Director: Fr. Carlos Cabecinhas * Proprietor: Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima (Portugal) * Quarterly publication * Year XI * Nr. 45 * 2015/05/13

Pilgrim Image of Fatima crosses over Portugal

From May 2015 to May 2016, the Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady will pass across all the dioceses of Portugal, on a large and festive pilgrimage, whose aim is to single out and make conspicuous the Centenary of the Apparitions. We think that this celebration of the Centenary is an “acceptable time” the Lord gives us to live and reanimate our experience of faith; indeed it does not intend simply to indicate a historic anniversary, but become a vehicle of evangelization and a path to conversion and encounter with Christ, through Mary. The initiative of the pilgrim- age of Our Lady of Fatima through the Portuguese dioceses comes to life in this context. The proposal was presented, in a general way, to the plenary session of the Portuguese Episcopal Conference and was warmly welcomed by the Portuguese bishops, who regarded it as an opportunity to disseminate and stimulate the awareness of the richness and relevance of the Fatima message and, besides, to make communities sensitive to the important celebration of the Apparitions Centenary. With this project and plan, we have in mind not only to involve all Portuguese dioceses in the celebration of the Cen- tenary of the apparitions, but also to help ecclesial communi- ties to live the message and the spirituality of Fatima. We are aware of the great impact such an initiative will have both by the number of faithful it brings together, and the opportunity it offers to proclaim Jesus Christ, to whom the Virgin Mary always leads us. In order to attain the desired ends and have a significant impact, we propose to each diocese moments of prayer and celebration and, in addi- tion, catechetical meetings and training sessions aimed at developing the seeds of God’s Word the hearts are sprinkled with. Our wish and hope is that this great pilgrimage of the image of Our Lady may be a strong experience of faith, by the means of celebrations, moments of prayer and expressions of popular piety; our desire is that all age groups could be inwardly influenced and everyone has the opportunity to deepen the knowledge and ex- perience of the Fatima message. Fr. Carlos Cabecinhas 2 2015/05/13 Pilgrim Image of Our Lady of Fatima Visits the Dioceses of Portugal

On May 13, 2015, during the the Marian prayer of Rosary celebrations of the 98th interna- in Christian families, accom- tional pilgrimage remembering panied by biblical meditations the first apparition, the Pilgrim and contemplative silence”, Image of Our Lady of Fatima declares the Pastoral Note. will start a pilgrimage to the In the same document, Portuguese dioceses until May dated from April 16, the Por- 2016. This religious journey tuguese bishops recall to the will be performed by the first mind the strongly Marian Pilgrim Image of Fatima that, sense that always has char- in the 50’s, traveled around the acterized the Portuguese world and, later, was enthroned people, and in a precise allu- at the Basilica of Our Lady of sion to Fatima, they point out the Rosary in 2003. that “the Marian message and According to the desire of spirituality of Fatima predis- the Institution, and in the words pose, indeed, many hearts to of the Rector of the Shrine of welcome the Church’s evan- Fatima, Fr. Carlos Cabecinhas, gelizing action.” this “great” pilgrimage ought Therefore, they also hope to be “a vigorous experience of that this event, “of great eccle- faith, with the help of celebra- sial meaning and resonance,” tions, moments of prayer and “leaves very positive marks in expressions of popular piety”; Christian communities, help- it ought to be an action that ing to reanimate the joy of touches “all ages” and a time in holding closely to the Gospel which “everyone has the oppor- of Jesus Christ, and renewing tunity to deepen the knowledge the excitement of living in the and experience of the Fatima Church.” message.” In practical terms, in order The national pilgrimage to implement this project, the project, also understood as a Sanctuary of Fatima prepared way of alerting and drawing at- a script with various materials tention to the Centenary of the sent off to the dioceses, for a Apparitions in 2017, was presented to Mother of God and Mother of Men.” better preparation and execution of the the Portuguese bishops who welcomed “We take advantage of this moment different moments of the Image visit. it enthusiastically. of grace to invite the People of God After leaving the Shrine of Fatima, the Gathered at Fatima in general as- to merge deeper and deeper into the Pilgrim Image will take the following sembly in April, they defined this na- celebration of their faith, particularly route through Portugal: Viseu, Braga, tional pilgrimage, in a Pastoral Note of through the participation in the Eucha- Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Bragança- the Portuguese Episcopal Conference rist, the celebration of the Sacrament of Miranda, Lamego, Coimbra, Guarda, (CEP), as “a moment of evangelizing Penance and the Anointing of the Sick; Portalegre-Castelo Branco, Setúbal, mission”, and consequently they in- then, to encourage to the prayer of ado- Évora, Beja, Algarve, Santarém, Lis- vite to the mobilization of people for a ration before the Blessed Sacrament, so bon, Funchal, Aveiro, Angra do Hero- “warm welcome, inspired with the joy characteristic of the Fatima spirituality; ismo, Oporto, Leiria-Fatima. of receiving, in faith, the icon of Mary, and finally to revive the habit of reciting LeopolDina Simões

Pilgrim Images of Fatima keep on traveling around the World In February this year the Rectory of these solicitations come from every- 12:30, when Fr. Benevenuto Santiago Fatima Shrine acquired a new Pilgrim where, especially from Portugal, Italy, Morgado invoked God’s favor and ben- Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, to join the Brazil and Spain. Thus, it was reached efit upon the religious objects. group of images at its disposal for the the replica n. 13; this number is supposed The next day, March 5, the Image left pilgrimages in Portugal and in the world. as a maximum concerning the copies of for Italy, for its first pilgrimage, made in This decision was taken to make easier the image of the Pilgrim Virgin. Sicily, under the responsibility of World the response to the growing number of This Pilgrim Image n. 13 was blessed Apostolate of Fatima of the Sicilian Re- requests that are emerging, as we ap- on March 4, in the Chapel of the Appa- gion. proach the centenary of the apparitions; ritions, at the end of the official Mass António Valinho 2015/05/13 3 The Holy Father wants to come to Fatima!

In private audience, held on April 25 at the Vatican, Pope Francis confirmed to the Bishop of Leiria-Fatima, António Marto, that “if God grants him life and health” he wants to be at the Cova da Iria to preside at the celebration of the Centenary of Fatima apparitions. After having received several invita- tions, this was the first time the Pope Francis expressed very precisely the desire for visiting Fatima, and permit- ted the public disclosure of his inten- tion. The news was received with “great joy” at the Shrine of Fatima. Speaking to journalists, the Rector, Fr. Carlos Cabecinhas, said: “To the Sanctuary of Fatima, which is deeply connected to the Pope, in virtue of the message whose it is depositary, this is wonder- Shrine was great the interest of the words of our Bishop, Pope Francis was ful news. Surely, we had the hope of his journalists on the subject, with wide especially moved by this gesture of presence on the occasion of the centen- repercussions in the Portuguese and sharing with the indigent and poverty- nial celebration, but it is very impor- foreign media. The impact of the news stricken. tant to have this confirmation from the was also immediately perceptible on The Bishop of Leiria-Fátima was mouth of Pope Francis himself.” the Facebook page of the Sanctuary of the first Portuguese bishop to meet in “If we, at the Shrine of Fatima, al- Fatima, and the followers of this com- a private audience with Pope Francis; ready pray daily for the Holy Father, munication platform expressed their during the encounter there was still this information is a further challenge joy at the good news and shared it in opportunity to pay attention to vari- to pray that the Lord give him life, other pages. ous aspects of the pastoral renewal that health and strength for his mission!”, In the same audience, Bishop An- Pope seeks to implement. His Excel- added the Rector. tónio Marto gave the Pope a money lency António Marto gave thanks to Once the information was made contribution from the Shrine of Fati- the Holy Father for the new stage of known by the official media of the Di- ma, intended to help and support the joy and freshness that his pontificate ocese of Leiria-Fátima and the Fatima actions in behalf of his poors. In the has brought to the Church. Witness to the love of the Hungarian Nation for the Virgin Mother

After the defeat of the 1956 revolu- We must have a feeling of special tion in Hungary, many people in the gratitude to Fr. Luis Kondor for hav- emigration and even in Hungary began ing made us conscious of the secret of to feel and perceive that we could put Fatima. He helped us to consecrate our our trust only in the help of the Patron- Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest to ess of the Hungarians, the Virgin Mary. the Virgin Mother during our pilgrim- But the maternal love of the Virgin and age in 2003 and again, after three years, her Holy Son is not a fragile protection; on the fiftieth anniversary of the 1956 it is rather a gentle, but irresistible, force revolution and on the commemoration that can change the course of history. of the 550 years of our victory in Nán- Who would believe that, after so much dorfehérvár, when the entire Hungarian sacrifice of bloodshed, after only a few nation was dedicated to the Immaculate decades, our desires were fulfilled in a Heart of the Virgin of Fatima. peaceful way? Then, in 2007, together with the Eu- Who would also believe today that, in ropean bishops, we consecrated to the the midst of so many threatening and in- protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, comprehensible hatred, of wars between in front of her statue, our entire Conti- brothers, of waves of violence and per- nent. secution of Christians in many parts of His Eminence Péter Erdő the world, the Virgin Mary, whose Son Cardinal Primate of Hungary still here on Earth could stop the storm, [Extract from his message conveyed on the keeps on looking for us, for our Church, celebration of the 50 years of the Hungarian for our Hungarian people and for all Calvary in Fatima, and also in honor of Fr. mankind? Luis Kondor, on the 7th March 2015] 4 2015/05/13 Fatima has the dimensions of the world His Eminence Raymundo Damasceno Assis, cardinal archbish- op of Aparecida, presides at the anniversary international pilgrim- age to Fatima in May 2015. In this occasion, just at the opening of the pilgrimage, will be enthroned in the Shrine of Fatima an image of Our Lady of Aparecida. In an interview held in March, this year, Bishop Raymundo Assis ponders over the Fatima-Aparecida con- nection, and also about his coming to the Cova da Iria. Interview by Leopoldina Simões

How is being experienced and prayer. In the two places, she appears met with the preparation for the with hands in supplication, but in as- enthronement of the image of Our sociation with penance. So she seems Lady of the Conception of Apare- to be disposed to welcome us next to cida in Fatima? herself, but aims at something deeper. The image of Our Lady of Apare- Being near to her means to discover cida, staying among us, hands clasped or rediscover God or strengthen these in prayer, through nearly 300 years, vital ties with Him. She welcomes us, became very dear to the Brazilian but since her heart is centered on God Son and Saviour who, on the strength people, since its blessed discovery in through prayer, actually we are led by of the Spirit, leads us to the Father. the waters of the Paraíba do Sul riv- Her to God. And once converted to er. It’s a providential occurrence that Him, to His fatherly heart, let us come What message will you bring to also Fatima celebrates, at the same back, renewed, to our brothers, in or- Fatima on May 12 and 13? time, its centenary jubilee. Thus, it is der to build, together with them, a We wish the pilgrims, coming an unexpected grace to have a replica world of brotherhood, justice, peace, from all sides of the earth and repre- of the image of Mother Aparecida of- in the light of the gospel. senting the whole world, to taste the ficially enthroned at the Shrine of Our maternal and cheerful welcome of Lady of Fatima. We are happy and As a message to the world, what this unique Mother of each and every strengthened with her presence in our is the main core of the spiritual- one of them. We wish that, under the lives. And we presage that such an en- ity commonly experienced and fos- radiance of these two different Im- thronement at Fatima will redound in tered both in Fatima and Apare- ages, representative of two nations, “appearance” and disclosure, in its ir- cida? Portugal and Brazil feel associated in ruption into the hearts and lives of so As a sign that “appears” in heaven, a fraternal way in virtue of the same many brothers and sisters of ours. In or sent and aimed at us by heaven, mother; and that both nations repre- the manifold and varied provenance either Fatima or Aparecida uncovers sent the whole of humanity, for Mary of its pilgrims, Fatima has the dimen- the divine predilection for the little received all human beings as her chil- sions of the world. May this Image in ones of this world, on which you can dren from the lips of her dying Son Fatima stretch out in all directions, count (Mt 11.25-26). In Fatima, she on the cross. We wish that Fatima and and to the last frontiers of the earth, calls three poor little shepherds and Aparecida strengthen and scatter to the magnitude of the “network” of hu- “appears” to them. In Aparecida, the four winds the universal dimen- man hearts to which Our Lady wants three fishermen, equally poor, find her sion of her message and proposal. She bring light to open the way for Her image entangled in the meshes and, has a strong desire to be mother and and our only Saviour, Jesus Christ! in this way, she manifests herself to sister of humanity, disciple-model those hearts and lives, duly ready and in the following and imitation of the Are the history and message of alert. In both images, the Virgin Mary, Redeemer! She wants to fulfill her Fatima known to the Brazilian peo- with hands clasped in prayer, tells us unique mission: to bring God from ple? that the spiritual attitude of supplica- heaven and make Him happen and At least in most significant points, tion guides us towards God, because disclose himself in the hearts and the history and message of Fatima are He alone can satisfy us fully. And lives of all of us humans! Besides, known and familiar to the Brazilian Aparecida, as an image of a pregnant she wants make of us, her pilgrims, people. The Virgin, here, or as Our mother, once again shows us that she, true missionary disciples and carriers Lady of the Conception of Apare- and all of us, her sons and daughters, of this very experience to our national cida, calls her sons and daughters to must follow and imitate Jesus, the places and communities! 2015/05/13 5 Theological-Pastoral Symposium 2015 Pray, pray much deepens the theme of Holiness

One of the primary concerns and the reflection of the participants three purposes of the Shrine of Fatima is to structural and configurative dimen- preserve the memory of its founding sions of Christian holiness: holiness as event and to deepen the message pro- gift of God, enabling ways of Christian vided by the Virgin of the Rosary to the fidelity and radicalism; holiness as hu- three children of Aljustrel. Such mes- man response, that seeks to receive and sage “contains a truth and a call that in welcome the calls from God; holiness its fundamental contents - as St. John as commitment to the world transfor- Paul II saw well and stressed - is the mation, horizon of all Christian action truth and demand of the Gospel itself. open to God’s saving plan for humanity. “Therefore, Fatima Shrine has the task The first day of the Symposium, of reflecting on the theological strands dedicated to the dimension of holiness and pastoral demands included in the as God’s gift, opens with a glance at the message of the Lady of the Rosary. proposal of a pedagogy of holiness in The Theological-Pastoral Sympo- the message and experience of Fatima (Vincenzo Battaglia) and goes on with a biblical (Armindo Vaz) and The Pilgrimage of the Children to christological (Alexandre Palma) the Sanctuary of Fatima has already be- perspective of holiness, to conclude come a landmark event for many peo- with a study of the holiness para- ple, as confirmed by the large number of digms throughout history (Marco children and also adults who, especially Daniel Duarte). On the second day, on June 10, every year, fill the Precinct centred on holiness as a human re- of the Shrine. sponse, the symposium reflects on In 2015, the fifth cycle of the prepara- tion for the Centenary of Fatima Appari- the signs and tokens of this response: tions, the great theme of the pilgrimage, from the concrete sense of the con- 9 and 10 June, has as central point of fession of faith in the sanctity of attention the apparition of Our Lady in the Church (Joseph Famerée) to the August, in Valinhos. In this apparition, meaning of the universal call to holi- Our Lady insists and claims: pray, pray ness, and also to the existential ques- much and make sacrifices ... for many tionings present in everyday life. The souls go to hell because they have no one to sacrifice and pray for them. presentation of Mary’s holiness in In these words of Our Lady, we catch the theological and spiritual vision of a glimpse of the need and the power of the Orthodox Churches (Christophe intercession of those who, in solidarity Daloisio) opens the way, already on for the salvation of their brothers, pray the third day revolving on the com- and sacrifice themselves for them; this mitment to the transformation of the intercession has its roots in the mys- sium, annually organized by the Sanc- world, for the final two conferences tery of the Communion of Saints, i.e. tuary, is a good contribution to this (Peter Schallenberg and Maria Clara a solidarity, that unites the members of the mystical Body of Christ which is mission, and is committed to the re- Bingemer), which connect the experi- the Church, because we are “one body” flection about the main points of the ence of holiness with the search for a (Eph 4: 4). theme assigned to the pastoral year. true humanity, both at a personal level When reflecting on this mystery of Consequently, it is one of the guiding and in the world building processes. the Communion of Saints, that makes events marking the rhythm and pace of Are also speakers at the symposium us intercessors for each other, we high- the septenary that prepares the festive Manuel Barbosa, João Aguiar Cam- light as motto for the Children’s Pil- celebration of the Centenary of Fatima pos, João Miguel Tavares. Antonio Ma- grimage of this year the words of Our Apparitions. tos Ferreira, José Manuel Pereira de Lady, which are an appeal and summon: Pray, pray much. We stress, therefore, In this pastoral year, centred on Almeida and Marina Jesus Amaro. the mystery of our intercession before the theme “Sanctified in Christ,” the God in behalf of others. Theological-Pastoral Symposium Pedro Gomes Valinho takes place on June 19-21 at the Paul Executive Assistant to the S. Maria Isolinda VI Pastoral Center; and it proposes to Centenary of the Apparitions Member of the Organizing Committee 6 2015/05/13

Until 2017, the Portuguese statue travels through the largest country of South America Pilgrim Image of Fatima prepares Brazil for the Centenary of the Apparitions

ings that God wishes to establish in the world the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. And if we do so, He will save many souls and these souls will have peace”, pointed Berthaldo, em- phasizing that “our greatest inspiration is to transmit the message of Fatima to everyone.” Marcia Ilá, coordinator of the nation- al pilgrimage, explains how the plan for the pilgrimages is arranged: “We make advance booking with the bishop. Of- ten, the diocese contacts and solicits the visit of the Image. We receive many re- quests and already have a full schedule till the end of the year. “ From north to south, the Portuguese statue of the Mother of Jesus has trav- eled over 20,000 km, and visited remote and humble places as the coastal city of Cametá, located in Pará State, north of Along more than 20,000 km through “When Our Lady appeared to the Little the country, three thousand miles away Brazil, the Pilgrim Image of Our Lady Shepherds in 1917, asked them to pray from the Chapel of Apparitions of Rio of Fatima, coming from Portugal, al- the Holy Rosary for world peace, and de Janeiro; also big urban centers, such ready gave a new hope and inspired to disseminate her message. Today we as Paranaguá, the main coastal city of love to thousands of Brazilian families. extend that petition of the Virgin of Paraná, 884 km away from Rio. This journey of faith, organized by the Fatima to all Brazilians, through this In each diocese, thousands of people Archdiocesan Association “Tarde com pilgrimage.” participate in the events with the pres- Maria” [Afternoon with Mary] aims at By the means of the pilgrimage, Bra- ence of the pilgrim image, which brings bringing the message of the Blessed zilians have the opportunity to strength- hope and comfort to those who suffer, Virgin to all corners of the country until en the Marian vocation and to prepare besides spreading the Christian values​​ the Centenary of the Apparitions. themselves intensely for the Centenary and the joy of those who follow the Vir- Up to now, the Portuguese Pilgrim of the Apparitions. In all the places the gin of Fatima. Image journeyed over several places, Image visited or passes through, the Rita Vasconcelos including hospitals, parishes and com- faithful welcome it with love and devo- Photos: Nathan Paroli, munities. Several Brazilian dioceses al- tion. There is also a very warm recep- Marcia Ilá, Josery Pantoja ready have received the Pilgrim Image, tivity on the part of bishops and priests; which, sparging faith and joy, is a sign for instance, in the Juiz de Fora arch- of the Fatima message in so many dif- diocese, located in Minas Gerais state, ferent realities. in which the Metropolitan Archbishop, According to the tutor of the im- His Excellency Gil Antonio Moreira, age of Fatima, Fr. Antonio Geraldo celebrated his 15 years of episcopal or- da Silva, fmdp, member of the “Tarde dination. com Maria” Association, the tour has On this occasion, the bishop Gil the scope of inciting and inducing all to Moreira expressed his joy of welcom- pray for the families, for the souls of the ing the Portuguese statue in the Minas faithful who suffer in Purgatory, and for archdiocese: “This image is the pres- the Holy Father. “In virtue of this feel- ence of Our Lady in our midst; it is a ing of faith and confidence in the Virgin Marian moment of great happiness, and of Fatima, the Brazilian people have particularly because it coincides with the privilege of inflaming in their life the date of my birthday”. the Apparitions message and of relying As stated by the founder-president more on their prayers”. of the “Tarde com Maria” Associa- His Excellency Edson de Castro tion, Berthaldo Soares, the main pur- Homem, auxiliary bishop of the Arch- pose of the pilgrimage is to revive the diocese of Rio de Janeiro and rector of message of Fatima in Brazil, and to the Sanctuary of Fatima in the same celebrate the Centenary of the Appari- city, stressed that the pilgrimage plays tions of Our Lady, along with Portugal. an important role in evangelization: “The seer Sister Lucia said in his writ- 2015/05/13 7

Two churches in Portugal dedicated to the Little Shepherds of Fatima On February 20 and “the transformation 22 were dedicated to arisen in the lives of the the Little Shepherds of two seers, after the ex- Fatima in Portugal two perience of God’s love new churches, one in through the Light they the Bairro of Areia, in received from the hands the parish of Our Lady of the Lady of the Ro- of the Conception of sary, has been a grow- Montijo, Diocese of ing source of inspiration Setubal, and another in for many believers. The Quinta do Alçada, in message of their lives, in the parish of São Tiago virtue of the simplicity de Marrazes, diocese of and acceptance of God’s Leiria, Fatima. saving plan, is a sign of According to the hope for all those who Rector of the Shrine of wish to walk the path of Fatima, the month of holiness.” “ February was “the month of the Little ta Marto, and vice-postulator of the Prayer for the canonization of Shepherds”: first, it was the month of Cause of Beatification of Lúcia de Je- Francisco and Jacinta is now a pas- the liturgical feast of Blessed Fran- sus e do Imaculado Coração, acknowl- toral commitment of these new com- cisco and Jacinta Marto, celebrated edges the increased attention concern- munities, but Sister Angela Coelho on the 20th, and second, because this ing the two Blessed of Fatima: “Yes, it has knowledge of other groups, more year there has been a special evocation seems clear to me that there is an in- or less formal, in Portugal and in the of Sister Lucia’s life and testimony, creasing interest about the life and ho- world, which engaged themselves on the tenth anniversary of her death liness message left by Francisco and “with enthusiasm in the effort to on February 13; and another reason is Jacinta. The dedication of churches to pray for the canonization of the Little the dedication of new churches to the the youngest Blessed of history is a Shepherds “. Little Shepherds of Fatima. challenge that invites this community “This fills me with joy and confi- “The choice of the two little seers to uphold the Christian lifestyle of the dence: the canonization of Francisco of Fatima as titular patrons of new two little shepherds in a modeling and and Jacinta, which we long for, will churches is significant because it conforming dynamism with Christ.” always be a gift from God and a grace shows not only confidence in their in- For the Rector of the Sanctuary, of His love,” she says. tercession, but also a desire to imitate choosing the Little Shepherds of Fati- The work for the cause and the Pos- the attitude of these two Candles that ma as titular patrons of new churches tulation of Francisco and Jacinta Mar- God lit – thus referred to by John Paul means and presents to their respective to, even in the absence of a miracle II in the Cova da Iria 2000 – to illumi- communities “a challenge to under- that, through their intercession, may nate the darkness around us”, said Fr. stand better and live more intensely lead to their canonization, will always Carlos Cabecinhas. the message of Fatima. be to “spread the example of life and In an interview to the Press Room What novelty can lives of Fran- to raise people’s confidence in friend- of the Shrine of Fatima, Sister Angela cisco and Jacinta bring into the exis- ship with God experienced by these Coelho, postulator of the Cause of the tence and spirituality of the faithful? two children of Fatima.” Canonization of Francisco and Jacin- According to Sister Angela Coelho, L.S.

New Cardinal of Mozambique in Fatima On February 18, His Eminence Júlio Duarte Langa, created cardinal in the last consistory by Pope Francis, was in Fatima on pilgrimage. At 12:30, the second cardinal in the history of Mozambique, emeritus Bishop of Xai - Xai, presided at the Eucharist, which was concel- ebrated by seven priests, in the Chapel of the Apparitions. 8 2015/05/13

Vice-postulator for the cause of Canonization of Francisco and Jacinta interviewed Still missing a miracle for the canonization of the Blessed

On the 20th of February, we celebrate the Liturgical Feast of Blessed Francisco and Jacinta Marto. Sister Ângela Coelho, vice- postulator for the cause of Canonization of the Blessed children, gave us an interview through which we can better understand the meaning of this Feast. Interview by Sandra Dantas

What is the meaning of this Festiv- when what it highlights is the call to ity for the Church and for the World? convert to the love of God and to be To celebrate the holiness of a servant committed to it. of God is to celebrate, first, the holiness of God, the all-holy who sanctifies each In the apparitions, Our Lady asks woman and each man ready to receive the Little Shepherds to do sacrifices the gift of his grace. In the specific case for the sinners. Does this request still of the liturgical celebration of Fran- make sense in our time? cisco and Jacinta, we thank God for Today we are afraid of the word the very particular way they lived their «sacrifice», which disturbs us and vocation to holiness. Seeing the life of seems to be strange. And, meanwhile, “Still, if we wanted to find the word these two children today, we are able sacrifice is the dynamic through which that better defines each one of the little to perceive that they lived the appeals life is given. It is enough to recall the shepherds, I would risk to say that with which Our Lady challenged them, moment of birth of a human life to un- Jacinta is defined by «compassion», so that looking at them is to look at an derstand that the gift of life implicates Francisco by «contemplation» and embodiment of the message of Fatima. sacrifice for the other. Lucia by «faithfulness»”. Sacrificing oneself for sinners is The message of Fatima is not cir- nothing other than being ready to of- is comprised of a demanding study on cumscribed to a particular time in fer ones’ life for those who went astray the life of Lucia, on her writings, on history? from the love of God. It is accepting to the testimonies which were gathered, If Fatima does nothing else than participate in the redemptive mission so that she may be proposed as an ex- highlighting the good news of the Gos- of Jesus, of congregating everything ample of a mature Christian faith. We pel – and we can recognise many gos- and everyone in the house of God. continue to work on this process. Re- pel traces in the message of Fatima: garding the process of canonization of prayer, conversion, theologal living, What is the point of situation of Blessed Francisco and Jacinta, we are adoration and conformation of life with the Process of Canonization of Sister only expecting a miracle through their God… – it is, therefore, expectable Lucia? And of Francisco and Jacin- intercession. Meanwhile, our work is to that its message be for ever and ever. ta? spread their example of life and arise in No one would dare disqualifying the The process of beatification of Lucia people the confidence in the friendship importance of the message of Fatima is now in the diocesan phase. This phase with God of these children of Fatima.

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