, praying often, giving their lunch to beggars and going without food themselves. They offered up their daily crosses and even refrained from drinking water on hot days.

Convinced by Mary’s requests and the vision of hell, both children lived lives of prayer and penance after the apparitions, offering themselves for sinners as Mary had asked. Francisco was known for his devotion to the Eucharist and his strict physical mortifications, while Jacinta was especially known for having a heart for the poor and the suffering.

Both children fell victim to the influenza epidemic of 1918 that swept through Europe. In October 1918, Mary again appeared to the sick siblings and promised to take them to heaven soon. On April 3, 1919, Francisco declined hospital treatment for influenza and died the next day.

Jacinta was given hospital treatment in hopes of prolonging her life, but she knew that she would soon join Francisco in heaven. On February 19, 1920, Jacinta asked the hospital chaplain who heard her confession to bring her Holy Communion and administer the last rites, because she was going to die “the next night.” But the priest said that her condition was not that serious and that he would return the next day. The next day Jacinta was found dead – she had died in her sleep.

Pope John Paul II beatified Francisco and Jacinta May 13, 2000, on the 83rd anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady at Fatima. Both under 12 years old, they were the youngest non-martyrs to be beatified in the history of the Church.

Sister Lucia, the third visionary, lived much longer, dying in 2005 at the age of 97. The Church is currently examining documents and collecting testimonies for her beatification cause.

***********************

Pope Francis visit to Fatima and the canonisation

Vatican Radio - articles, recordings and translations of the Pope's homilies at addresses during his visit to Fatima 

Irish Catholic - Raising his servants from their lowliness

Aleteia - Slideshow: See Pope Francis’ trip to Fatima in these beautiful images

Whispersintheloggia - On Fatima's 100th, The Shepherd's Message: "Honor Your Mother"
Whispersintheloggia - "We Will Have All Eternity To See Her" – On Fatima's 100th, The Shepherds Become Saints
Whispersintheloggia - "My One Hope of Glory Is This" – In Fatima, The Lady of "Light" Meets "The Bishop in White"


CNA - Mary points to Christ's mercy, Pope Francis tells Fatima pilgrims
CNA - The 'silence' of Fatima offers important message for world today 
CNA - 'Miracle of the sun' broke darkness of Portugal's atheist regimes
CNA - Let's be guided by Mary's Immaculate Heart, Pope says in Fatima

Aleteia - The enigma of Fatima, the fall of Communism, and Islam
Aleteia - Bishop Robert Barron - Our Lady of Fatima, and a theological reading of history
Aleteia - You are a “precious treasure of the Church,” Pope Francis tells sick in Fatima
Aleteia - 100 Years of Fatima: The “scandalous betrayal” of Sister Lucia

Rome Reports - Pope Francis in Fatima: God is not a ruthless judge restrained by Mary's arm

Irish Catholic - The surprising connection between Our Lady of Fatima and Islam

The Atlantic - The Child Saints of Fatima. In the last 1,000 years, only seven popes have been canonized. On Saturday, two Portuguese children received the rare honor 
New York Post - Pope Francis proclaims two Fatima children saints 
NPR - Pope Francis Announces 2 New Saints On 100th Anniversary Of Their Vision 
NYT - In Portugal, Pope Francis Proclaims Two Fátima Siblings Saints

7th May 2017 - Fatima: Reflecting on the 100th anniversary

To our regular readers - apologies from your Blog Editor. Currently I am home in Ireland on leave so time to post and keep the blog updated has been a bit limited. Usual service should resume after May 14th.

Regards
Shane

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On this weeks programme John and Shane are joined by Michael Keating to reflect on the special place of Fatima as we approach the centenary of the first apparition there on May 13th. We have our regular reflection on this weeks gospel as well as notices and other liturgical odds & ends.

You can listen to the podcast of this weeks full programme HERE.

Vocation Sunday and new prayer initiative for vocations 2017

This Sunday is the 4th Sunday of Easter and is often called Good Shepherd or Vocation Sunday as there is a special emphasis on praying for vocations to the priesthood and the religious life.

Vocations Sunday will be marked in Ireland this year with the launch of a new vocations prayer initiative. 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. To coincide with this event the Bishops’ Council for Vocations in collaboration with Saint Joseph’s Young Priests Society, the Knights of Saint Columbanus and Vocations Ireland are asking that on the opening day of the centenary celebrations on 13 May, a time of prayer will be held for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and religious life in Ireland.

Pope Francis will be in Fatima for the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on 13 May where he will canonise two of the visionaries of the Marian apparitions there – the young shepherds Jacinta and Francisco Marto. Here in Ireland on the same day people are invited to pray the Angelus or a decade of the Rosary for vocations to the priesthood and religious life at 12noon. It is also encouraged that on the 13th of each month, from May – October 2017, that a decade of the rosary be prayed for vocations in Ireland.

Commenting on the prayer initiative Father Willie Purcell, National Coordinator for Diocesan Vocations said, “This is an invitation to prayer we are extending to parishes, schools and families. Pope Francis said that ‘vocations are born in prayer, and only in prayer can they persevere and bear fruit’”.

Welcoming the new prayer initiative, Margaret Cartwright, Director of Vocations Ireland, said, “Vocations Ireland are delighted to be part of the joint prayer initiative because praying for vocations is the most important aspect of vocation promotion and working together to create a culture of vocation is so important in our world today. Pope Francis has called for a fresh and courageous perspective when helping youth discern and discover their vocation, prayer is key to that discernment process.”

Kieran Hickey, the Dublin Diocesan President of Saint Joseph’s Young Priests Society, said that they are fully supportive of this prayer initiative, as prayer is the source of priestly vocation.

Commenting on this new prayer initiative Barney Mac Mahon, Supreme Knight with the Knights of Saint Columbanus said, “We can’t understand our calling and our vocation until we listen to the Lord, until we look upon the Lord and until we realise who it is we’re really serving.”


The prayer initiative will be launched this Sunday to coincide with the broadcast of the annual Vocations Sunday Mass on RTÉ One Television. Father Purcell said that the prayer initiative ties in with the sentiments expressed by Pope Francis in his message for Vocations Sunday in which he says, “I ask parish communities, associations and the many prayer groups present in the Church, not to yield to discouragement but to continue praying that the Lord will send workers to his harvest.”

• Message of Pope Francis for Vocations Sunday

Reflecting on the 100th anniversary of Fatima

On this weeks programme Michael Keating joins with us to reflect on the events at Fatima in Portugal 100 years ago this year with the apparition of Our Lady to the three Seers of Fatima.  

The Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, appeared six times to three shepherd children near the town of Fatima, Portugal between May 13 and October 13, 1917. Appearing to the children, the Blessed Virgin told them that She had been sent by God with a message for every man, woman and child living in our century. 

Summary of the Key Words of the message of Fatima
Source - official website of the Shrine of Fatima
which has the links to each word

The message of Our Lady, though reported in much detail and still the object of much discussion, was very simple. She asked the children to be faithful to the rosary and to the devotion to her Immaculate Heart, and she asked for the consecration of Russia and the world to herself, warning of the dangers to the world of continued wars. She emphasised the need for penance. She taught the children several prayers and the one which is most remembered is the so-called Decade Prayer often added to the end of each decade of the rosary:

"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven especially those in most need of  thy mercy"

You can listen to Michael's reflection on Fatima extracted from the main programme podcast HERE.

You can find out more from:

Official website of the Shrine of Fatima
- Narrative of the Apparitions
- Message of Fatima
EWTN - The True Story of Fatima

Gospel - John 10:1-10

Ancient icon of Christ the Good Shepherd
from the Catacomb of Saint Priscilla, Rome

Jesus said:"Amen, amen, I say to you,whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gatebut climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice,as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.When he has driven out all his own,he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him,because they recognize his voice.But they will not follow a stranger;they will run away from him,because they do not recognize the voice of strangers."Although Jesus used this figure of speech,the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them.
So Jesus said again, "Amen, amen, I say to you,I am the gate for the sheep.All who came before me are thieves and robbers,but the sheep did not listen to them.I am the gate.Whoever enters through me will be saved,and will come in and go out and find pasture.A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy;I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."

Reflections on this weeks gospel

Word on Fire
English Dominicans
Centre for Liturgy
Sunday Reflections

Liturgical odds & ends

Liturgy of the Hours - Psalter week 4; 4th week of Easter

Saints of the Week

May 8th - St Victor
May 9th - St Thomas Pickering
May 10th - St Comgall also St Damien of Molokai
May 11th - St Francis di Girolamo
May 12th - St Pancras of Rome
May 13th  - Our Lady of Fatima

Notices

Opening a Door on the Bible

A series of workshops that set the Bible in the context of our lives have been taking place since the start of the year and are about to conclude with final workshop on the Gospel according to John presented by Mike Culloty. The workshops take place in the Terence Albert O’Brien hall on Dominic Street close to the Tait Clock on Baker Place on Saturday mornings from 10 to 12.30. All are welcome.
Enquiries: Jordan O’Brien op; email: oplimerick@gmail.com; Mobile: 086 4096207

13th May - Feast of Our Lady of Fatima (Repost)

 

“Throughout history there have been supernatural apparitions and signs which go to the heart of human events and which, to the surprise of believers and non-believers alike, play their part in the unfolding of history. These manifestations can never contradict the content of faith and must, therefore, have their focus in the core of Christ's proclamation: the Father's love which leads men and women to conversion and bestows the grace required to abandon oneself to him with filial devotion. This too is the message of Fatima which, with its urgent call to conversion and penance, draws us to the heart of the Gospel” (The Message of Fatima, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, June 26, 2000).

The Blessed Virgin Mary is venerated under this title following apparitions to three shepherd children — Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco — in Portugal in 1917. The message of Fatima includes a call to conversion of heart, repentance from sin and a dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially through praying the Rosary.
 
From CatholicCulture.org:
 

The famous apparitions of the Virgin Mary to the children of Fatima took place during the First World War, in the summer of 1917. The inhabitants of this tiny village in the diocese of Leiria (Portugal) were mostly poor people, many of them small farmers who went out by day to tend their fields and animals. Children traditionally were assigned the task of herding the sheep.

The three children who received the apparitions had been brought up in an atmosphere of genuine piety: Lucia dos Santos (ten years old) and her two younger cousins, Francisco and Jacinta. Together they tended the sheep and, with Lucy in charge, would often pray the Rosary kneeling in the open. In the summer of 1916 an Angel appeared to them several times and taught them a prayer to the Blessed Trinity.

On Sunday, May 13, 1917, toward noon, a flash of lightning drew the attention of the children, and they saw a brilliant figure appearing over the trees of the Cova da Iria. The "Lady" asked them to pray for the conversion of sinners and an end to the war, and to come back every month, on the 13th.

Further apparitions took place on June 13 and July 13. On August 13 the children were prevented by local authorities from going to the Cova da Iria, but they saw the apparition on the 19th. On September 13 the Lady requested recitation of the Rosary for an end to the war. Finally, on October 13, the "Lady" identified herself as "Our Lady of the Rosary" and again called for prayer and penitence.

On that day a celestial phenomenon also took place: the sun seemed to tumble from the sky and crash toward earth. The children had been forewarned of it as early as May 13, the first apparition. The large crowd (estimated at 30,000 by reporters) that had gathered around the children saw the phenomenon and came away astounded.

Official recognition of the "visions" which the children had at the Cova da Iria came on October 13, 1930, when the bishop of Leiria - after long inquiry - authorized the cult of Our Lady of the Rosary at the site. The two younger children had died: Francisco (who saw the apparition but did not hear the words) on April 4, 1919, and his sister Jacinta on February 20, 1920. Sister Lucia died on February 13, 2005, at her Carmelite convent in Coimbra, Portugal, after a long illness.

You can read more about the apparition and messages of Fatima HERE and HERE and also from the Fatima Sanctuary website including a live feed HERE.

Word on Fire reflection HERE and CNA resources HERE.
 
Previous reflections on the devotion to Mary, the Rosary and the linkages to Fatima available HERE.

May 13th - Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

 

“Throughout history there have been supernatural apparitions and signs which go to the heart of human events and which, to the surprise of believers and non-believers alike, play their part in the unfolding of history. These manifestations can never contradict the content of faith and must, therefore, have their focus in the core of Christ's proclamation: the Father's love which leads men and women to conversion and bestows the grace required to abandon oneself to him with filial devotion. This too is the message of Fatima which, with its urgent call to conversion and penance, draws us to the heart of the Gospel” (The Message of Fatima, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, June 26, 2000).

The Blessed Virgin Mary is venerated under this title following apparitions to three shepherd children — Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco — in Portugal in 1917. The message of Fatima includes a call to conversion of heart, repentance from sin and a dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially through praying the Rosary.
 
From CatholicCulture.org:
 

The famous apparitions of the Virgin Mary to the children of Fatima took place during the First World War, in the summer of 1917. The inhabitants of this tiny village in the diocese of Leiria (Portugal) were mostly poor people, many of them small farmers who went out by day to tend their fields and animals. Children traditionally were assigned the task of herding the sheep.

The three children who received the apparitions had been brought up in an atmosphere of genuine piety: Lucia dos Santos (ten years old) and her two younger cousins, Francisco and Jacinta. Together they tended the sheep and, with Lucy in charge, would often pray the Rosary kneeling in the open. In the summer of 1916 an Angel appeared to them several times and taught them a prayer to the Blessed Trinity.

On Sunday, May 13, 1917, toward noon, a flash of lightning drew the attention of the children, and they saw a brilliant figure appearing over the trees of the Cova da Iria. The "Lady" asked them to pray for the conversion of sinners and an end to the war, and to come back every month, on the 13th.

Further apparitions took place on June 13 and July 13. On August 13 the children were prevented by local authorities from going to the Cova da Iria, but they saw the apparition on the 19th. On September 13 the Lady requested recitation of the Rosary for an end to the war. Finally, on October 13, the "Lady" identified herself as "Our Lady of the Rosary" and again called for prayer and penitence.

On that day a celestial phenomenon also took place: the sun seemed to tumble from the sky and crash toward earth. The children had been forewarned of it as early as May 13, the first apparition. The large crowd (estimated at 30,000 by reporters) that had gathered around the children saw the phenomenon and came away astounded.

Official recognition of the "visions" which the children had at the Cova da Iria came on October 13, 1930, when the bishop of Leiria - after long inquiry - authorized the cult of Our Lady of the Rosary at the site. The two younger children had died: Francisco (who saw the apparition but did not hear the words) on April 4, 1919, and his sister Jacinta on February 20, 1920. Sister Lucia died on February 13, 2005, at her Carmelite convent in Coimbra, Portugal, after a long illness.

You can read more about the apparition and messages of Fatima HERE and HERE and also from the Fatima Sanctuary website including a live feed HERE.

Word on Fire reflection HERE and CNA resources HERE.
 
Previous reflections on the devotion to Mary, the Rosary and the linkages to Fatima available HERE.

Pope Francis consecrates the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

On Sunday before 100,000 pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square, Pope Francis marked the Marian Event of the Year of Faith by consecrating the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the presence of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima brought especially from Portugal for the occasion.

[Vatican Radio has an article/interview about Fatima and the statue HERE]

 

On the Saturday, the statue of Our Lady of Fatima from the Portuguese shrine was flown to Rome for the event. On arrival in Rome, the statue was carried to Benedict XVI's residence, the former Mater Ecclesiae monastery. Benedict XVI welcomed the statue himself and walked along with it as it was taken to his nearby chapel. He prayed before Our Lady along with Archbishop Rino Fisichella, who serves as the president of the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization. The statue was then taken to the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta where Pope Francis lives. From there, the statue was taken to St. Peter's Square where thousands were already waiting.

 

The pilgrims welcomed Our Lady with white handkerchiefs as she made her way through St. Peter's Square. Pope Francis first greeted her by kissing her feet.

During his catechises he reflected on the power of Mary's faith by asking Christians a very direct question. “What is our faith like? Like Mary, do we keep it burning even at times of difficulty and darkness? Do I have the joy of faith?”

You can read the full text of Pope Francis catechises HERE.

Rocco's account of the vigil over at Whispers in the Loggia is HERE.

Then on Sunday, Pope Francis celebrated mass in St Peter’s square in honour of the Marian Day, an event organised as part of the Year of Faith on the anniversary of the final apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima (13th of October 1917). He also consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Reflecting on the faith of Our Lady, the Pope urged Christians to reject the short-term culture that has taken over marriage and faith. “Am I a part-time Christian or am I a Christian full-time? The culture of the ephemeral, the relative, also affects the way we live our faith. Think of all the times when we were excited about something, a project or task, but afterward, at the first sign of difficulty, we throw in the towel."

Vatican Radio has a report on the Pope's homily HERE.

Pope Francis who is well known for his devotion to the Blessed Virgin said that it was a day to consider one of the marvelous things Mary had done, that was “to be chosen to be the Mother of God”.Taking Sunday’s liturgy as his inspiration, Pope Francis reflected on three things. They were that God surprises us, God asks us to be faithful and God is our strength.  

Referring to Mary the Holy Father said God surprised Mary, but despite this she was able to say, “Here I am, the servant of the Lord, be it done onto me according to your word.” The Pope went on to say that God does surprise us, he wreaks havoc with our plans, but he also says “trust me, do not be afraid”.In his second reflection “God asks us to be faithful” Pope Francis explained that God is loving, but he also “demands that we be faithful in following him”. Mary was that faithful follower, he continued, she said her “yes” to God both in moments of joy and sorrow.” The Holy Father then said, our duty is to “walk with God always, even in moments of weakness, even in our sins. That, he added, is what is means to be “a full-time Christian.” 

In his third point, “God is our Strength”, Pope Francis said that Mary gave praise and thanks to God . She did this, the Pope stressed because, “Everything is his gift. He is our strength!” He also underlined the importance of not taking things for granted and asked people to remember, three key words, sorry, excuse me and thank you.

Full text of the Pope's homily is available HERE.




At the end of Sunday's Mass, Pope Francis entrusted the world to Our Lady of Fatima with a special prayer in front of thousands of pilgrims at St. Peter's Square. At her feet, Pope Francis prayed for Our Lady's protection to the world and for the reinforcement of people's goodwill. Also, he asked her to revive the faith and charity in people so that they look after those who suffer and those excluded from society.

Blessed Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, with renewed gratitude by your motherly presence we unite our voice to that of all generations that call you blessed.  

We celebrate with you the mighty works of God, who never gets tired of bending over mankind, beset by evil and wounded by sin, with mercy to heal and to save it.  

Mother embrace with benevolence this act of entrustment that we make today with confidence, before this your image which is so dear to us.

We are confident that each of us is precious in your sight and that nothing is alien to you of all that dwells in our hearts. We are touched by the gaze of your sweet eyes and welcome the comforting caress of your smile.

Safeguard our lives in your arms: bless and strengthen every desire for goodness, revitalize and nourish our faith, sustain and brighten the hope that stirs the soul and charity ; guide all of us on the path of holiness.

Teach us your same love and preference for the young and the poor, the marginalized and the suffering, for sinners and those whose hearts are lost: gather all under your protection and deliver us all to your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus. Amen.