Fatima Today

For John, BLUF:  As an aside, the Influenza Pandemic was good for business.  Some 3 to 5% of the world's population died.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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In Portugal, Pope Proclaims Two Fátima Siblings Saints

The Reporter for this Old Gray Lady report is Mr Raphael Minder.

Today is the 100th Anniversary of the first appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children at Fatima, in Portugal.

This news story is about the Pope in Portugal canonizing the two sibling, cousins of the older Lúcia de Jesus dos Santos.  They died during the influenza pandemic that devastated Europe, and the world, following World War I (1918-1919).  Francisco Marto died at home on 4 April 1919, age ten, while Jacinta died in a hospital on 20 February 1920, age nine.  The case for Sister Lúcia, who died in 2005, is still being processed.

By the way, the Holy Father asks us which Mary we know (Source is ZENIT):

“Pilgrims with Mary… But which Mary?”  Francis called on those gathered to consider.

“Do we consider her ‘a teacher of the spiritual life,’ the first to follow Jesus on the ‘narrow way’ of the cross by giving us an example, or a Lady ‘unapproachable’ and impossible to imitate?”

To us, is she “a woman ‘blessed because she believed’ always and everywhere in God’s words (cf. Lk 1:42.45), or a ‘plaster statue’ from whom we beg favours at little cost?” : Or is she “the Virgin Mary of the Gospel, venerated by the Church at prayer,” or “a Mary of our own making?”

And, here are "Three ways to obtain an indulgence for the 100-year Fatima anniversary".

UPDATE:  There is someone out there predicting that World War III will start today, the 100th Anniversary of the first Fatima Apparition, and that it will end on 13 October, the 100th Anniversary o the last of the Fatima Apparitions.  RECOMMENDATION:  Pray for the conversion of Russia.

Regards  —  Cliff