Today marks
the 100th Anniversary of Mary’s Appearance to the children in
Fatima. Pope Francis traveled to Fatima this weekend to offer Mass and to
canonize two of the shepherd children – Francesco and Jacinta. First time in
our church history that children who were not martyrs were declared saints. St
Francisco & St. Jacinta, pray for us!
Mary
appeared beginning today and on the 13th of each month for 5 months –
until October 13, 1917. On that day, 70,000 traveled to Fatima, including the
aunt and uncle of Bishop Dominick. It had rained all morning. The people were
wet and the roads and fields were filled with mud. But then came our Lady,
revealed as Our Lady of the Rosary. And then came the Miracle of the Sun. The
sun danced in the sky. Their clothes were completely dry and the mud was gone!
Bishop and his family were very affected by the miracle – a reminder is found
in the back of our church – placed by Bishop Dominick!
The children
were given 3 secrets:
-
First
was a vision of hell which foretold of the coming of WWII. They were encouraged
to pray, especially the Rosary. O My
Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to
heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.
-
Second
had to do with the rise and fall of communism, and devotion to the Immaculate
Heart of Mary.
-
Third
was written down and sealed – looked at by John 23 and Paul 6. On this exact
day May 13, 1981, Pope John Paul 2 was shot 4 times. He lost 75% of his blood,
but her survived. He asked to see the third secret – “Bishop dressed in white
shot by bullets.” Was asked by his assassin
Ali Agca – “Why aren’t you dead?” Pope – “A mother’s hand guided the bullets
path.” On May 13, 1982, John Paul II went to Fatima and offered one of the
bullets to Our Lady. It has been placed in her crown.
I have been
to Fatima – it truly is a special place. I offered Mass at Cova da Iria – Vale of
Peace. Jesus said – do not let your
hearts be troubled. You have faith in God, have faith in me!
Mary said:
-
Peace
is not only possible, it is inevitable. You will make it happen. Give
everything over to my Immaculate Heart.
-
Nothing
that hurts you, no sacrifice, no war, no fear can stand up to the peace my Son
offers. The way to that peace is through the Cross, which is a key to all there
is, a path to walk with me. It is not – it is never – too late.
-
Sin
hurts but sinners can be bathed in mercy. Wars happen but they will not be the
last act. You can drive God out of the country, but my image will stand in Red
Square.”
On this Mother’s
Day when we thank God for our moms, grandmothers, godmothers and foster mothers
– we are reminded by Pope Francis – We have a another Mother – Mary, the Mother
of Jesus - Cling to her. Holy Mary
Mother of God. . . .
