Fundamental importance
of Fatima
It is my
firm belief that Fatima is one of the most tangible events in Modern Day
History of the Roman Catholic Church. Our Lady’s Revelation was of God’s plan
to bring Peace to the World. This message of hope and joy was made during a
time of horrific upheavals Worldwide, notably the First World War, the Irish
Rebellion and the Russian Revolution. Our Blessed Mother’s plea for prayer and
fasting was possible then. However in today’s World, fasting has been cast
aside as archaic and medieval. Many Catholics seem to focus mainly on abstaining
from food and drink; however we can use many other forms
of abstinence to strengthen our self-control against the lures of this world.
For example, we could restrict our viewing time of Television for at least 20
minutes per night, thus enabling us to spend quality time talking with our
family, teaching them the wonderful benefits of the Sacraments and encourage
the family to attend Sunday Mass.
Contrary to
what many Catholics have heard, the road to Heaven is a hard and tough road and
definitely not a stroll in the park. Without God’s help and clearer teaching
from the Church, we will find it very difficult to make it on our own. Never
forget that Our Lady has appeared at numerous places all over the World during
the last 2 Centuries. Millions of pilgrims visit them on a yearly basis. What
happens during these visions are of paramount importance. Catholics can no
longer stand idly by while our Faith is rapidly disappearing throughout the
World. We must step back and take stock of what is happening, in our Parishes,
our cities, our countries and our world.
The Church
is facing moral Bankruptcy and the stifling of Spiritual Growth through the
spread of Materialism. More serious is the fertile ground of Christianity (the
family) has become barren and desolate, with people now more concerned with
what can be bought and sold instead of what’s in their heart and soul. Here is
an example of the dangers that lie ahead: In the space of a week after
releasing the ‘Pokémon Go’ game which has spread like wild-fire throughout the
World, Nintendo’s Stock Market value rose by more than $12 billion!
The message
of our Blessed Mother must be taken seriously. It is imperative that we stop
cluttering up our minds with useless information fed to us by the Media, News,
Television, Radio, the Press, game consoles, the internet etc. By acting upon
her messages, we will come closer to our Holy Mother and deeper into the Sacred
Heart of Jesus, and thus closer to Eternal Life.
Recently Our
Lady has been quoted as saying what had begun in Fatima will be fulfilled in Medjugorje.
This of course may be just hearsay, but who knows for sure? This year we have
reached 3 milestones in Modern World History: The Centenaries of the First
World War Battle of the Somme, the Irish Rebellion and the Russian Revolution.
In October next year, the Centenary of Fatima will be celebrated by millions of
Catholics Worldwide. I ponder on how many will be ready for this momentous
event? People need to be reminded of the many appearances of our Holy Mother.
Surely it gives us a sign that God is not sitting idly by, but is encouraging
the Human Race not to lose faith in him. We must never forget that the World
rejected his Peace plan. It is now paying the awful price for its actions. The
only solutions lie with God and his Holy Mother and supported by a fully united
Church, Clergy and Laity.
