Our Lady of Fatima

Today we commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady to three children in the mountainous region of Fatima, Portugal.  Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta were born into families where their faith was the most important aspect of their lives.  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. Coming at a time when civilization was torn asunder by war and bloody violence, she promised that Heaven would grant peace to all the world if her requests for prayer, reparation and consecration were heard and obeyed.  "If My requests are granted ... there will be peace."

Yesterday, Pope Francis canonized two of the children in Fatima and prayed:

“Hail Holy Queen, blessed Virgin of Fatima, Lady of the Immaculate Heart, refuge and path that guides to God! Pilgrim of the Light that we receive from your hands, I thank God the Father that, at all times and places, acts in human history; pilgrim of the Peace that you announce here, I praise Christ, our peace, and for the world I ask for concord among all peoples; pilgrim of the Hope which the Spirit encourages, I want to be prophet and messenger so as to wash the feet of all at the same table that unites us.

Hail Mother of Mercy, Lady of the white robe! At this place where one hundred years ago you showed all the designs of our God's mercy, I look upon your robe of light and, as bishop dressed in white [como bispo vestido de branco], I remember all those who, robed in baptismal white, want to live in God and pray the mysteries of Christ to attain peace.”

Let us pray this day for peace in our homes, our hearts and our universe.

Pat Schifini, OSU