Our Lady of Fatima: Honoring Mary in Prayer

On the 13th day of May, we celebrate the Virgin Mary who appeared to three shepherd children at Fatima, Portugal, six times between May 13 and October 13, 1917. In these encounters, Mary identified herself as “Our Lady of the Rosary” and urged the practice of penance, daily recitation of the Rosary, and devotion to the Immaculate Heart for the conversion of sinners and of Russia. 

On May 13, 2000, Pope Saint John Paul II beatified Jacinta and Francisco Marto, two of the visionaries. The commemoration of Our Lady of Fatima was extended to the Universal Church in 2002.

Although there are many who focus on the signs and wonders associated with the apparitions at Fatima, Mary’s message to the children—and to us—is very simple: Pray! And our commitment to prayer—for the Church, for those entrusted to our care, for the poor and forgotten—are the greatest acts of devotion we can show to the Mother of God.

Take time today to pray the rosary for those who have no one to pray for them or who have drifted away from the practice of their faith. Ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to be a mother for them, guiding them to her Son. Pray, too, that God will abundantly bless Pope Francis and Church and leaders with the gifts of the Holy Spirit as they continue to proclaim the Good News of God’s Mercy in the world today. 

 

Prayer +

O God, who chose the Mother of your Son to be our Mother also,
grant us that, persevering in penance and prayer
for the salvation of the world,
we may further more effectively each day the reign of Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(from The Roman Missal)

This post was originally written for www.Aleteia.org and published on their website on May 13, 2016.