Our Lady of Fatima books DVDs by Sister Lucia

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The Great Promise of Our Lady of Fatima

    The Great Promise of Our Lady of Fatima

 
 

Our Lady appeared at Fatima in 1917  to three little children, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, to warn the world, but also to bring a message of hope: “Finally my Immaculate Heart will triumph!”

Our Lady's Great Promise www.thecalltofatima.com

Picture taken in Coimbra, Portugal, Sister Lucia’s Memorial Museum

In 1925  Our Lady appeared to Sister Lucia, rested one hand on Lucia’s shoulder, while in the other hand she held a heart surrounded with thorns. Then Our Lady said to Lucia:

“Look, my daughter, at my Heart surrounded with thorns with which ungrateful men pierce me at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude… You, at least, try to console me and say that I promise to assist at the hour of death, with the graces necessary for salvation, all those who on the first Saturday for five consecutive months,

  1. go to Confession,
  2. receive the Holy Communion
  3. recite five decades of the Rosary
  4. keep me a company for 15 minutes while meditating of the mysteries of the Rosary, with intention of making reparation.”

This is how the Five First Saturday devotion came about. Our Heavenly Mother gave it to Sister Lucia, encouraging the faithful to pray the Rosary more and more, meditating on it and receiving the Sacraments of the Confession and the Eucharist.

Let’s not forget that Our Lady and Our Lord Jesus are hurt every single moment by countless sins. 

We encourage you to start this devotion, it is fine and purifying for our soul, and it helps to console Our Heavenly Mother. 

Remember this divine formula: 5 First Saturdays= Confession+ Mass & Eucharist +Rosary & 15.min Meditation+Intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Highlights of The Call to Fatima Triduum in Dublin 7-9th October 2011

The highlights of the Triduum in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary that took place in Dublin  7 to 9th October 2011:

 Fr Andrew Apostoli inspirational talk about the Message of Fatima for today1. The Poor of Dublin receiving 500 Rosary Beads and some requested Fr Andrew to be enrolled in the Brown Scapular for Our Lady’s protection as they walk the streets at night. This was the first time they were contacted in this way and they made us all feel so welcome at the feeding station they called the Day Centre.

Fr Andrew Apostoli talks to people in the Day Centre about the Rosary

 2. Continuous Adoration and promotion took place over the three days promoting the International Eucharistic Congress in June 2012.

3. Over 70 school children heard the stories about the three children of Fatima with the visit of the Angel and all the children were enrolled in the Brown Scapular and each child received Rosary beads and a free copy of the award winning film The Call to Fatima DVD to share with their families at home. There were children from many different faiths but it was not an issue for the children or the teachers.

4. Close to 5000 Rosary beads were distributed free and a similar number was enrolled in the Brown Scapular over the three days by Fr Andrew Apostoli (Franciscan of the Renewal – Vice postulator for Archbishop Fulton Sheen -Based in New York / EWTN ). Our Lady told us that world will be saved by the prayer of the Rosary and the Brown Scapular=)

Sr Angela Coelho talks about the importance of the Rosary

5. Great highlight of The Call to Fatima Triduum in Dublin were Confessions, Rosary recited in many languages,Holy Mass and music from Louise Irvine and the inspired talks by Fr Andrew, Sr Angela (based in Fatima and is the Vice postulator for the cause of Blessed Francisco and Jacinta) and Thomas McCormack which appeared to uplift the faithful.

 6. All who attended were encouraged to start the Rosary and the devotion to the Five First Saturdays and Adoration in their parish.

7. Several people asked The Call to Fatima film team to come to their parish and present the Message of Fatima to their parishioners.The light of Fatima was shining brighter in Dublin on the feast day of the Rosary / First Friday from the 7 to 9th October.

Jacinta, Lucia and Francisco at the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima

Padre Pio quote: the importance of the Mass

Padre Pio loved Our Lady of Fatima very much!“It would be easier for the world to survive without the sun than to do so without the Holy Mass.” – Padre Pio

“Lead all Souls to Heaven”, Our Lady of Fatima 1917

National Fatima Conference 2010

the statue of Our Lady and three little shepherds-National Fatima Conference 2010

The National Fatima Conference took place in University College Cork on 30th October 2010 in Boole No.4. The conference theme “Lead All Souls to Heaven” was a direct response to Pope Benedict’s letter to the Irish people to pray, meditate and repent and follow the word of God and His commandments. It was a full day event starting at 10am and finishing at 5pm. The organisers The Call to Fatima team who produced the double award film documentaries based entirely on Sr Lucia’s writings has the approval of the Fatima Shrine, Carmel of Coimbra and supported by the Vatican. The conference was free admission with prior booking requirements and free car park space was made available.

The conference was attended by 400 people from county Cork, Co. Limerick, Co. Meath, Co. Roscommon, Co. Mayo, Dublin, Co. Kerry, Co. Kildare, Belfast, Co. Kilkenny, Co. Wicklow, Co. Waterford, Co. Tipperary, as well as people from England, Australia, Latvia and Slovakia. A special free gift packages was presented to every person at the entrance, which included the hymn sheet, prayer sheet to Blessed Jacinta and Francisco, Sister Lucia and to the Most Holy Trinity + the Five First Saturday devotion, the Brown Scapular, the Rosary Beads, pencil and a white napkin for the Farewell song in honour of Our Lady (Fatima tradition). The Catholic Voice provided 400 free newspapers.

Eucharistic Adoration at the National Fatima Conference 2010

Speakers: Fr Michael Maher SM spoke about the obedience and to follow the Pope and the Church during these hard times. Sister Angela Coelho, Vice Postulator for the Blessed Jacinta and Blessed Francisco’s cause spoke in detail about the two little shepherds before and after the apparitions of Our Lady, as well as their characters and concerns during their life. The second talk of Sr Angela was on the devotion to the Five First Saturdays, as Our Lady requested to Sister Lucia in 1925. Thomas McCormack, the producer/ director of the film “The Call to Fatima” spoke about the Message of Fatima in reference to his film and Sister Lucia’s last book “Calls from the Message of Fatima”. All talks were exciting and very inspiring, according to many people who came and expressed their thoughts.

The day started with the Rosary, following talks, followed by the Angelus and the Brown Scapular enrolment by Fr Michael Maher. Father beforehand explained the meaning/ history and importance of this sacramental. The conference atmosphere was created by the beautiful singing of soprano Louise Irvine and her brother on keyboard Christopher Irvine, involving all in Fatima and Marian hymns.

The stage was enriched by Our Lady’s statue and the statues of 3 little shepherds brought from Co. Kerry by John and Patricia Heaphey.  Faithful could also participate in the Eucharistic Adoration, that was available all day in a special room. The Eucharistic Adoration was organised and supported by Perpetual Adoration Group, who carry out such work all over Ireland by John Howard and his team of dedicated supporters. A special Fatima gallery of 150 A4 photographs was displayed for the students and visitors for the first  time upon entrance. The National Fatima Conference had a coverage in the Catholic Voice and The Universe in England.

The Call to Fatima photograph gallery

The conference’s break was between 12.30pm and 2pm for lunch, Confessions and Adoration. “How to make a Good Confession” leaflets were displayed at the entrance to the Confessions room. Many people used a great opportunity once again to reconcile with Our Lord. The day was supported by volunteers, who guided people to their seats, helped with the registration and handout material.

Farewell to Our Lady of Fatima The Fatima Conference concluded with the Holy Mass, which was the highlight of the day. Before the Holy Mass Fr Michael Maher brought the Most Holy Sacrament to the conference hall for the 30 minutes Eucharistic Blessing. The Franciscan brothers of the Most Holy Trinity Church helped to set up the Mass requirements and provided the altar cloths, chalices, wine and hosts for the Mass. During the Mass everyone was consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, entrusting themselves to her guidance and care. This act of consecration was lead by Father Maher to renewed devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. An the end of the Mass the faithful were waiving goodbye to Our Lady with their white napkins singing the hymn “O Fatima, Farewell!” After the National Fatima Conference, people were inquiring about the next venue to bring this conference to various Dioceses in 2011.

Some of the feedback by those who attended:

We were delighted to be of help to you at your Conference, which was a wonderful experience. Thank God it was such a success!”  (Eileen & Chris Rush)

“Congratulations on organising such a wonderful day on Saturday – many people have been inspired by The Call To Fatima and we were delighted to have attended.  (Kim Murphy)

Everything went so well for the conference all thanks to your team you had behind you! Our Lady must be very happy!!!”  (Louise Irvine)

 



 

 



Catholic Conference on Fatima at University College Cork

Catholic Conference on Fatima

The Call to Fatima

“Lead all souls to heaven”

by William A. Thomas

The first ever conference on the Call to Fatima was held at University College Cork on Saturday the 30th of October 2010. This conference came about as a result of a workshop which was organised by Miss Solvita Kivlina on the 4th anniversary of the death of Sister Lucy on the 14th of February 2009 at All Hallows College in Dublin.

The Conference was opened by Father Michael Maher SM who is a Marist priest and who has a passionate devotion to Our Lady. He explained to delegates that the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima in 1917 to three young children are probably the most dramatic and urgent intervention of Our Lady to suffering humanity, broken by sin and rejection of God’s love and salvation.

three little shepherds of Fatima 1917The three children chosen by Heaven to deliver this message were Lucia Dos Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto who were brother and sister aged 9, 8, and 6 respectively. The first apparitions happened in 1916 when an Angel appeared to them and taught them several profound prayers that they should recite informing them that the “Hearts of Jesus and Mary were attentive to the voice of their supplications.”

The Angel who described himself as the Angel of Portugal appeared on two more occasions to prepare the children to “offer sacrifices continually to the Most High” and to make everything that they did a sacrifice which was offered in reparation “for the sins by which God is offended and as a petition for the conversation of sinners.” On the 13th of May in 1917 Our Lady appeared to the three young children who were minding sheep at the Cova da Iria, which was a very large field in Fatima not far from Aljustrel where the children lived.

Father Michael Maher, narrator in The Call to Fatima film www.thecalltofatima.com After the introductory talk Father Maher led the delegates in reciting the holy Rosary while giving passionate meditations on each mystery, admonishing delegates to never abandon the Rosary. In between each decade world renowned Irish soprano Louis Irvine sang sacred songs to the delight of the delegates who were moved by the beauty of her voice and her dedication to her music which gave great honour to Our Lady.

The Conference had some 400 delegates from every corner of Ireland north and south, and who were all enrolled in the Brown Scapular once the holy Rosary was completed. Delegates were also told that 9 nine priest were available for confessions and that a special chapel had been prepared for Eucharistic adoration throughout the day.

Conference organiser was Thomas McCormack a Dublin based Film Producer and Managing Director of Euro Finance Group whose motto is “When goodness is put before profit.” He told delegates that Sister Lucy had received millions of letters throughout her life asking questions related to the message of Fatima. He explained that from the time of the apparitions in 1917 to the day she died in 2005 at the age of 97, many people were concerned by various aspects of their faith, their lives and their involvement or lack thereof in the life and mission of the Church.

Thomas McCormack, the producer / director of The Call to Fatima film Sister Lucy had decided to write a book entitled “Calls from the Message of Fatima.” This book McCormack said “summarised all the questions that people had and were continuing to ask about their faith and what if any, had Fatima to do with them” he said. The book, he continued was her response to the millions of letters which she wanted to respond to personally to but was unable, so with the permission of the Holy See, Sister Lucy put pen to paper and wrote in the style of a long letter, addressed to all those who had written to her concerning their doubts, desires and difficulties, and in living up with greater fidelity what was asked of them from Heaven. The most important message of this book Thomas Mc Cormack told attentive delegates was contained on page 207 of the 304 page book, which concerned the 10 commandments. He went on to say that this call was the kernel and chief aim of the message of Fatima. “Sister Lucy was told by Our Lady to learn how to read, in order that she could write down the message and transmit it to the Church, who would give it its full approval before giving the message to the entire world- sadly he said only 4% of the world’s population know about it.

In speaking to the children in Fatima, he went on, Our Lady told them” I will tell you who I am and what I want” and later she would reveal Herself as the Lady of the Rosary. Ironically, McCormack stated “that in the last show of “Questions and Answers” hosted by John Bowman of RTE, the audience was asked what Ireland should do now that it was facing the abyss- to which the unanimous answer was that we should return to the 10 commandments and to prayer.

Therefore the laity has a big role to play in promoting the faith in parishes and in other areas he said. “I have taken this book the “Calls” of Sister Lucy and have put its essential contents in DVD film and translated it into 12 languages for the benefit of those who don’t read or don’t want to read” said an impassioned McCormack “so that the important message of Fatima is spread throughout the world for the Glory of God, the honour of Our Lady and the salvation of souls. The book and DVD “Calls to Fatima” have the full authorisation and approval of the Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Carmelite Nuns of Coimbra, and the Sacred Sanctuary of Fatima.

The DVD recently won first prize at the Saint Maximillian Kolbe International Film Festival. Delegates to the Conference were also given a gift pack containing a rosary beads, scapular hymn sheet and prayers.

Sister Angela Coelho, Vice-Postulator for Blessed Jacinta and Francisco The main guest speaker was Sister Angela de Fatima Coelho, who is not only a religious Sister but a medical doctor and has been appointed by the Holy See as Vice-Postulator of Blessed Francisco and Jacinta Marto who were both beatified by the Venerable Servant of God, Pope John Paul II (The Great) on the 13th of May in 2000 in Fatima.

Having introduced herself in perfect English and with a most wonderful personality she tells delegates about “her children” Jacinta and Francisco. “the main source of what we know about Francisco and Jacinta comes from Sister Lucy” she said, “but there were other sources like their family and the parish priest of Fatima Father Manuel Ferreira but it was Sister Lucy who knew them better than everyone” she said.

“There are two doors into the Fatima message one is the “Calls to Fatima” and the other is the “lives and understanding of the little children to whom Our Lady entrusted the message” said Sister Angela. Noting that Pope John Paul II called Fatima not only the “School of Mary” but the “School of Sanctity” to which we are called.”

Later Sister described that what the children did was enough to become saints, that is, they just did what Our Lady had asked them to and that as Saints they are models for us to imitate. “ We are just waiting now for one approved miracle to petition the Holy Father to canonise these two children who will be the youngest saints ever canonised by the Catholic Church, all the other work is done – We have one miracle which we are investigating at the moment, but I am waiting for something more profound and obvious so that there can be no doubts.”

In summing up the lives of Jacinta and Francisco Sister Angela told the delegates that the children of Fatima were just normal kids who worked hard and played, doing their household chores and being obedient to their parents. Jacinta she said was “over-sensitive with games and as such, games could only be played according to the rules of Jacinta.” However after the apparitions of Our Lady, which endured for 13 years in the case of Sister Lucy until 1929 in Tuy, the children accepted that the centre of their lives was no longer themselves but Our Lady and through Her, Jesus.

Quoting again from Pope John Paul II‘s book on the Rosary, Sister Angela told the conference that in praying the Rosary, the Pope called it his daily meeting with Mary. The profound changes that took place in the lives of the children of Fatima came about through the power of the Rosary and the Lady of the Rosary. Francisco was so moved by what the Angel told him to “Console your God” that after this, the young 9 year old would spend two hours in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament in his local parish Church.

Francisco, Sister Angela stated “received sufficient graces that he could understand the hierarchy of truths about God- when asked if he loved the Angel, he said he did, but he loved our Lady more and then again he loved Jesus even more than that, and that he experienced Jesus in his heart following that beautiful light that came into his heart from the hands of Our Blessed Lady. Noting that Our Lady had asked the children is they would undertake to suffer in reparation to God for the terrible sins of humanity and to make sacrifices for the conversion of sinners, especially after the vision of hell and with it the Devil and souls who had died in the state of mortal sin “The children responded with an immediate yes” said Sister Angela “because Jesus offers His Cross to his friends” What followed saw the three children arrested and placed in jail for 3 days of mental torture having being told they would be burned alive in a big fire.

The children suffered much abuse afterwards by unbelieving crowds of people who came day and night looking for them. But they knew what was going on Sister Angela and offered it up. Eventually Francisco died at home surrounded by his family but assured as was Jacinta that Our Lady would come for them and bring them to heaven.

Jacinta no longer over sensitive, but now offering to undertake even more sufferings especially for the Holy Father, whom she had seen alone in his chapel with his hands on his face and he was crying, later she saw him kneeling in front of a statue of Mary praying and finally as all three children saw “the Bishop in White” who was killed by soldiers.

Jacinta suffered and died alone in Lisbon in an isolation ward of a hospital offering up her sufferings right until the last minute when Our Lady fulfilled Her promise and came for her and brought her straight to heaven Sister Angela told a tearful conference who were deeply moved by the inside story of the love and dedication of the little seers of Fatima.

Sister Lucia dos Santos at the Carmel Monastery in Coimbra “Sister Lucy had her share of sufferings also” Sister Angela told the conference, who in place of Doctor Branka Paul, who was Sisters Lucy’s personal Doctor for the last 15 years of her life and who could not attend the conference due to the fact that her own mother was dying in hospital, gave her message. “She was told by the bishop of Fatima that she would have to leave home, take a new name, go to another country and never tell anyone who she was, and in addition to that, never to write directly to her family but only through a designated person- This type of suffering was very hard and Lucy didn’t want to do it, she cried day and night at the thought, and promised to disobey the bishop, however Sister continued, Lucy ran back to the Cova and cried, telling Our Lady that she would disobey the bishop- When Our Lady came, and placing Her hand on Lucy’s shoulder, reminded Lucy of her promise to make sacrifices for the conversation of sinners, Lucy did what the Bishop had requested.

Finally Sister Angela referred to the apparition of the Blessed Trinity and Our Lady in Tuy in Spain in and the request of Our Lady for a new devotion that God wanted for the world and that was devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Part of this devotion is to go to Mass on the first five Saturday’s of the month, sacramental confession, recite the holy Rosary, while meditating on its mysteries for at least 15 minutes and to receive holy communion that is to be offered up in reparation for all the blasphemies, sacrileges and outrages by which the Immaculate Heart of Mary is offended. This Sister Lucy of Jesus and of the Immaculate Heart of Mary did until the day Our Lady and Jacinta and Francisco came for her on the 13th of February 2005 at the age of 97.

The Irish bishops have asked for a “Year of Renewal” for Ireland to include Adoration, Confession, prayer and Reparation, it is a pity that they did not recommend the book and DVD “Calls to Fatima” as a personal companion to that year of renewal because this book encompasses all that they ask in a most eminent way.

The conference concluded with benediction and holy mass and in keeping with that beautiful Fatima tradition delegates waved their white handkerchiefs at the departing statue of Our Lady of Fatima which was brought to Cork by devotees from the diocese of Kerry. Many delegates asked when the next conference might be, and early indications are that it will be held in Dublin in May of 2011.

Further information can be obtained from; The Call to Fatima, 32 Manor Street, Dublin 7. Ireland .Telephone ( 00353) 01 8690039. Fax (00353) 1 8690336.

Website/// http://www.thecalltofatima.com

E-mail /// info@eurofinancegroup.ie

Blog/// http://www.thecalltofatima.wordpress.com

PASTORAL LETTER OF THE HOLY FATHER POPE BENEDICT XVI TO THE CATHOLICS OF IRELAND

1. Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Church in Ireland, it is with great concern that I write to you as Pastor of the universal Church. Like yourselves, I have been deeply disturbed by the information which has come to light regarding the abuse of children and vulnerable young people by members of the Church in Ireland, particularly by priests and religious. I can only share in the dismay and the sense of betrayal that so many of you have experienced on learning of these sinful and criminal acts and the way Church authorities in Ireland dealt with them.

As you know, I recently invited the Irish bishops to a meeting here in Rome to give an account of their handling of these matters in the past and to outline the steps they have taken to respond to this grave situation. Together with senior officials of the Roman Curia, I listened to what they had to say, both individually and as a group, as they offered an analysis of mistakes made and lessons learned, and a description of the programmes and protocols now in place. Our discussions were frank and constructive. I am confident that, as a result, the bishops will now be in a stronger position to carry forward the work of repairing past injustices and confronting the broader issues associated with the abuse of minors in a way consonant with the demands of justice and the teachings of the Gospel.

2. For my part, considering the gravity of these offences, and the often inadequate response to them on the part of the ecclesiastical authorities in your country, I have decided to write this Pastoral Letter to express my closeness to you and to propose a path of healing, renewal and reparation.

It is true, as many in your country have pointed out, that the problem of child abuse is peculiar neither to Ireland nor to the Church. Nevertheless, the task you now face is to address the problem of abuse that has occurred within the Irish Catholic community, and to do so with courage and determination. No one imagines that this painful situation will be resolved swiftly. Real progress has been made, yet much more remains to be done. Perseverance and prayer are needed, with great trust in the healing power of God’s grace.

At the same time, I must also express my conviction that, in order to recover from this grievous wound, the Church in Ireland must first acknowledge before the Lord and before others the serious sins committed against defenceless children. Such an acknowledgement, accompanied by sincere sorrow for the damage caused to these victims and their families, must lead to a concerted effort to ensure the protection of children from similar crimes in the future.

As you take up the challenges of this hour, I ask you to remember “the rock from which you were hewn” (Is 51:1). Reflect upon the generous, often heroic, contributions made by past generations of Irish men and women to the Church and to humanity as a whole, and let this provide the impetus for honest self-examination and a committed programme of ecclesial and individual renewal. It is my prayer that, assisted by the intercession of her many saints and purified through penance, the Church in Ireland will overcome the present crisis and become once more a convincing witness to the truth and the goodness of Almighty God, made manifest in his Son Jesus Christ.

3. Historically, the Catholics of Ireland have proved an enormous force for good at home and abroad. Celtic monks like Saint Columbanus spread the Gospel in Western Europe and laid the foundations of medieval monastic culture. The ideals of holiness, charity and transcendent wisdom born of the Christian faith found expression in the building of churches and monasteries and the establishment of schools, libraries and hospitals, all of which helped to consolidate the spiritual identity of Europe. Those Irish missionaries drew their strength and inspiration from the firm faith, strong leadership and upright morals of the Church in their native land.

From the sixteenth century on, Catholics in Ireland endured a long period of persecution, during which they struggled to keep the flame of faith alive in dangerous and difficult circumstances. Saint Oliver Plunkett, the martyred Archbishop of Armagh, is the most famous example of a host of courageous sons and daughters of Ireland who were willing to lay down their lives out of fidelity to the Gospel. After Catholic Emancipation, the Church was free to grow once more. Families and countless individuals who had preserved the faith in times of trial became the catalyst for the great resurgence of Irish Catholicism in the nineteenth century. The Church provided education, especially for the poor, and this was to make a major contribution to Irish society. Among the fruits of the new Catholic schools was a rise in vocations: generations of missionary priests, sisters and brothers left their homeland to serve in every continent, especially in the English-speaking world. They were remarkable not only for their great numbers, but for the strength of their faith and the steadfastness of their pastoral commitment. Many dioceses, especially in Africa, America and Australia, benefited from the presence of Irish clergy and religious who preached the Gospel and established parishes, schools and universities, clinics and hospitals that served both Catholics and the community at large, with particular attention to the needs of the poor.

In almost every family in Ireland, there has been someone – a son or a daughter, an aunt or an uncle – who has given his or her life to the Church. Irish families rightly esteem and cherish their loved ones who have dedicated their lives to Christ, sharing the gift of faith with others, and putting that faith into action in loving service of God and neighbour.

4. In recent decades, however, the Church in your country has had to confront new and serious challenges to the faith arising from the rapid transformation and secularization of Irish society. Fast-paced social change has occurred, often adversely affecting people’s traditional adherence to Catholic teaching and values. All too often, the sacramental and devotional practices that sustain faith and enable it to grow, such as frequent confession, daily prayer and annual retreats, were neglected. Significant too was the tendency during this period, also on the part of priests and religious, to adopt ways of thinking and assessing secular realities without sufficient reference to the Gospel. The programme of renewal proposed by the Second Vatican Council was sometimes misinterpreted and indeed, in the light of the profound social changes that were taking place, it was far from easy to know how best to implement it. In particular, there was a well-intentioned but misguided tendency to avoid penal approaches to canonically irregular situations. It is in this overall context that we must try to understand the disturbing problem of child sexual abuse, which has contributed in no small measure to the weakening of faith and the loss of respect for the Church and her teachings.

Only by examining carefully the many elements that gave rise to the present crisis can a clear-sighted diagnosis of its causes be undertaken and effective remedies be found. Certainly, among the contributing factors we can include: inadequate procedures for determining the suitability of candidates for the priesthood and the religious life; insufficient human, moral, intellectual and spiritual formation in seminaries and novitiates; a tendency in society to favour the clergy and other authority figures; and a misplaced concern for the reputation of the Church and the avoidance of scandal, resulting in failure to apply existing canonical penalties and to safeguard the dignity of every person. Urgent action is needed to address these factors, which have had such tragic consequences in the lives of victims and their families, and have obscured the light of the Gospel to a degree that not even centuries of persecution succeeded in doing.

5. On several occasions since my election to the See of Peter, I have met with victims of sexual abuse, as indeed I am ready to do in the future. I have sat with them, I have listened to their stories, I have acknowledged their suffering, and I have prayed with them and for them. Earlier in my pontificate, in my concern to address this matter, I asked the bishops of Ireland, “to establish the truth of what happened in the past, to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent it from occurring again, to ensure that the principles of justice are fully respected, and above all, to bring healing to the victims and to all those affected by these egregious crimes” (Address to the Bishops of Ireland, 28 October 2006).

With this Letter, I wish to exhort all of you, as God’s people in Ireland, to reflect on the wounds inflicted on Christ’s body, the sometimes painful remedies needed to bind and heal them, and the need for unity, charity and mutual support in the long-term process of restoration and ecclesial renewal. I now turn to you with words that come from my heart, and I wish to speak to each of you individually and to all of you as brothers and sisters in the Lord.

6. To the victims of abuse and their families

You have suffered grievously and I am truly sorry. I know that nothing can undo the wrong you have endured. Your trust has been betrayed and your dignity has been violated. Many of you found that, when you were courageous enough to speak of what happened to you, no one would listen. Those of you who were abused in residential institutions must have felt that there was no escape from your sufferings. It is understandable that you find it hard to forgive or be reconciled with the Church. In her name, I openly express the shame and remorse that we all feel. At the same time, I ask you not to lose hope. It is in the communion of the Church that we encounter the person of Jesus Christ, who was himself a victim of injustice and sin. Like you, he still bears the wounds of his own unjust suffering. He understands the depths of your pain and its enduring effect upon your lives and your relationships, including your relationship with the Church. I know some of you find it difficult even to enter the doors of a church after all that has occurred. Yet Christ’s own wounds, transformed by his redemptive sufferings, are the very means by which the power of evil is broken and we are reborn to life and hope. I believe deeply in the healing power of his self-sacrificing love – even in the darkest and most hopeless situations – to bring liberation and the promise of a new beginning.

Speaking to you as a pastor concerned for the good of all God’s children, I humbly ask you to consider what I have said. I pray that, by drawing nearer to Christ and by participating in the life of his Church – a Church purified by penance and renewed in pastoral charity – you will come to rediscover Christ’s infinite love for each one of you. I am confident that in this way you will be able to find reconciliation, deep inner healing and peace.

7. To priests and religious who have abused children

You betrayed the trust that was placed in you by innocent young people and their parents, and you must answer for it before Almighty God and before properly constituted tribunals. You have forfeited the esteem of the people of Ireland and brought shame and dishonour upon your confreres. Those of you who are priests violated the sanctity of the sacrament of Holy Orders in which Christ makes himself present in us and in our actions. Together with the immense harm done to victims, great damage has been done to the Church and to the public perception of the priesthood and religious life.

I urge you to examine your conscience, take responsibility for the sins you have committed, and humbly express your sorrow. Sincere repentance opens the door to God’s forgiveness and the grace of true amendment. By offering prayers and penances for those you have wronged, you should seek to atone personally for your actions. Christ’s redeeming sacrifice has the power to forgive even the gravest of sins, and to bring forth good from even the most terrible evil. At the same time, God’s justice summons us to give an account of our actions and to conceal nothing. Openly acknowledge your guilt, submit yourselves to the demands of justice, but do not despair of God’s mercy.

8. To parents

You have been deeply shocked to learn of the terrible things that took place in what ought to be the safest and most secure environment of all. In today’s world it is not easy to build a home and to bring up children. They deserve to grow up in security, loved and cherished, with a strong sense of their identity and worth. They have a right to be educated in authentic moral values rooted in the dignity of the human person, to be inspired by the truth of our Catholic faith and to learn ways of behaving and acting that lead to healthy self-esteem and lasting happiness. This noble but demanding task is entrusted in the first place to you, their parents. I urge you to play your part in ensuring the best possible care of children, both at home and in society as a whole, while the Church, for her part, continues to implement the measures adopted in recent years to protect young people in parish and school environments. As you carry out your vital responsibilities, be assured that I remain close to you and I offer you the support of my prayers.

9. To the children and young people of Ireland

I wish to offer you a particular word of encouragement. Your experience of the Church is very different from that of your parents and grandparents. The world has changed greatly since they were your age. Yet all people, in every generation, are called to travel the same path through life, whatever their circumstances may be. We are all scandalized by the sins and failures of some of the Church’s members, particularly those who were chosen especially to guide and serve young people. But it is in the Church that you will find Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and for ever (cf. Heb 13:8). He loves you and he has offered himself on the cross for you. Seek a personal relationship with him within the communion of his Church, for he will never betray your trust! He alone can satisfy your deepest longings and give your lives their fullest meaning by directing them to the service of others. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and his goodness, and shelter the flame of faith in your heart. Together with your fellow Catholics in Ireland, I look to you to be faithful disciples of our Lord and to bring your much-needed enthusiasm and idealism to the rebuilding and renewal of our beloved Church.

10. To the priests and religious of Ireland

All of us are suffering as a result of the sins of our confreres who betrayed a sacred trust or failed to deal justly and responsibly with allegations of abuse. In view of the outrage and indignation which this has provoked, not only among the lay faithful but among yourselves and your religious communities, many of you feel personally discouraged, even abandoned. I am also aware that in some people’s eyes you are tainted by association, and viewed as if you were somehow responsible for the misdeeds of others. At this painful time, I want to acknowledge the dedication of your priestly and religious lives and apostolates, and I invite you to reaffirm your faith in Christ, your love of his Church and your confidence in the Gospel’s promise of redemption, forgiveness and interior renewal. In this way, you will demonstrate for all to see that where sin abounds, grace abounds all the more (cf. Rom 5:20).

I know that many of you are disappointed, bewildered and angered by the way these matters have been handled by some of your superiors. Yet, it is essential that you cooperate closely with those in authority and help to ensure that the measures adopted to respond to the crisis will be truly evangelical, just and effective. Above all, I urge you to become ever more clearly men and women of prayer, courageously following the path of conversion, purification and reconciliation. In this way, the Church in Ireland will draw new life and vitality from your witness to the Lord’s redeeming power made visible in your lives.

11. To my brother bishops

It cannot be denied that some of you and your predecessors failed, at times grievously, to apply the long-established norms of canon law to the crime of child abuse. Serious mistakes were made in responding to allegations. I recognize how difficult it was to grasp the extent and complexity of the problem, to obtain reliable information and to make the right decisions in the light of conflicting expert advice. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that grave errors of judgement were made and failures of leadership occurred. All this has seriously undermined your credibility and effectiveness. I appreciate the efforts you have made to remedy past mistakes and to guarantee that they do not happen again. Besides fully implementing the norms of canon law in addressing cases of child abuse, continue to cooperate with the civil authorities in their area of competence. Clearly, religious superiors should do likewise. They too have taken part in recent discussions here in Rome with a view to establishing a clear and consistent approach to these matters. It is imperative that the child safety norms of the Church in Ireland be continually revised and updated and that they be applied fully and impartially in conformity with canon law.

Only decisive action carried out with complete honesty and transparency will restore the respect and good will of the Irish people towards the Church to which we have consecrated our lives. This must arise, first and foremost, from your own self-examination, inner purification and spiritual renewal. The Irish people rightly expect you to be men of God, to be holy, to live simply, to pursue personal conversion daily. For them, in the words of Saint Augustine, you are a bishop; yet with them you are called to be a follower of Christ (cf. Sermon 340, 1). I therefore exhort you to renew your sense of accountability before God, to grow in solidarity with your people and to deepen your pastoral concern for all the members of your flock. In particular, I ask you to be attentive to the spiritual and moral lives of each one of your priests. Set them an example by your own lives, be close to them, listen to their concerns, offer them encouragement at this difficult time and stir up the flame of their love for Christ and their commitment to the service of their brothers and sisters.

The lay faithful, too, should be encouraged to play their proper part in the life of the Church. See that they are formed in such a way that they can offer an articulate and convincing account of the Gospel in the midst of modern society (cf. 1 Pet 3:15) and cooperate more fully in the Church’s life and mission. This in turn will help you once again become credible leaders and witnesses to the redeeming truth of Christ.

12. To all the faithful of Ireland

A young person’s experience of the Church should always bear fruit in a personal and life-giving encounter with Jesus Christ within a loving, nourishing community. In this environment, young people should be encouraged to grow to their full human and spiritual stature, to aspire to high ideals of holiness, charity and truth, and to draw inspiration from the riches of a great religious and cultural tradition. In our increasingly secularized society, where even we Christians often find it difficult to speak of the transcendent dimension of our existence, we need to find new ways to pass on to young people the beauty and richness of friendship with Jesus Christ in the communion of his Church. In confronting the present crisis, measures to deal justly with individual crimes are essential, yet on their own they are not enough: a new vision is needed, to inspire present and future generations to treasure the gift of our common faith. By treading the path marked out by the Gospel, by observing the commandments and by conforming your lives ever more closely to the figure of Jesus Christ, you will surely experience the profound renewal that is so urgently needed at this time. I invite you all to persevere along this path.

13. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is out of deep concern for all of you at this painful time in which the fragility of the human condition has been so starkly revealed that I have wished to offer these words of encouragement and support. I hope that you will receive them as a sign of my spiritual closeness and my confidence in your ability to respond to the challenges of the present hour by drawing renewed inspiration and strength from Ireland’s noble traditions of fidelity to the Gospel, perseverance in the faith and steadfastness in the pursuit of holiness.In solidarity with all of you, I am praying earnestly that, by God’s grace, the wounds afflicting so many individuals and families may be healed and that the Church in Ireland may experience a season of rebirth and spiritual renewal.

14. I now wish to propose to you some concrete initiatives to address the situation.

At the conclusion of my meeting with the Irish bishops, I asked that Lent this year be set aside as a time to pray for an outpouring of God’s mercy and the Holy Spirit’s gifts of holiness and strength upon the Church in your country. I now invite all of you to devote your Friday penances, for a period of one year, between now and Easter 2011, to this intention. I ask you to offer up your fasting, your prayer, your reading of Scripture and your works of mercy in order to obtain the grace of healing and renewal for the Church in Ireland. I encourage you to discover anew the sacrament of Reconciliation and to avail yourselves more frequently of the transforming power of its grace.

Particular attention should also be given to Eucharistic adoration, and in every diocese there should be churches or chapels specifically devoted to this purpose. I ask parishes, seminaries, religious houses and monasteries to organize periods of Eucharistic adoration, so that all have an opportunity to take part. Through intense prayer before the real presence of the Lord, you can make reparation for the sins of abuse that have done so much harm, at the same time imploring the grace of renewed strength and a deeper sense of mission on the part of all bishops, priests, religious and lay faithful.

I am confident that this programme will lead to a rebirth of the Church in Ireland in the fullness of God’s own truth, for it is the truth that sets us free (cf. Jn 8:32).

Furthermore, having consulted and prayed about the matter, I intend to hold an Apostolic Visitation of certain dioceses in Ireland, as well as seminaries and religious congregations. Arrangements for the Visitation, which is intended to assist the local Church on her path of renewal, will be made in cooperation with the competent offices of the Roman Curia and the Irish Episcopal Conference. The details will be announced in due course.

I also propose that a nationwide Mission be held for all bishops, priests and religious. It is my hope that, by drawing on the expertise of experienced preachers and retreat-givers from Ireland and from elsewhere, and by exploring anew the conciliar documents, the liturgical rites of ordination and profession, and recent pontifical teaching, you will come to a more profound appreciation of your respective vocations, so as to rediscover the roots of your faith in Jesus Christ and to drink deeply from the springs of living water that he offers you through his Church.

In this Year for Priests, I commend to you most particularly the figure of Saint John Mary Vianney, who had such a rich understanding of the mystery of the priesthood. “The priest”, he wrote, “holds the key to the treasures of heaven: it is he who opens the door: he is the steward of the good Lord; the administrator of his goods.” The Curé d’Ars understood well how greatly blessed a community is when served by a good and holy priest: “A good shepherd, a pastor after God’s heart, is the greatest treasure which the good Lord can grant to a parish, and one of the most precious gifts of divine mercy.” Through the intercession of Saint John Mary Vianney, may the priesthood in Ireland be revitalized, and may the whole Church in Ireland grow in appreciation for the great gift of the priestly ministry.

I take this opportunity to thank in anticipation all those who will be involved in the work of organizing the Apostolic Visitation and the Mission, as well as the many men and women throughout Ireland already working for the safety of children in church environments. Since the time when the gravity and extent of the problem of child sexual abuse in Catholic institutions first began to be fully grasped, the Church has done an immense amount of work in many parts of the world in order to address and remedy it. While no effort should be spared in improving and updating existing procedures, I am encouraged by the fact that the current safeguarding practices adopted by local Churches are being seen, in some parts of the world, as a model for other institutions to follow.

I wish to conclude this Letter with a special Prayer for the Church in Ireland, which I send to you with the care of a father for his children and with the affection of a fellow Christian, scandalized and hurt by what has occurred in our beloved Church. As you make use of this prayer in your families, parishes and communities, may the Blessed Virgin Mary protect and guide each of you to a closer union with her Son, crucified and risen. With great affection and unswerving confidence in God’s promises, I cordially impart to all of you my Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of strength and peace in the Lord.

From the Vatican, 19 March 2010, on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph

Blessed Francisco and Blessed Jacinta Marto, the seers of Fatima apparitions

the banner for the blessed Jacinta and blessed Francisco Marto

Francisco’s quotes: “I am happier than you are, because I have the Hidden Jesus within my heart.”

“More than anything else I want to console Our Lord.”

“The worst thing would be if Our Lady never came back again! That is what hurts me most.”

“I would like to console Our Lord, and after that convert sinners so that they won’t offend Him any more.”

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Jacintas’ quotes: “I am suffering a lot, but I offer everything for sinners, and in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

“Oh, how much I love to suffer for love of Our Lord and Our Lady, they greatly love those who suffer for the conversion of sinners.”

“Oh, my Jesus! This is for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, for the Holy Father, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary!”

“More I think the more I suffer, and I want to suffer for love of Our Lord and for sinners.”At times, Jacinta kissed and embraced a crucifix, exclaiming: ”O my Jesus! I love You, and I want to suffer very much for love of You.”

EVANGELISATION

WHAT IS EVANGELISATION?

the Call to Fatima evangelisationEvangelisation means bringing  the Good News of Jesus into every human situation. Evangelisation leads to conversion. Evangelization is not an optional add-on. It is at the very heart of what it means to be Catholic followers of the Lord.

He commanded them: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Mk 15:15-16

Pope John Paul II suggested:” The New Evangelisation should be carried out new in zeal, new in method and new in expression.”

We all  can and should  evangelise. It helps us to grow as a Christians, as well as grow our communities. Evangelisation helps to bring back the lost souls back to God, bringing HOPE, FAITH and LOVE into their lives.

Jesus was the first and greatest evangeliser. He came to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God.  If we want to follow in the footsteps of Christ, then we must become evangelisers too.

HOW DO WE EVANGELISE?

We can evangelise by listening. When we listen, we enter into a person’s heart, mind and soul. We see their search for meaning, we catch a glimpse of their struggle or their pain.

We can share our faith. We can tell others how the Holy Spirit has worked in our lives. We can also share our faith through actions that demonstrate the ways in which we try to live authentically the Gospel Message.

We can evangelise by extending an invitation. It might be an invitation to come to Mass, to come back to Sacraments of the Church or to some other Catholic devotion, to talk with a priest or spiritual advisor, to read a book, to listen to a lecture, to asist in some ministry, to pray together or to attend a parish social event.

Evangise praying. Pope John Paul II tells us “There must be unceasing prayer to nourish the desire to carry Christ to all men and women.” Pope John Paul II also adds, “For the disciple of Christ the duty to evangelise is an obligation of love.”

Let’s become the true disciples of Christ! Evangelisation today is needed more than ever!


Messages of Our Lady of Fatima available in 12 languages

Messages of Our Lady of Fatima now are revelant more than ever in history. Our Lady came down from heaven and appeared in humble village of Fatima to three little shepherds- Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia. This all was back in 1917. But today we look back at the history and our current state and we realise, we had to answer to Our Lady’s requests and warnings with the biggest respect and urgency.

Message of Fatima is a call urging us for Penance, Forgiveness, Hope + Love +Faith, Reflection on Eternal Life, a call to Devotion, Perfection, Holiness and Total Consecration. God entrusted His Message through his most holy Mother to the humble little shepherds of the Cova da Iria, in order to convey once again his perennial calls to the people of today. The entire Message of Fatima is a call to pay attention to His divine Law.

“The Call to Fátima” is a 2-part film documentary explaining the story and the message of Fatima in great detail. This film is based on the last visionary’s of Fatima  Sister Lucia dos Santos writings, namely her first book “Fatima in Lucia’s own words” and “Calls from the Message of Fatima”. Messages of Fatima are now available in 12 languages (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, Polish, Slovak, Latvian, Russian, Chinese and Arabic) via these books and “The Call to Fatima” film.

Sister Lucia’s last wish was to spread the Message of Fatima and make it known to as many poeple as possible. Our Lady tought this prayer to little children : “Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell and lead ALL SOULS to heaven especially those most in need.” Please God, more and more people may learn, understand and evangelise the Message of Fátima, the Message of Penance, Forgiveness and great Hope. Ave Maria!

award winning film-documentary on Our Lady of Fatima

Sister Lucia wrote her last book “Calls from the Message of Fatima” for the world

Last visionary of Fatima Sister Lucia

Book “Calls from the Message of Fatima” is easy to read on account of the coherence and simplicity of the themes discussed and their applications.

Lucia is thus seen to be in full harmony with the faith of the Church and with the faith of simple people. This book runs parallel to the profound theological demands of the Christian life and also the vital breath of a popular, Christological and Marian piety, which is both simple and universal.

Sister Lucia reveals one of the most authentic qualities of true Marian piety: coherence with the Gospel, a profound ecclesial sense, the universality of the Christian message. She also wrote this book in the ability to dedicate both mind and heart, the realistic approach to the problems of life and death, of day-to-day life and the most authentic experiences which have as their point of reference the last realitie escatology: Purgatory,  Hell, Heaven. Many important and original things are woven into Lucia’s book. It reveals Mary’s commandment.

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