The story of the apparitions
+ On May 13, 1917—one hundred years ago today—the Blessed Virgin appeared to three children near the village of Fatima, Portugal.
+ In the six apparitions that took place between May and October, Mary called herself “Our Lady of the Rosary” and urged Christians to practice penance, to pray the rosary daily, and to have devotion to her Immaculate Heart for the conversion of sinners.
+ The apparitions at Fatima were officially approved by the Bishop of Leira-Fatima in 1930.
+ In 2000, Pope Saint John Paul II beatified two of the Fatima visionaries: Jactina and Francisco Marto. Pope Francis will canonize these young saints today as part of his pilgrimage to Fatima for the centennial celebration. The cause for the beatification of the third visionary, Lucia Santos, is being actively promoted.
Quote
“Let us offer ourselves to God, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in the act of thanks and willingness; let us offer our sacrifices in union with Christ the Redeemer and, with our souls in prayer of atonement and conciliation, let us repeat: Lord Jesus, it is for love of you, in reparation for sins and for the conversion of sinners.”—Pope Saint John Paul II
Prayer
O God, who chose the Mother of your Son to be our Mother also,
grant us that, persevering in penance and prayer
for the salvation of the world,
we may further more effectively each day the reign of Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal)
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Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.
And today we celebrate...