When we’ve messed up, we should run
to our mother. Scripture makes it clear.
At the wedding at Cana, either the wine list or the guest list was
miscalculated. Someone messed up. Mary told Jesus about it, and he saved the day by turning water into wine. But why would the Savior of the World
begin his public life over someone’s empty wine cellar?
to our mother. Scripture makes it clear.
At the wedding at Cana, either the wine list or the guest list was
miscalculated. Someone messed up. Mary told Jesus about it, and he saved the day by turning water into wine. But why would the Savior of the World
begin his public life over someone’s empty wine cellar?
Because his mother asked for his help. Ultimately, it was God’s plan, for Mary always
asks, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). We’d be fools not
to follow this example in Scripture.
Pope Francis is no fool. He
knows our world has messed up and he is running to our Blessed Mother for help. Pope Francis made an urgent plea to all
Catholics for pray and fast for the violence in Syria, and the Middle East region.
He chose September 7, the Vigil of the Blessed Mother’s birthday, and
appealed to everyone to invoke the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace. Next month, Pope Francis
will consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on October 13, the
anniversary of the final appearance of the Blessed Mother at Fatima in 1917. The original statue of Our Lady of Fatima
will be brought from the shrine in Portugal to the Vatican for the consecration
ceremony. The pope will also speak on Marian devotion, preside at Eucharistic adoration,
and lead the Rosary.
knows our world has messed up and he is running to our Blessed Mother for help. Pope Francis made an urgent plea to all
Catholics for pray and fast for the violence in Syria, and the Middle East region.
He chose September 7, the Vigil of the Blessed Mother’s birthday, and
appealed to everyone to invoke the intercession of Mary, Queen of Peace. Next month, Pope Francis
will consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on October 13, the
anniversary of the final appearance of the Blessed Mother at Fatima in 1917. The original statue of Our Lady of Fatima
will be brought from the shrine in Portugal to the Vatican for the consecration
ceremony. The pope will also speak on Marian devotion, preside at Eucharistic adoration,
and lead the Rosary.
It is significant that the
Pope has chosen the anniversary of Fatima given the threat of terrorism and
violence among Muslims. The name Fatima has a divine ring to both
Catholics and Muslims through the Blessed Mother. Fatima, Portugal draws millions of Muslim and
Catholic pilgrims every year. Our Lady of Fatima’s message is to pray for peace.
Pope has chosen the anniversary of Fatima given the threat of terrorism and
violence among Muslims. The name Fatima has a divine ring to both
Catholics and Muslims through the Blessed Mother. Fatima, Portugal draws millions of Muslim and
Catholic pilgrims every year. Our Lady of Fatima’s message is to pray for peace.
 |
| Ven. Bishop Fulton Sheen |
Mary and the Muslims
The town of Fatima is in central Portugal. The Apostle James evangelized
Portugal in the early centuries.
Historical records show that at least since 656 A.D., the nation has had
a devotion to Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception. It was invaded by the Moors (Muslims) in
711. Under King Alfonso Henriques
(1128-1185) Portugal gained her independence.
Portugal in the early centuries.
Historical records show that at least since 656 A.D., the nation has had
a devotion to Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception. It was invaded by the Moors (Muslims) in
711. Under King Alfonso Henriques
(1128-1185) Portugal gained her independence.
It is told that the village of Fatima was given the Islamic name of the
well-loved Muslim Princess from the nearby Castle of Ourem who stayed behind
and converted to Catholicism. She was named Fatima, like many other Muslim
girls in honor of Mohammad’s daughter. She was baptized in 1158 but died at an
early age after marrying the Count of Ourem.
well-loved Muslim Princess from the nearby Castle of Ourem who stayed behind
and converted to Catholicism. She was named Fatima, like many other Muslim
girls in honor of Mohammad’s daughter. She was baptized in 1158 but died at an
early age after marrying the Count of Ourem.
Bishop Fulton Sheen wrote of Our Lady of Fatima as the bridge between
Christians and Muslims. In his 1952 book, The
World’s First Love, Archbishop (then Bishop) Sheen included a chapter on
“Our Lady and the Muslims.” He wrote:
Christians and Muslims. In his 1952 book, The
World’s First Love, Archbishop (then Bishop) Sheen included a chapter on
“Our Lady and the Muslims.” He wrote:
“It is our
belief that this [conversion] will happen not through the direct teachings of
Christianity, but through a summoning of the Moslems to a veneration of the
Mother of God.
belief that this [conversion] will happen not through the direct teachings of
Christianity, but through a summoning of the Moslems to a veneration of the
Mother of God.
“The
Significance of Our Blessed Mother Mary, then, is for the Moslems the true
Sayyida, or Lady. The only possible serious rival to her in their creed would
be Fatima, the daughter of Mohammed himself. But after the death of Fatima,
Mohammed wrote: Thou shalt be the most blessed of all the women in Paradise,
after Mary. In a variant of the text, Fatima is made to say, “I surpass all the
women, except Mary.” This brings us to our second point: namely, why the
Blessed Mother, in the 20th century, should have revealed herself in the
significant little village of Fatima, so that to all future generations she
would be known as Our Lady of Fatima. Since nothing ever happens out of Heaven
except with a finesse of all details, I believe that the Blessed Virgin chose
to be known as Our Lady of Fatima as a pledge and a sign of hope to the Moslem
people, and as an assurance that they, who show her so much respect, will one
day accept her divine Son too.
Significance of Our Blessed Mother Mary, then, is for the Moslems the true
Sayyida, or Lady. The only possible serious rival to her in their creed would
be Fatima, the daughter of Mohammed himself. But after the death of Fatima,
Mohammed wrote: Thou shalt be the most blessed of all the women in Paradise,
after Mary. In a variant of the text, Fatima is made to say, “I surpass all the
women, except Mary.” This brings us to our second point: namely, why the
Blessed Mother, in the 20th century, should have revealed herself in the
significant little village of Fatima, so that to all future generations she
would be known as Our Lady of Fatima. Since nothing ever happens out of Heaven
except with a finesse of all details, I believe that the Blessed Virgin chose
to be known as Our Lady of Fatima as a pledge and a sign of hope to the Moslem
people, and as an assurance that they, who show her so much respect, will one
day accept her divine Son too.
“Evidence to
support these views is found in the historical fact that the Moslems occupied
Portugal for centuries. At the time when they were finally driven out, the last
Moslem chief had a beautiful daughter by the name of Fatima. A Catholic boy
fell in love with her, and for him she not only stayed behind when the Moslems
left, but even embraced the Faith. The
young husband was so much in love with her that he changed the name of the town
where he lived to Fatima. Thus, the very place where our Lady appeared in 1917
bears a historical connection to Fatima, the daughter of Mohammed.
support these views is found in the historical fact that the Moslems occupied
Portugal for centuries. At the time when they were finally driven out, the last
Moslem chief had a beautiful daughter by the name of Fatima. A Catholic boy
fell in love with her, and for him she not only stayed behind when the Moslems
left, but even embraced the Faith. The
young husband was so much in love with her that he changed the name of the town
where he lived to Fatima. Thus, the very place where our Lady appeared in 1917
bears a historical connection to Fatima, the daughter of Mohammed.
“Mary is the
advent of Christ, bringing Christ to the people before Christ Himself is born.
In an apologetic endeavor, it is always best to start with that which people
already accept. Because the Moslems have a devotion to Mary, our missionaries
should be satisfied merely to expand and to develop that devotion, with the
full realization that Our Blessed Lady will carry the Moslems the rest of the
way to her divine Son. She is forever a traitor, in the sense that she will not
accept any devotion for herself, but will always bring anyone who is devoted to
her to her divine Son.”
advent of Christ, bringing Christ to the people before Christ Himself is born.
In an apologetic endeavor, it is always best to start with that which people
already accept. Because the Moslems have a devotion to Mary, our missionaries
should be satisfied merely to expand and to develop that devotion, with the
full realization that Our Blessed Lady will carry the Moslems the rest of the
way to her divine Son. She is forever a traitor, in the sense that she will not
accept any devotion for herself, but will always bring anyone who is devoted to
her to her divine Son.”
The Fatima Story
It was the event on May 13, 1917, that eventually brought Fatima to the
attention of the world. At that time, World War I was taking place. On this
day, three young children were tending a flock of sheep in a field called the Cova da Iria, in the outskirts of
Fatima. The children were Lucia of Jesus, 10, Francisco Marto, 9, and his
sister Jacinta, 7.
attention of the world. At that time, World War I was taking place. On this
day, three young children were tending a flock of sheep in a field called the Cova da Iria, in the outskirts of
Fatima. The children were Lucia of Jesus, 10, Francisco Marto, 9, and his
sister Jacinta, 7.
 |
| Jacinta, Francisco, Lucia |
Around midday, they prayed the Rosary, as was their habit afterlunch. Suddenly, a flash of light in the
sky made them think lightening was warning of an impending storm. Instead of a storm there was another flash
and then a beautiful Lady, brighter than the sun and holding a rosary, stood
over the top of a small Holm Oak tree.
She explained to the children: “I am the Lady of the Rosary” and told
them to pray, do penance and to make sacrifices to save sinners. She invited the children to return to the Cove of Iria during the next five
consecutive months on the 13th at the very same hour.
As word of the children’s visions spread, thousands began to flock to
Fatima. In the last apparition on October 13, Our Lady had promised a miracle
so that all would believe. A crowd estimated at 70,000—including many newspaper
reporters and skeptics–came from all over in the pouring rain to the Cova da
Iria. What took place became known as “Miracle of the Sun“.
The steady rain suddenly ceased. The sun swirled in the sky and great shafts of
color flooded the entire plateau of Fatima.
At this same time, the children of Fatima saw the following vision as
described by Sr. Lucia: “When our Lady
disappeared in the immense distance of the sky, next to the sun, we saw St.
Joseph holding the child Jesus and Our Lady dressed in white with a blue
mantle. St. Joseph and the child seemed
to be blessing the world, making the sign of the cross. (Letter from Sr. Lucia
to her Bishop, December 8, 1941, Tuy, Spain).
Fatima. In the last apparition on October 13, Our Lady had promised a miracle
so that all would believe. A crowd estimated at 70,000—including many newspaper
reporters and skeptics–came from all over in the pouring rain to the Cova da
Iria. What took place became known as “Miracle of the Sun“.
The steady rain suddenly ceased. The sun swirled in the sky and great shafts of
color flooded the entire plateau of Fatima.
At this same time, the children of Fatima saw the following vision as
described by Sr. Lucia: “When our Lady
disappeared in the immense distance of the sky, next to the sun, we saw St.
Joseph holding the child Jesus and Our Lady dressed in white with a blue
mantle. St. Joseph and the child seemed
to be blessing the world, making the sign of the cross. (Letter from Sr. Lucia
to her Bishop, December 8, 1941, Tuy, Spain).
The amazing spectacle of “The Miracle of the Sun” was witnessed for
miles away. Many feared the sun was going to fall from the sky and that the end
of the world had arrived. After several minutes, the sun returned to its place
in the sky. At that point, people were
astonished to realize that their soaked clothing and everything around them had
completely dried in spite of being soaked just moments earlier. Many secular
newspapers testified to these events with eyewitness reports and photographs of
the great crowd.
miles away. Many feared the sun was going to fall from the sky and that the end
of the world had arrived. After several minutes, the sun returned to its place
in the sky. At that point, people were
astonished to realize that their soaked clothing and everything around them had
completely dried in spite of being soaked just moments earlier. Many secular
newspapers testified to these events with eyewitness reports and photographs of
the great crowd.
 |
| Miracle of the Sun, Fatima, Portugal |
Columnist Avelino de Almeida of O Século (Portugal’s most
influential newspaper, which was pro-government and anti-religious) reported
the following: “Before the astonished eyes of the crowd, whose aspect was
Biblical as they stood bare-headed, eagerly searching the sky, the sun
trembled, made sudden incredible movements outside all cosmic laws – the sun
‘danced’ according to the typical expression of the people.”
influential newspaper, which was pro-government and anti-religious) reported
the following: “Before the astonished eyes of the crowd, whose aspect was
Biblical as they stood bare-headed, eagerly searching the sky, the sun
trembled, made sudden incredible movements outside all cosmic laws – the sun
‘danced’ according to the typical expression of the people.”
The Blessed Mother indicated that World War I, which was ongoing at the
time, would soon end. It did the following year. However, she predicted that a
worse war would break out if people did not cease offending God.
time, would soon end. It did the following year. However, she predicted that a
worse war would break out if people did not cease offending God.
“To prevent this, I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to
my Immaculate Heart, and the communion of reparation on the first Saturdays. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be
converted, and there will be peace, if not, she will spread her errors through
the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father
will have much to suffer, and various nations will be annihilated. In the end, my Immaculate Heart will
triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate
Russia to me, and she will be converted and a period of peace will be granted
to the world…but in Portugal, the Dogma of the faith will always be preserved.”
(*Sister Lucia’s Memoirs, Secretariado dos Pastorinhos, Fatima Portugal 2001)
my Immaculate Heart, and the communion of reparation on the first Saturdays. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be
converted, and there will be peace, if not, she will spread her errors through
the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father
will have much to suffer, and various nations will be annihilated. In the end, my Immaculate Heart will
triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate
Russia to me, and she will be converted and a period of peace will be granted
to the world…but in Portugal, the Dogma of the faith will always be preserved.”
(*Sister Lucia’s Memoirs, Secretariado dos Pastorinhos, Fatima Portugal 2001)
It has been interpreted that Pope John Paul II’s 1984 consecration of
Russia fulfilled the prophecy, and paved the way for the collapse of the Soviet
Union, which happened early the very next year.
Russia fulfilled the prophecy, and paved the way for the collapse of the Soviet
Union, which happened early the very next year.
As predicted by Mary to the children, Francisco died just eighteen
months after the apparitions ended and Jacinta died shortly thereafter. Lucia
left her village on June 16, 1921 to join a convent. Sr. Lucia of the
Immaculate Heart remained on this earth until Sunday, February 13, 2005, when
she died at the age of 97.
months after the apparitions ended and Jacinta died shortly thereafter. Lucia
left her village on June 16, 1921 to join a convent. Sr. Lucia of the
Immaculate Heart remained on this earth until Sunday, February 13, 2005, when
she died at the age of 97.
Pope JPII Protected
Jacinta and Francisco Jacinta were beatified as “blessed” in 2000 at
Fatima in the presence of Lucia before a crowd of over a million. Pope John
Paul II surprised the world at that time, by announcing the third secret of
Fatima, which had never been revealed. It is believed to have been a prophecy on the
assassination attempt on his own life on May 13, 1981—the same day and at the
same hour of the first apparition at Fatima. Before a crowd of 20,000 in St.
Peter’s Square at the Vatican, a Turkish citizen, Mehmet Ali Agca, fired four
bullets at the pope from about 15 feet away.
The one that hit him narrowly missed his vital organs.
Fatima in the presence of Lucia before a crowd of over a million. Pope John
Paul II surprised the world at that time, by announcing the third secret of
Fatima, which had never been revealed. It is believed to have been a prophecy on the
assassination attempt on his own life on May 13, 1981—the same day and at the
same hour of the first apparition at Fatima. Before a crowd of 20,000 in St.
Peter’s Square at the Vatican, a Turkish citizen, Mehmet Ali Agca, fired four
bullets at the pope from about 15 feet away.
The one that hit him narrowly missed his vital organs.
John Paul II reflected: “Agca knew how to shoot, and he certainly
shot to kill. Yet it was as if someone was guiding and deflecting that
bullet.” That “someone,” John Paul believed, was the Woman of
Fatima. “Could I forget that the event in St. Peter’s Square took place on
the day and at the hour when the first appearance of the Mother of Christ …
has been remembered … at Fatima in Portugal? For in everything that happened
to me on that very day, I felt that extraordinary motherly protection and care,
which turned out to be stronger than the deadly bullet” (Memory and
Identity pp. 159, 163). Four days later, from his hospital room, the pope asked
all the faithful: “Pray for the brother
who shot me, whom I have sincerely forgiven.”
shot to kill. Yet it was as if someone was guiding and deflecting that
bullet.” That “someone,” John Paul believed, was the Woman of
Fatima. “Could I forget that the event in St. Peter’s Square took place on
the day and at the hour when the first appearance of the Mother of Christ …
has been remembered … at Fatima in Portugal? For in everything that happened
to me on that very day, I felt that extraordinary motherly protection and care,
which turned out to be stronger than the deadly bullet” (Memory and
Identity pp. 159, 163). Four days later, from his hospital room, the pope asked
all the faithful: “Pray for the brother
who shot me, whom I have sincerely forgiven.”
 |
| JPII visits Mehmet Ali Agca in prison |
On December 27, 1983 JP II went to the prison and forgave his would-be
assassin. The pope held the hand of the
gunman who shot to kill him and said, “Brother I forgive you.” They talked
quietly for 21 minutes. It was reported that the gunman who, revealed he was a
hired professional, (there’s speculation but it’s not official who he was
working for) could not understand how he failed in his attempt.
assassin. The pope held the hand of the
gunman who shot to kill him and said, “Brother I forgive you.” They talked
quietly for 21 minutes. It was reported that the gunman who, revealed he was a
hired professional, (there’s speculation but it’s not official who he was
working for) could not understand how he failed in his attempt.
Many people know that the Pope credited the Blessed Mother with guiding
the bullet’s path allowing him to escape death on the very feast of Fatima.
What most don’t realize, however, is that the Pope was planning to announce the
establishment of his Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family on that
fateful afternoon. This was to be his main arm for disseminating his teaching
on man, woman, marriage, and sexual love around the globe.
the bullet’s path allowing him to escape death on the very feast of Fatima.
What most don’t realize, however, is that the Pope was planning to announce the
establishment of his Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family on that
fateful afternoon. This was to be his main arm for disseminating his teaching
on man, woman, marriage, and sexual love around the globe.
The following year, on October 7, 1982, (the Feast of Our Lady of the
Rosary) John Paul did establish the Pontifical Institute for Studies on
Marriage and Family. He entrusted it to the care and protection of Our Lady of
Fatima.
Rosary) John Paul did establish the Pontifical Institute for Studies on
Marriage and Family. He entrusted it to the care and protection of Our Lady of
Fatima.
Our Lady of Fatima’s “Peace
Plan”
Plan”
 |
| Pope John Paul II |
When Our Lady appeared to the three shepherd children she made it clear
that sin offends God and sin affects what happens worldwide. Our Lady taught us
that in order to bring peace and save souls we must pray.
that sin offends God and sin affects what happens worldwide. Our Lady taught us
that in order to bring peace and save souls we must pray.
 |
| Pope Francis |
The prayer of the holy Rosary is the prayer of the holy Gospel; the
prayer of the Good News of Jesus Christ who promised not to leave us orphans. Pope John Paul II said: “The Rosary is by
nature a prayer for peace…focusing our eyes on Christ. The Rosary also makes us
peacemakers in the world. Pray the
Rosary daily! The Rosary can end wars! The Rosary can bring world peace.”
The rosary does not only bring peace to nations but also to families and
relationships. David Calvillo, founder of Real Men Pray the Rosary
is an attorney whose marriage was repaired when he and his wife became devoted
to the rosary. His website offers support and encouragement to anyone wanting
to learn how to pray the rosary or to learn more about consecrating their lives
to Jesus through Mary.
relationships. David Calvillo, founder of Real Men Pray the Rosary
is an attorney whose marriage was repaired when he and his wife became devoted
to the rosary. His website offers support and encouragement to anyone wanting
to learn how to pray the rosary or to learn more about consecrating their lives
to Jesus through Mary.
“Mary joins us, she fights at our side. She supports Christians in the
fight against the forces of evil. Especially through prayer, through the rosary.” –Pope Francis, August 16, 2013 during
Mass for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
________________________________________________________
For more inspiration, check out Big Hearted: Inspiring Stories From Everyday Families. Your children will laugh while learning big spiritual lessons with Dear God, I Don’t Get It! and Dear God, You Can’t Be Serious.
fight against the forces of evil. Especially through prayer, through the rosary.” –Pope Francis, August 16, 2013 during
Mass for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
________________________________________________________
For more inspiration, check out Big Hearted: Inspiring Stories From Everyday Families. Your children will laugh while learning big spiritual lessons with Dear God, I Don’t Get It! and Dear God, You Can’t Be Serious.
