OUR LADY OF FATIMA
A famous photograph of the three children at Fatima is haunting. Their faces are so serious. These three little peasant children and the story of their visions continue to influence millions of people. Faith that is alive and vibrant in the heart is not dependent on age. We cannot confine the power of the sacred and holy. Lucia, Jacinta and Marto were open to the miracle that came to them. They had a strong devotion to their faith and their hearts were open. How often are we open to witnessing the hand of God reaching down into our world?
When we read about the events of Fatima, it seems like a different world. Today, children are rarely alone and sending them out to play on their own by themselves is not as common.
Here were three young children, on their own in the hillside, minding sheep. They had an out of this world experience; a vision of Mary shining brightly like the sun. This occurred for them many times. Lucia dos Santos and her two cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, would be forever describing and striving to live out the messages and requests that the Virgin Mary put before them. Many village people chastised them and harassed their families. Even Lucia’s parents scolded and reprimanded her. But Mary did not leave them on their own to combat cynicism from others. On October 13, 1917, when 50-70,000 people gathered, an apparition of the sun terrified and amazed all who witnessed it. Thus began the devotion to Our Lady of Fatima.
This is the nature of miracles. Often the recipient leads a simple, sometimes impoverished life; just going about daily tasks when the extraordinary breaks into their existence. At Fatima, there was prayer for peace. The Virgin Mary told the children to pray for peace. The world not a peaceful place. The nature and concern of Our Lady is evident as a caring mother for humanity. This is what we pray for in the Hail Mary. This miracle occurred at the time of WWI, with WWII only decades away. We can imagine that this was hurtful to the heart of Mary and is not what God wants for all his children.
What can this miracle mean for us today? History repeats itself and we see violence and war in many places with a disregard for the innocence of children. One may debate and argue if the accounts of Fatima are scientific or deserve any credence. And yet, what do we witness in our world? Poverty and war and oppression are everywhere. Where do we allow the sacred to break through? Is it not possible that Our Lady and the power of God are there to intervene and influence the hearts of believers and non-believers? What could be the possibilities if all of humanity embraced prayer, reconciliation and peace?
As I write this post, I am grateful to these brave children who brought their story to the world. I wonder where miracles are happening today and if we are capable of
approaching them with open hearts. We truly need miracles, prayer and faith at this time in history.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
Jan Bentham is a retired Religion Coordinator with the Ottawa Catholic School Board. She is a musician, serving in music ministry at St. Ignatius Parish in Ottawa. She currently works at St. Paul’s University with the Catholic Women’s Leadership Program.
