Fatima Articles and Talks

The apparitions at Fatima, Pontevedra, and Tuy represent a profound theological "call to arms." At their core is a challenging message that mirrors the words of St. Paul to the Colossians: "I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church" (Col 1:24). This statement often startles. How could Christ’s infinite sacrifice on the Cross be "lacking"? The message given to the three shepherd children—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta—clarifies this mystery. While Christ’s Passion is sufficient for the salvation of all, God invites human participation to apply those graces to individual souls. Through penance and sacrifice , we become co-redeemers in the mystical body of Christ. The words penance and reparation are often used interchangeably in a spiritual context, although they have a distinct focuses and functions. A simple way to distinguish them is to look at their direction: penance looks back at a debt due to our sinfulness, while sacrifice looks forward, with an offering of love by self-denial for either ourselves or for someone else as an act of reparation (including for the holy souls in purgatory). Penance is primarily concerned with reconciliation and healing. An example could be going to confession and saying prayers of reparation or performing an act of service to “make up” for a previous act of selfishness. Sacrifice is a broader act, of voluntary surrendering, of something good for the greater good. It is an act of love to God, in joining our little sacrifice, with Christs death on the cross being the ultimate sacrifice which he made for us. An example could be likened to a mother skipping a meal so her child can eat (sacrifice of comfort). The Call of Fatima: Reparation In 1917, the Angel of Peace and later the Virgin Mary introduced a radical concept to the children: the power of "offering it up." They were asked to pray and make sacrifices for sinners who had no one to pray for them. The Cross was not just a historical event to be admired, but a living reality to be shared. The children’s response—fasting, wearing tight cords, and enduring the heat—wasn't about self-punishment for its own sake. It was an act of reparatory love . By choosing to suffer small crosses, they sought to console the "Hidden Jesus" and pull souls back from the brink of spiritual ruin. Pontevedra and Tuy: The Thorns of the Heart The message evolved in the subsequent visions granted to Sister Lucia at Pontevedra (1925) and Tuy (1929) . At Pontevedra , the Child Jesus and Mary requested the Five First Saturday’s devotion. The imagery was vivid: Mary’s heart was encircled by thorns—representing the blasphemies and ingratitude of humanity. Sacrifice here took the form of the First Five Saturdays devotion: Confession, Holy Communion, Rosary and meditation. At Tuy , Lucia witnessed the Trinitarian vision. Under the left arm of the Cross, large drops of "grace and mercy" fell upon the altar. This reaffirmed that the sacrifice of the Cross is perpetually present in the Eucharist. Filling Up the Afflictions St. Paul’s "missing" element is our consent . Christ died for everyone, but He will not force His grace upon anyone. When we embrace our daily crosses—illness, rejection, or the simple discipline of prayer—we provide the "yes" that allows Christ’s grace to flow into the world. The Fatima message reminds us that the Cross is the only path to the Resurrection. St Therese of Lisieux said sacrifice is the fruit of love; it is the way we prove that our devotion isn't just a feeling, but a will aligned with God's. By uniting our small, finite pains with Christ’s infinite suffering, we don't just "endure" life; we transform it into a tool for the salvation of others. In the words of the Fatima prayer, we do it "for love of Jesus, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary." Article written by Patrick Cunningham 8 Feb 2026 Source Reference: Sister Lucia's memoirs and AI search with SD check by Canon Jason

Walsingham, the Annunciation, and Mary’s Dowry: A Marian Vocation for England and Wales

Beginning the Pilgrimage: Inspiration, Preparation, and the Theological-Pastoral Congress Finding Inspiration and Overcoming Challenges Reflecting on this experience, I feel incredibly honoured to have been part of such a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The journey began in February 2025 at the Word on Fire conference in London , where I met Brother Jerry Rivera , Regional Coordinator for the World Apostolate of Fatima, Western Europe . He introduced me to the vision behind the upcoming World Apostolate of Fatima (WAF) Theological-Pastoral Congress and Pilgrimage. Instantly inspired, I was eager to take part; however, working at a school made it challenging to get leave during the busy winter term. Receiving Approval and Signs of Encouragement After becoming a permanent staff member, I decided to take a chance and make a special request at my school, which was approved due to the centennial's religious significance. The experience felt spiritually meaningful from the start. I saw rainbows in Portugal and Spain, which I interpreted as signs of encouragement and affirmation for the journey. The Theological-Pastoral Congress: Unity and Spiritual Emphasis The pilgrimage commenced with the Theological-Pastoral Congress, focused on the theme "The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary." Attendees benefited from a diverse range of perspectives, including presentations by bishops, priests, nuns, subject matter experts, and representatives from the International Secretariat. Notably, Sister Angela de Fatima Coelho, Vice Postulator for the Cause of the Beatification/Canonisation of the Venerable Sister Lucia, delivered an address emphasizing core aspects of the Fatima message. She highlighted conversion, prayer, and penance as essential elements for contemporary society, referencing insights originally shared in a 1996 Portuguese radio broadcast. Consecration, Global Prayer, and Collaboration Sister Angela also discussed the history of the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, recalling the apparition at Tuy on 13 June 1929, during which Our Lady communicated to Sister Lucia that the moment had arrived for the Holy Father and global bishops to consecrate Russia. This historical context was particularly resonant in light of the contributions of the Ukrainian delegates, who described their ongoing initiative—a 40-hour global Rosary for peace—and invited participants to dedicate thirty minutes to prayer and sacrifice for peace in Ukraine and worldwide. Outreach and Personal Connections This engagement reaffirmed plans for collaboration with Radio Maria England , aiming to provide radios to local care home residents in 2026, thereby enabling the elderly to remain connected to the international prayer network. Sister Angela further illustrated the significance of personal connection through an account of her visits to her mother, underscoring the importance of bringing joy and happiness to her. Rosary, Procession, and the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception The two-day congress concluded with participants gathering at the Chapel of the Apparitions for the Rosary and a candlelight procession, followed by the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This sequence of events served as a fitting and reverent preparation for the observance of the feast day in a site of profound spiritual significance. Pilgrimage Highlights: Sacred Sites and Spiritual Encounters Visiting the Sites of the Apparitions On Monday, December 8th, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we visited Valinhos and Loca do Cabeço, sites of important apparitions, and toured the homes of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta in Aljustrel. Their simple lives gave deeper meaning to their commitment. During our free time, I got to visit the museum which highlighted even more the simplicity of the lives of the three shepherd children of Fatima. We ended the day with a guided tour of the "Refuge and Path" exhibition at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, highlighting Fatima's 100-year legacy. I got the opportunity to join a long line of confessions and went to perpetual adoration. This experience was very humbling and prepared me for the start of this pilgrimage from Fatima to Pontevedra via Balazar. Sanctuary of Blessed Alexandrina: Lessons in Suffering and Faith Our journey continued on the 9th of December 2025 with a visit to the Sanctuary of Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa in Balazar. We prayed at her tomb and participated in a solemn Mass at 12:30 PM. Father Des Farren ( from Ireland) delivered an inspirational homily on Blessed Alexandrina’s life, explaining how she lived solely off the Holy Eucharist for 13 years until her death. This was a true miracle of sustenance as Blessed Alexandrina was bedridden and suffered from progressive paralysis for nearly 30 years of her life. His words on surrendering and accepting the cross moved me to the very core of my being. I was deeply touched by the story of Blessed Alexandrina’s bravery—how she had to escape from the man who sought to abuse her, an act of courage that eventually led to her life of suffering. I prayed fervently for the countless women and children around the world today who are facing similar abuse and who are being silenced. Thinking of Blessed Alexandrina’s decades of being incapacitated also brought my own family members to the front of my mind. It hit very close to home because my own uncle has been bedridden and suffering for fourteen years now. I also felt a deep ache for my other relatives and family friends currently battling cancer—including one facing the heavy trial of stage four. I offered my prayers for all those undergoing severe, long-term illnesses; those who, like Alexandrina, suffer in the quiet shadows of life without much recognition. We must continue to offer our prayers for these "silent cross-bearers" who share in Christ’s suffering every day. This visit was the perfect spiritual preparation for what followed. That evening, just before dinner, we travelled to Pontevedra, Spain for the official opening of the Marian Jubilee and the Centenary celebrations at the Convent Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Commemorating the Centenary of the Apparition The following morning marked the 100th anniversary of the apparition of Jesus and Mary, which originally took place on 10th December 1925. This significant milestone was honoured through profound liturgical celebrations, beginning with the morning Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria Mayor at 11:00 AM. Father Martin presided over the service, and from the outset, there was an overwhelming atmosphere of happiness and peace among the congregation. What made the celebration even more special was Father Martin's thoughtful gesture towards our diverse group of pilgrims. He shared the message of his homily with the Spanish-speaking attendees, who graciously translated his words into English for those of us less fluent. Although the spirit of the Mass had already touched us, hearing the message in our own language made it even more meaningful and impactful, deepening our sense of connection and understanding. Later that day, I spent several hours at the Sanctuary of the Apparitions, also known as the House of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The time spent in the chapel before the evening Mass at 6:00 PM proved to be deeply moving. The tranquil and sacred atmosphere of this holy place, where Our Lady appeared, allowed me to reflect quietly and truly absorb the peace and grace that permeated the site. Being present in such a hallowed space was an immense gift, and I cherished the opportunity to immerse myself in its spiritual significance. Experiencing the Jubilee Celebrations Musical Unity and Faith When the service began, I felt incredibly blessed to be seated with the choir, singing along just behind the organist. This experience prompted me to reflect on our musical practice in my own parish, and I was struck by the beauty of our shared traditions. Despite differences in language and location, the similarities were unmistakable, deepening my appreciation for our faith. We are truly unified—one community bound together by common beliefs and even the same hymns. Evening Mass and the Apparition Site Whilst I attended the evening Mass, other pilgrims gathered in the courtyard of the House Shrine, reciting the Rosary on the very site where the Child Jesus appeared to Sister Lucia on the 15th of February 1926. It was deeply moving to witness so many priests, mainly from the World Apostolate of Fatima, concelebrating the Mass. Father Des took time to explain the improvements made to the chapel since his previous visit, pointing out the exact location of Sister Lucia’s apparition and describing how the setting faced the cathedral from her bedroom window. Atmosphere and Community The sanctuary itself was beautifully maintained, with volunteers always ready to offer guidance and a warm smile. Following the evening Mass, we joined a truly spectacular candlelight procession, making our way to the Basilica of Santa Maria Mayor. Seeing so many people attend, filling the streets with shared devotion, was an unforgettable experience. As we walked, Marian hymns echoed through the air, and the sight of World Apostolate of Fatima flags waving beside flickering candles powerfully reminded me of our global community. A Moment of Grace There was an atmosphere of pure joy and reverence in Pontevedra . The most emotional moment for me occurred as the statue of Our Lady and the Child Jesus approached the Basilica. When they reached the door, a profound sense of grace seemed to wash over everyone present. The singing became more personal and heartfelt, with candlelight reflecting off the grand entrance, and the air heavy with prayer. I truly felt Our Lady’s presence among us; it was as if we were all united in welcoming them into the Basilica. My heart was full as I realised, I was part of this remarkable 100-year legacy. A Pilgrimage of Profound Encounters A Glimpse of Heaven in Santiago de Compostela In Santiago de Compostela, entering the cathedral felt nothing short of heavenly. The grandeur—bathed in gold, illuminated by radiant light, and watched over by immense angelic figures—created an atmosphere that was truly otherworldly. As I knelt before the altar, tears welled in my eyes and I felt an overwhelming emotion of being in a sacred heavenly place . It felt as if I was gazing directly into the celestial realm itself. In that moment of prayer, I spoke to God, expressing my excitement at the idea that if this was a little taste of Heaven that I got to see , then I greatly looked forward to one day being able to experienc e Heaven in its fullness. Yet, I also affirmed my happiness to remain here on Earth for now, as I am deeply committed to continuing my mission of sharing Our Lady’s message. After this prayerful encounter, our group gathered to pray at the Tomb of the Apostle St. James and took part in the traditional "Abrazo"—embracing the statue of the Saint at the altar. Before leaving, we travelled to the Carmel of Coimbra, where we met the elderly nuns who lived alongside Sister Lucia, and were blessed to receive third-class relics to bring home to our families. A Night of Gratitude and Fellowship Upon our return from Coimbra, we shared a final and memorable evening together. Following dinner, the Secretariat organised a heartfelt programme of gratitude. Members of the Secretariat delivered moving speeches, and a very special gift was presented to the pilgrimage leaders, Nuno and Ana, in recognition of their dedication to the World Apostolate of Fatima . We also took a moment to express sincere thanks to our tour guides, whose excellent organisational efforts made the entire experience so enjoyable. The staff of the Domus Pacis were likewise honoured with tokens of appreciation, acknowledging the exceptional care they provided throughout our stay. Serving as a hotel, retreat centre, and the main office of WAF International, Domus Pacis provides an exceptional atmosphere of unity and belonging, which made our stay there even more memorable. Farewells and Shared Purpose The following morning, we gathered for a final breakfast before checking out. Even as our time together drew to a close, the atmosphere remained one of profound connection and peace, rather than sadness. As we said our farewells, we exchanged contact details and made genuine promises to stay in touch. That last hour was spent "planting seeds" in each other’s missions—pledging to collaborate, share resources, and support one another in spreading Our Lady’s message across our different countries. Returning Home and Embracing the Mission Returning home, I found my team at work weary from the Christmas rush. Aware of the sacrifices they had made in my absence, I chose to keep my joy quiet at first, as a mark of respect for their efforts. Throughout my pilgrimage, I carried my school and colleagues in my heart, offering prayers for them at each holy site as a way of returning the grace I had received. Looking Forward with Renewed Resolve As I look ahead to 2026, this pilgrimage has strengthened my soul and given me renewed clarity of purpose. I am determined to spread Our Lady’s message with even greater fervour—"like wildfire"—and to challenge myself by learning Spanis h and Latin to better understand the liturgy. Inspired by the New Year’s Day homily, I recognise that we cannot remain silent. Instead, we must be courageous, proclaim our faith openly, and move from merely "surviving" to truly living in Grace. Ave Maria and a Blessed 2026 to all!

Some quotes from Popes and Saints about Advent St. Ambrose of Milan: “Open wide your door to the one who comes. Open your soul, throw open the depths of your heart to see the riches of simplicity, the treasures of peace, the sweetness of grace. Open your heart and run to meet the Sun of eternal light that illuminates all men” St. John Chrysostom: “Let us prepare for the coming of our Lord with repentance, humility, and acts of charity, for through these the soul adorns itself for the King.” St. Alphonsus Liguori: “During Advent, we learn how to die to ourselves so that Christ may be reborn in our hearts.” Pope Leo XIII: “The progression of the Advent season is like the increasing light from the dawn until the rising sun; we must let this light ignite the flame of charity in our souls.” Pope Pius XI: “Advent is that time of year when the Church prepares herself spiritually for the coming of the Redeemer, the long-awaited Messiah, who brings light into the darkness of the world.” Pope Paul VI: “Let Advent be a spiritual journey toward the Christmas mystery, where there will be found a humble manger, a child who is God himself. Let us prepare ourselves to receive him fully in our hearts.” St. Teresa of Calcutta: “Are we ready to receive Him? Before the birth of Jesus, His parents asked for a simple dwelling place, but there was none. If Mary and Joseph were looking for a home for Jesus, would they choose … your heart, and all it holds? Let us pray that we shall be able to welcome Jesus at Christmas...” St. Pope John Paul II: “Mary sustains our journey toward Christmas, for she teaches us how to live this Advent Season in expectation of the Lord.” Pope Benedict XVI: “Advent is the spiritual season of hope par excellence, and in this season the whole Church is called to be hope, for itself and for the world”.

December 10, 2025, marks the momentous centenary of the apparitions in Pontevedra, Spain , where the Child Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Sister Lúcia dos Santos, the eldest of the Fatima visionaries. This sacred anniversary is a powerful call to renew the practice of the First Five Saturdays Devotion , which is an essential part of the Fatima message. During the apparition, the Child Jesus made a heartfelt plea to Lúcia: "Have compassion on the Heart of your Most Holy Mother, covered with thorns , with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment, and there is no one to make an act of reparation to remove them." The devotion's primary aim is reparation —a loving effort to console the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the sins and blasphemies committed against her. It is an act of love towards Our Lady and, through her, a profound act of love for God. In return, Our Lady promises extraordinary graces to the faithful, at the hour of death for those who embrace the devotion. The requirements are confession, receiving Holy Communion, reciting the Rosary, and keeping our Holy Mother company for 15 minutes whilst meditating on the mysteries, all to take place on the first Saturday of five consecutive months with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This centennial year offers a unique spiritual opportunity for Catholics to embrace this path to peace and personal salvation. The First Saturdays Devotion was approved at the diocesan level by José Alves Correia da Silva , the local bishop of Leiria-Fátima , on September 13, 1939, in Fátima. Its significance has also been recognised by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW) which demonstrated its support with a May 2025 resolution: " The Bishops of England and Wales... commend the Five First Saturday’s devotion as a fruitful means to enter into [a] renewal [of faith], especially in their love for the Eucharist and the sacraments." Let us unite in prayer, seeking the graces promised by Our Lady and offering our collective act of reparation, by promoting the devotion throughout the dioceses of England and Wales. By this simple act of obedience to Jesus’ request to make Our Holy Mother known and loved we can help save souls. Footnote: The Child Jesus appeared again on February 15, 1926, and addressed concerns about the Saturday confession requirement. He clarified that confession within eight days was acceptable, provided the intention of reparation was present at Communion. He also addressed those who forgot the intention, stating they could rectify it at their next confession. On the night of May 29-30, 1930, Jesus explained to Lucia the necessity of five Saturdays of reparation, correlating them with the five types of offences against Mary’s Immaculate Heart: against her Immaculate Conception, her Virginity, her Divine Maternity and spiritual motherhood, offences from those who instil indifference or hatred towards her in children, and outrages against her holy images.

Advent: Preparing through Prayer for Christmas Last weekend, we celebrated the First Sunday in Advent, our yearly time of preparation for Christmas. The season of Advent is primarily about the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, two thousand years ago, his first Coming into the world, but it also looks forward to Christ’s second coming at the end of time. In both cases it is a question of a time of anticipation, as we look forward to the celebration of Christ’s first coming in humility and silence – a coming which is repeated for us each year at Christmas – and then more remotely look forward to his final coming in great glory and power. As we advance through the Advent season, we are called to go deeper into the mystery of Christmas, into a greater and more meditative spirit of silence. This has always been difficult, but the modern world, with all its noise and activity, especially as Christmas Day approaches, makes this effort at prayer even more difficult. Some of this activity is of course necessary, but as a whole it can become a distraction as we prepare for Christmas. Our lady and St Joseph set out for Bethlehem for the Emperor’s census with an attitude of silent expectation. It would be good to imitate them as we get closer to Christmas Day and resist the temptation to get so involved in preparations that we lose sight of the whole reason for the celebrations in the first place. Just imagine how the Blessed Virgin must have felt as she rode along on the donkey, with St Joseph at her side, on the rough roads towards Bethlehem. The unborn Child Jesus was in her womb, and she was filled with the Holy Spirit and with a longing for the time of His birth. The Angel Gabriel had told her marvellous things about the Child – that he would be great and the Son of the Most High, that he would inherit the throne of his ancestor David and rule over the House of Jacob for ever. But that was all in the future, and for now, she and St Joseph were poor travellers quietly making their way southwards from Nazareth to Bethlehem. As they journeyed along, they Blessed Virgin would have had time to ponder what the Angel had told her in the light of what she must have known from the works of the Hebrew prophets in the Scriptures. And so she could meditate on the joyous aspects of the forthcoming birth of her Child, just as we do in the joyful mysteries of the Rosary. It was strangely providential that once they arrived there was “no room at the inn,” since that would have provided no privacy for the Holy Family, at the very time when they needed a refuge from the world’s noise. Instead, they sheltered in the cave on the outskirts of Bethlehem away from the bustle of the town. And so, despite the hardships of the journey, and the poor reception they received in Bethlehem, this was a time of joyful contemplation for Mary. This ought to be the key, then, as to how we celebrate the days leading up to Christmas Day, that is in union with Our Lady and St Joseph in an attitude of prayerful expectation and love, pondering in silence the awesome events that are to unfold before us in the liturgy, just as they occurred in real life all those centuries ago. In a practical sense, this means we should set aside some time each day from now until Christmas, to quietly and prayerfully reflect on some aspect of the story of the Nativity. A good way to do this would be to take the readings from the Daily Mass and carefully meditate on them each day. Another way would be to read some pages every day from a Fatima book such as Fatima in Lucia's own words , or Sr Lucia's Calls book . Or there are some Advent & Christmas Prayers & Reflections online here: https://mycatholic.life/advent/ Even if we could only spend five or ten minutes each day in prayer or meditation, it would surely have a very beneficial effect, and this effect would be further enhanced if we could also call to mind the main themes of each day’s reading, or our meditations, from time to time during the day. If we can do that, then, by Christmas day, we will be in a much better spiritual condition to prayerfully contemplate, along with Our Lady and St Joseph, the newborn Child in the manger and come to a better understanding of his love for us.

How we can help the Holy Souls in November? November is the month of the Holy Souls and so this is an important time during which to remember our own loved ones, and more generally the souls in Purgatory. Regarding purgatory in the Catechism we find this passage: “The Church gives the name Purgatory to this final purification of the elect, which is entirely different from the punishment of the ... the tradition of the Church, by reference to certain texts of Scripture, speaks of a cleansing fire” (1031). Jesus certainly spoke about hell as a place of fire, of eternal punishment, (e.g. Mark 9: 43, 47; Luke 16:19-31), and the Church has traditionally seen purgatory as a lesser form of punishment—since unlike hell it will end—but still, according to some of the saints, an extremely painful experience, to the extent that the pains of purgatory surpass anything we could experience on earth. Thus, we should live our lives with the aim of entering heaven when we die. In any event, we can help the souls in purgatory particularly in November, but also at any time of the year, by visiting a cemetery and praying for particular souls, either vocally or mentally, so as to gain a partial indulgence on their behalf. And to go further, a Plenary Indulgence may be gained between 1st and 8th November, applicable to the Holy Souls only, by visiting a cemetery and praying there for the dead, even if the prayer is only mental, and then fulfilling the conditions required, which are Confession, (up to eight days before or afterwards), Holy Communion, and prayer for the intentions of the Pope (one Our Father and one Hail Mary).

Fr Lawrence Lew spoke powerfully about the redemptive value of suffering. His talk was both inspiring and illuminating, reminding us that our sufferings, when united with Christ’s Passion, become a powerful form of sacrifice. As Fr Lawrence said: “Suffering without love is hell. Suffering with love is a sacrifice which transforms and unites us with Christ on the Cross.”

The connection between the request for Consecration, and the First Saturdays of Reparation in the Fatima Message, stating how each of them lean on the other Some background on Fatima’s historical context Our Lady appeared in Fatima, whilst the world was ravaged by an ongoing 4th year of War. Millions had needlessly perished, and the endless slaughter seemed unstoppable. Pope Benedict XV (1914-1922) had worked tirelessly to try to end the war diplomatically, but was ignored on every side. He labeled World War 1 as “the suicide of civilised Europe.” Russia suffered devastating defeats, which led to revolution by militant atheists, whose avowed aim was for world domination under communism. From March to November 1917, the Russian revolution annihilated the Czar, and all resistance, to the launch of the Soviet totalitarian State. The age of the greatest number of martyrs in the history of the Church was inaugurated. Pope Benedict XV promulgated a special Novena of Rosaries in Rome to plead the intercession of Our Lady Queen of Peace. It started on May 5th, 1917, entreating her for the end of the war. Nine days later on May 13th, Our Lady appeared in Fatima as if directly answering the Holy Fathers pleadings for peace. Heaven had listened, where no one else would! At the same time in Rome, Eugenio Pacelli was consecrated Bishop who would become Pope Pius XII in 1939. This Pope throughout his pontificate paid close attention to the message brought by the Mother of God. Our Lady appeared in Fatima, and asked that the Rosary be prayed daily for the end of the war, and for peace. She asked that sacrifices be made for the conversion of sinners, and to help spread devotion to her Immaculate Heart. Later she asked for two crucial things which she indicated would obtain the peace of the World, and the conversion of Russia - so that Russia would not continue to spread its errors throughout the world, annihilating nations, persecuting Christians, crucifying the Church, and causing much suffering to the Holy Father. Two crucial Requests as an antidote for War, and for the prevention of the spread of Communism! The message of Fatima highlights for us that Russia cannot be converted, nor can there be peace in the world, without Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and establishment of devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary through the practice of the First Saturdays of Reparation. 1On July 13th 1917 Our Lady gave insight into the meaning of the need for reparation to her Immaculate Heart when she said: “Sacrifice yourselves for sinners, and say many times especially when you make some sacrifice: O Jesus, it is for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” As Our Blessed Mother said these words, she extended and opened her hands, as she had done during the two previous months, and showed the three young shepherds the terrifying vision of Hell. Lucia speaks: “The rays of light seemed to penetrate the earth, and we saw as it were a sea of fire. Plunged in this fire were demons and souls in human form, like transparent burning embers, all blackened or burnished bronze, floating about in the conflagration, now raised into the air by the flames that issued from within themselves together with great clouds of smoke now falling back on every side like sparks in huge fires, without weight or equilibrium, amid shrieks and groans of pain and despair, which horrified us and made us tremble with fear. (It might have been this sight which caused me to cry out, as people say they heard me.) The demons could be distinguished by their terrifying and repellent likeness to frightful and unknown animals, black and transparent like burning coals.” Our Lady then said with great sadness: “You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace. The war is going to end; but if people do not cease offending God, a worse one will break out during the pontificate of Pius XI. When you see a night illumined by an unknown light, know that this is the great sign given you by God that he is about to punish the world for its crimes, by means of war, famine, and persecutions of the Church and of the Holy Father.” “To prevent this, I shall come to ask for the Consecration to my Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace; if not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be annihilated. In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me and she will be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world.” 2The Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays, and the Collegial Consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart, led by the Holy Father in communion with all the Bishops of the world are the two crucial requests! One remains unheard, unpracticed and is hardly known - the First Saturdays of Reparation! If the Requests go unheeded! Our Lady foretold what might unfold if people did not convert and return to God - the tyranny of communism, that Russia would spread her evils throughout the world, that another War (World War II) could break out, that the good would be martyred, and that the Church would experience severe persecution. Russia it seemed was used as a symbol for all those who tried, and still try to eradicate God, through what ever atheistic systems and philosophies they can, to destroy the values of faith, the sanctity of marriage and family, and the sanctity of life from the moment of conception to natural death. Our Lord himself in 1936, said to Lucia, “If they do not wish to heed my request, as like the King of France, they will repent and do it, but it will be late. Russia will have already spread her errors throughout the world, provoking wars and persecutions of the Church. The Holy Father will have much to suffer.” The Light of Fatima and the Message Fatima is a light illuminating the darkness of our times. Its strong light has shone, since its dawning to the three little shepherd children in 1916/1917, and then onwards through the mission of Sr. Lucia in 1925 and 1929, and beyond to the present day. Fatima is a witness to faith. It is a mystical grace, which at our invitation, has the power to draw us into the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity, and an experience of the love of God. Fatima is at the same time prophetic, and a warning, a call to people to turn from sin, to change and to convert, and to embrace God in His loving Will. Fatima points to future events, but encouragingly demonstrates that our response to the calls of the Angel of Peace, Our Blessed Lady and Our Divine Lord through prayer, confession of sin, penance, reparation for sin, and consecrations to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, have the spiritual power to mitigate or even bring to naught the punishments which in justice are due because of the sin of the world. Fatima is an outpouring of God’s love and mercy for all people. Some of the first words of the Angel of Peace (1916) were, “The Hearts of Jesus and Mary have designs of mercy on you.” The Fatima Message is also presenting us with the Peace Plan of Heaven! Praying for the Salvation of Souls Jesus and Mary are pleading with us to pray for the salvation of souls, to save them from the fires of hell. What matters for all of us is Eternal Life … the destiny which Our Lord and Our Lady desire for each person. As the Catechism of Christian Doctrine (1985) said: What must you do to save your soul? To save my soul I must worship God by Faith, Hope and Charity; that is, I must believe in him, I must hope in him, and I must love him with my whole heart.” On August 19th 1917 Our Blessed Lady said: “Pray, pray very much, and make sacrifices for sinners; for many souls go to hell, because there are none to sacrifice themselves and to pray for them.” The Fatima Message teaches us how prepare for Eternal Life, and to plead for the salvation of those who do not believe, do not adore, and do not love God. Our Lady’s motherly concern in Fatima echoed the Catechism of the Catholic Church which states: “The chief punishment of hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which he longs. The affirmations of Scared Scripture and the teachings of the Church on the subject of hell are a call to the responsibility incumbent upon man to make use of his freedom in view of his eternal destiny.” (CCC1036-1036) The request for the First Saturdays of Reparation Our Lady often appeared holding Her Heart which was encircled by piercing thorns. This demonstrated that Our Blessed Lady is outraged, and that she is seeking reparation. Reparation for sin is due in justice to God and neighbour. The more serious the sin, the greater the need for reparation. Yes, we go and confess our sins in the Sacrament of Confession. We are then given a penance. Reparation compliments the penance. Ven. Archbishop Fulton Sheen once gave this helpful analogy: Imagine a woodblock with a nail in it. When you go to Confession your sin is confessed and removed. Like the sin the nail is removed … yet what remains is the hole representing the wounds of sin! The wounds which need to be healed by acts of reparation. Think of a festering wound! It is no good placing a sticking plaster over it, and failing to treat it! Septicaemia is likely to follow, with death close at hand! The wound needs close attention paid to it, cleaning, purifying, and the prescription of medications to totally heal it. Like physical symptoms sin often leaves behind a trail, and we need to do something about it. Various acts of Reparation are our spiritual antidotes, 4and spiritual medications so that the wounds of our sin might be healed from their roots. Hence, Our Blessed Mother in Fatima asked us for a monthly Confession and acts of Reparation. They are a means to re evaluate our catholic practice and witness. A monthly confession helps all of us to examine our consciences in a more profound way. At the core of the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary is the call to Penance, Penance, Penance, and Reparation, Reparation, Reparation, which preceded the request for the Consecration of Russia. In July 1917 Our Lady said: “Sacrifice yourselves for sinners, and say many times especially when you make some sacrifice; “O Jesus, it is for love of you, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” Practice of the First Saturdays of Reparation - Heaven’s Peace Plan! Heaven's Peace Plan – 5 Days that have the potential to change you and bring peace to the World! Are you willing to help change the WORLD? Heaven's Peace Plan for the Church, Families and Nations was presented to us through the Messages of Our Lady of Fatima. It is a humble and peaceful plea - to pray the Rosary daily and to practice monthly the First Saturdays of Reparation. The Rosary and the First Saturdays are the great desire of both the Hearts of Jesus and Mary for these dangerous times. Heaven is pleading with sinful earth through these requests! Heaven's Peace Plan is seemingly so simple - so simple that most in the Church have missed it! The devotion can be done individually or communally. If done communally with others, it gives a powerful witness of faith to the rest of the Church. Sr. Lucia strongly stated in 1939: “War or Peace in the world depends on the celebration of this devotion (the First Saturdays), and the Consecration to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary connected to it …” On the First Saturday of every month – we are invited to undertake … 4 practices with 1 Great Intention. Each First Saturday we are asked to: 1. Go to Confession (on the day, or as soon as possible before or after) 2. Receive Holy Communion as a Communion of Reparation (in a state of grace) 3. Pray the daily Rosary 4. Meditate for 15 minutes on the Rosary Scriptures whilst keeping Our Lady company. All with the intention of making Reparation for sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and which are so offensive to God. The First Saturday Apparition On December 10th, 1925, Jesus and Mary came to Lucia when she was a postulant in the Dorothean Convent in Pontevedra, Spain. Lucia had only joined the convent on October 26th 2025, just 6 weeks before. Lucia described it thus: “It was December 10, 1925. I was in my room, when suddenly the room lit up and it was the light of my dear Mother in Heaven who came with the Child Jesus a luminous cloud. Our Lady as if wanting to install courage, rested her hand on my shoulder, and as she did so, showed me her Immaculate Heart encircled by thorns, which she was holding in her other hand.” The child Jesus said, “Have compassion on the Heart of your Most Holy Mother covered with the thorns with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment, and there is no one to make an act of Reparation to remove them." Then Our Lady said , “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 all the graces necessary for salvation, all those who, on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, shall confess, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary and keep me company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me.” Lucia further added: “After this grace, how could I take myself away from the least sacrifice that God asks of me to console the Heart of my beloved Mother in Heaven, happy that Mary depletes the bitter drops of the Chalice.” The First Saturdays are crucial and integral to the PEACE plan of Heaven. This message requesting the First Saturdays is the great Crown of the June 13th and July 13th messages given in Fatima in 1917 to Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco in which Our Lady said she would come to ask for the Consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays. Immediately following the apparitions at Pontevedra, Sr. Lucia communicated Our Lady’s request to her confessor and to the Bishop of Leiria (Fátima), so that the devotion could be approved by the Church, which only happened officially in 1939. Lucia’s main concern was to have the devotion approved by the Church, and once the Church approved it, she left it to the Church to further spread it, although she would speak about it to the people she would meet privately. And then as if this was not enough! On February 15th 1926 Jesus himself appears to Lucia when she was bringing out the rubbish, and strongly rebukes her for not promoting the First Saturdays. Lucia infers that she had previously met him some days before. Poor Lucia, who was a postulant, and not exactly free to actively action the request. In all Jesus came three times asking for this devotion to be spread. This is remarkable! And yet 100 years on … we in the Church have hardly started this great work! Jesus might ask us … “And have you spread through the world what our heavenly Mother requested of you?” Why would we not want to practice, and spread the First Saturdays? A Day of Reparation, each month in every parish throughout the Church – would transform the Church and Nations, and be the means of the sanctification and salvation of millions. First Saturdays may be done individually, communally or in small groups as long as all the requirements are fulfilled. It is so humble a request – that most of us have managed to overlook it! 100 years ago on December 10th 1925 Jesus and Mary both requested them of us. Why 5 Saturdays? Our Lord revealed to Sister Lucia that the Devotion was in reparation for the five offences and blasphemies spoken against the Immaculate Heart of Mary: 1. Blasphemies against Her Immaculate Conception. 2. Blasphemies against Her Virginity. 7 3. Blasphemies against Her Divine Maternity, refusing, at the same time to receive Her as the Mother of mankind. 4. Blasphemies of those who publicly seek to sow in the hearts of children indifference, disrespect and even hate for this Immaculate Mother. 5. Blasphemies and offences of those who revile Her directly in Her Sacred Images. We have only to look at the various news channels, social media channels and the like to see how widespread these blasphemies have become in our own times. Sadly, daily, in countries like England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Canada, Spain, America, Australia, Nigeria & many parts of Africa, many parts of South America, Asia, India, Pakistan, the Middle East, we hear of churches being burnt to the ground, dreadful sacrileges being committed, statues being smashed, and peoples being murdered and terrorised in the most brutal of ways just because they are Christian. Never in history have such outrages and sacrileges been committed on such a massive scale. Never in history has the Blessed Sacrament been so outraged, as so few catholics believe in the real presence of Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Never has there been such open disrespect in our Catholic Churches. In St. Peter’s, Rome, it seems that sacrileges and abominations occur. Recently a man urinated on the actual altar under the Baldachinno. This is totally shocking, outrageous, blasphemous, and sacrilegious. These types of outrages are becoming common place. Yet as catholics, are we outraged into reparation? The First Saturdays are the forgotten part of the Fatima message, and the most important for the peace of the world and for the salvation of souls. Jesus and Mary gave to us all, and to Holy Church, a monthly means of prayer of Reparation for the sins of the world, and a call for us to make a monthly confession and Communion of Reparation. Our prayer, fasting and sacrifice give the grace to awaken faith, repentance, hope and charity in those who do not believe, do not adore and do not know God. Prayer together with sacrifice offered to God for love of Him and neighbour is redemptive. Reparation is about putting love where there has been a hurt. Do we love enough to put Heaven’s humble plea into action? Do we believe that our participation in the First Saturdays can help change the world and bring peace? Jesus on the Cross made reparation for all our sins and reconciled us with the Father, but we too have to cooperate with this redeeming work on behalf of souls. This is what the request for the Five First Saturdays is all about - so let us get to work! A timely reminder! It seems that St. Carlo Acutis (1991-2006), and Our Lady of Fatima have a fascinating connection. St Carlo had a great love for the Eucharist and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was a great devotee of Fatima, and of praying the daily Rosary. In the final year of his young life in 2006, St. Carlo was on pilgrimage in Fatima, and had a vision of the three young seers. St. Francisco especially asked Carlo for prayers of Reparation, and acts of sacrifice for sacrilege of the Eucharist, whilst Venerable Sr. Lucy reiterated the importance of the Five First Saturdays of Reparation, and expressly connected them to the world’s destiny. Carlo died from leukaemia in 2006 and was canonised by Pope Leo XIV in September 2025. Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Consecrating ourselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary is at the very centre of the Fatima Message, and serves to strengthen the foundation of our spiritual response of Reparation as requested in the angelic visitations, the visitations of Our Blessed Mother, and finally in the post Fatima visitations to Sr. Lucia as an adult, by both Our Divine Lord Jesus and his Holy Mother Mary. Consecration and Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary makes complete our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Our Lady told the children that to save souls from hell, “God wants to establish in the world devotion to My Immaculate Heart.” Devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary already existed in the world before the Fatima apparitions but was little understood. What Jesus and Mary emphasised through the Fatima messages was the importance of ‘establishing in the world’ devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In other words to build up the practice of the devotion already present, and make it integral and visible, at the heart of the spiritual life of the Church in every parish. What exactly is an Act of Consecration? An Act of Consecration is a supernatural event. The origin and source of the Act of Consecration is in the spiritual authority of the Bishops before Almighty God. An Act of Consecration is a cry for help, the recognition of fault, and an appeal for mercy for a new beginning. An Act of Consecration means to set aside an individual, a family, a country, a parish, a school or a diocese for God’s purposes. An Act of Consecration 9means that we want to become Holy! A Consecration involves a conscious and total renunciation of sin. The better an Act of Consecration is prepared for with confession, repentance and reparation, by the faithful and clergy, the more fruitful it will be spiritually speaking. God is greatly pleased with such Acts of Consecration. The Highest form of Consecration is of the entire Church and the World, when the Pope undertakes it in communion with the Bishops. This is what Our Blessed Mother asked for in Fatima, and which took place on March 25th 1984 at the request of St. John Paul II. Catholics need to awaken and become holy - for this will give the evangelical witness which will win our peoples, nations and world to Christ! We have the task of daily giving to Our Blessed Lady and her Divine Son JESUS - our lives, and beloved Church, more beautiful and resplendent than they ever were before! Over the centuries these Acts of Consecration have been seen and witnessed as heroic Acts of Faith, often during times of great persecution, war and National upheaval. Throughout history we have witnessed extraordinary graces of intervention in their aftermath. Some people only see these Acts of Consecration as ‘devotions of the little ones (the anawim), of not much importance’ – they are not! They have been carried out by Popes, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Laity throughout the rich and complex history of the Catholic Church in all the nations where she is present. So please HEAR this, and not confuse it with just another devotional request! Fatima, and Acts of Consecrations to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by successive Popes Pope Pius XI supported the propagation of the First Saturdays. He inaugurated the Feast of Christ the King to counter anti-Christian regimes. Interestingly, on December 14th 1927, Pope Pius declared St. Therese of Lisieux Patroness of the Missions, while also naming her as Patroness of all the works for the conversion of Russia. Sr. Lucia’s pleas to him were not going unheard! On October 31st, 1942, Pius XII spoke to the Portuguese peoples. This radio broadcast ended with a Consecration of the World to the Immaculate Heart of Mary which was repeated in Rome on December 8th 1942, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. 10 On July 7th, 1952, Pius XII through his Apostolic Letter “Sacro Vergente Anno” to the Russian peoples - (“In the Sacred Year that is ending”) consecrated Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, hoping for their salvation amidst the hostility of the Soviet regime towards religion. The Consecration came at the end of the letter, and the Pope addressed them as Dearest Russian Peoples. Consecration of the peoples of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary - Pope Pius XII. “We, therefore, so that Ours and your prayers are answered more easily, and to give you a singular attestation of Our particular benevolence, as a few years ago we consecrated the whole world to the Immaculate Heart of the virgin Mother of God, so now, in a way very special, we consecrate all the peoples of Russia to the same Immaculate Heart. In the sure confidence that with the most powerful patronage of the Virgin Mary, the vows will happily come true as soon as possible, that We, that you, and all good people work for a true peace, for a fraternal harmony and due freedom for all, and in the first place to the Church; so that, through the prayer that We raise together with you and with all Christians, the saving kingdom of Christ, which is "the kingdom of truth and life, the kingdom of holiness and grace, the kingdom of justice, love and peace", triumphs in every part of the earth and is firmly established. And with suppliant invocation we pray to the same most clement Mother, so that she may assist each one of you in the present calamities and obtain from her divine Son that light which comes from Heaven, and implore for your souls that virtue and that strength, by which, sustained by divine grace, may you victoriously overcome every impiety and error. Amen.” Rome, at Saint Peter's, July 7, 1952, the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius, XIV Year of Our Pontificate. PIO PP. XII Pope St. John XXIII, formerly Cardinal Angelo Roncalli, visited Fatima in 1956 as Patriarch of Venice. As Pope he decided not to reveal the third secret of Fatima in 1960 as the message had instructed. The Pope stated it was "advisable to preserve the mystery”. Pope Paul VI towards the end of the Second Vatican Council on November 21st 1964 referred to the consecration which Pope Pius XII had made, in reference to Fatima. He then announced that he would present the Shrine in Fatima with a Golden Rose (Nov 21st 1964). Sr. Lucia made it clear at these times that Our Lady’s requests had not been satisfied or fulfilled. 11 Pope St. John Paul II was the Holy Father who finally fulfilled what Our Blessed Lady asked for. The assassination attempt on his life on May 13th 1981, prompted him, whilst in hospital to request to read the document containing the secret of Fatima. As he reflected he realised that Our Lady of Fatima had saved him on the very anniversary of the first apparition. On May 13th 1982, Pope John Paul II went to Fatima to give thanks to Our Lady for saving his life, and to make the Act of Consecration. The Pope had asked to speak with Sr. Lucia before this but was not able to, in order to try to understand more fully Our Lady’s actual request. Only afterwards was the Pope able to speak with Sr. Lucia, and discovered that he had not fulfilled all that was necessary for the Consecration to be accepted. In the light of this 20 minute conversation, the Pope on December 8th, 1983, Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, wrote a letter to all the Bishops of the Catholic Church inviting them to make the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, with him, from wherever they might find themselves on March 25th (1984) Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Pope John Paul II made the solemn Act of Consecration before the renowned image of Our Lady of Fatima, which was sent to Rome at his own personal request. The statue was placed near the papal altar directly above the tomb of St. Peter. This is the only time a full collegial Act of Consecration has ever taken place in the history of the Catholic Church. This was the moment of grace which Heaven fully accepted. Sr. Lucia endorsed this with gratitude, and thanksgiving. When I watched the video of this Act of Consecration, I was moved by the spiritual power of it, in the person of Pope John Paul II. His entire person, eyes, heart and soul were fixated upon Our Lady of Fatima, and his vestments flowed gently in the wind, perhaps symbolising a forthcoming movement of the Holy Spirit, which will break forth upon the world, through the Motherly and powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Pope John Paul II followed this momentous Act of Consecration by making a dramatic gesture of gratitude, for Our Lady saving his life. He offered the bullet which had targeted him, and shot him to the Bishop of Fatima, who had it embedded in the Crown of Our Lady of Fatima. It was the final jewel and most precious jewel in the crown, which fitted perfectly in its centre and heart. The Third Secret of Fatima was published by the Vatican on June 26, 2000, also during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II. The Vatican released the full text, which Sr. Lúcia dos Santos, the surviving visionary, affirmed was the complete vision, she had, under obedience, written down in 1944. It was published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. It contained the 12full text of the vision, a handwritten version by Sr. Lúcia, and a theological commentary by Cardinal Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI). Pope Benedict XVI consecrated the world's priests to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Fatima, Portugal, on May 12, 2010 and, granted a Golden Rose to Our Lady of Fatima as a tribute of gratitude. Pope Benedict XVI said when praying before the Statue of Our Lady of Fatima: “It is a profound consolation to know that you are crowned not only with the silver and gold of our joys and hopes, but also with the ‘bullet’ of our anxieties and sufferings.” Pope Francis led a renewal of the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on both October 13th 2013, and March 25, 2022, a spiritual plea for peace amid the war between Russia and Ukraine. The act was intended as a gesture of the universal Church, asking for an end to the violence by entrusting humanity to the Queen of Peace. The Pope also called on communities to annually renew this consecration on that same date. Pope Francis presented a Golden Rose to Our Lady of Fatima during his visit to the shrine on May 13, 2017 to mark the centenary of the apparitions. Pope Leo XIV recently presented with love and devotion a Golden Rose to Our Lady of Fatima on Saturday October 11th 2025, amidst Jubilee celebrations of Marian Spirituality. Like St. John Paul II he asked that the statue of Our Lady of Fatima be brought to Rome for this spiritually important occasion. His Holiness led a special vigil of Prayer and Rosary for Peace from St. Peter’s. Then on Sunday October 12th during the closing Mass of the Marian Spirituality Jubilee, His Holiness solemnly Entrusted/ Consecrated the World, all of Humanity, especially your children who are tormented by the scourge of war, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It is curious that the catholic media made nothing of this, and if they did, they called it a prayer to Our Lady??? Very strange! Within days of this taking place, the historic Peace Plan for the Middle East was inaugurated, and signed on October 13th 2025, the very anniversary of Our Lady’s last appearance in Fatima to the three young shepherd children. A sign to us all that Our Blessed Mother is powerfully at work for the salvation of souls, and for the peace of the world, and that perhaps the practice of the First Saturdays is beginning to have an impact. How do the requests for Consecration and Reparation lean on one another? The fullness of the grace of an Act of Consecration is realised when the solemn Act of Consecration is fully prepared for by repentance, confession of sin, and prayers, fasting and sacrifices of reparation. We, the catholic 13faithful of today, need to take seriously the call of the Gospel for a radical personal, communal and national repentance and reparation for our own sins and those of our families, peoples and nations. We, the lay faithful and our bishops and priests need to rediscover this basic call! For it is only when we Catholics awaken and become holy that we can HOPE for the Conversion of Nations. The graces of an Act of Consecration lean on the fruitfulness of the response of individual, and communal acts of Reparation. An Act of Consecration on its own will not bring the graces from HEAVEN for which we all long for - the peace of Nations and the salvation of souls. Peace in the world lies initially in the sanctification of the priests and laity of the Catholic Church, where we grow in Faith, Hope and Charity. As we grow in love so the cardinal virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance will take root, paving the way for empowerment in the Holy Spirit for apostolic action and evangelisation. The work and initiation of this great movement of repentance and reparation will happen when the Church finally endorses, and publicly proclaims the practice of the First Saturdays of Reparation. The world again stands on the brink of war - will you ENACT the Peace Plan of Heaven for the peace of the world? – It is in your hands! Fr. Donald Calloway, leaves us with this stark warning, as he relayed the following! ‘War is your fault’ My fellow Marian, Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, sometimes tells a story that a priest ministering in Japan shared with him in Rome. This priest was at an international gathering of Christians from across the world, attended by foreign dignitaries. The ambassador from Japan approached the priest and verified that the priest served in Japan, and was a Catholic priest, and then said: “War is your fault.” The priest was surprised and asked what the ambassador meant. The ambassador said, “You Catholics, all of you - we do not have peace in the world. It is your fault”. The priest said, “Ambassador, why do you blame us?” The ambassador said, “I’ve read about this. The Lady came to you at Fatima, right? That’s what you believe? She told you what to do to secure peace in the world. Well, there’s no peace in the world, so obviously you Catholics haven’t done it.” The priest had to acknowledge that the ambassador was correct, but still tried to protest, saying, “Isn’t peace everyone’s responsibility?” The ambassador was vehement. “No, she came to you Catholics. Not to Buddhists. Not to Hindus. She came to you, and it is your responsibility.” 14That ambassador had more faith than a lot of Catholics! But he’s right - Our Lady came and asked for specific things at Fatima. If we had listened to her, and did what she had asked, there would be peace in the world! Imagine if we had listened …. what a different world we would live in today! The Holiness of catholics in the Church matters Finally let us look at, and unpack the deeper meaning of the Prayers of Reparation given by the Angel of Portugal to Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco before the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima began: My God, I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love You! I ask pardon of You for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love You. Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I adore You profoundly. I offer You the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges, and indifference by which He is offended. And through the infinite merits of His Most Sacred Heart, and of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of You the conversion of poor sinners. The Angel spoke of indifference! It matters how we behave in Church, and give witness to our Faith. It matters how we enter Church, and place our fingers in the Holy Water Stoop, and then make the sign of the Cross. Do we do it with loving intention, witnessing to our faith in Jesus Christ, the Most Holy Trinity? Do we genuflect with love, and reverence to the Blessed Sacrament? Do we genuflect with intention and care? As we enter into one of the benches do we immediately begin to commune with Jesus, or do we attract the attention of people we know ,and begin to chat, and disturb those endeavouring to commune with the Lord? How sad it must be for the Lord to see so many parish churches full of chattering people, treating our churches as if they are concert halls or council chambers? So many Catholics seem to have forgotten that Our Divine Lord dwells silently in the Blessed Sacrament awaiting our love, prayers and adoration. Need I say more! How do we receive Holy Communion? Are we approaching Holy Communion with faith, reverence and love whether on the tongue or in the hand as a throne? Are we receiving Jesus with reverence and love? After we have received Jesus, do we make the sign of the Cross? Do we return to our kneelers and deeply commune with Him? 15 And then we look at the outrages and actual sacrileges of the Holy Eucharist which so offend Our Lord. Receiving Holy Communion in a state of unconfessed serious sin, and sadly actual attacks on the Holy Eucharist, carelessness in handling the sacred Body and Blood of Christ, thefts of the Sacred Species, and sadly so much more ….. The prayers of Reparation of the Angel of Fatima are more needed today than when they were first uttered by the Angel in 1916. We would do well to meditate on these prayers often and pray them. It matters what witness we give in our churches to children and young people. It matters what witness we give in our churches to fellow catholics and to non believers! Why is it that so many people, especially young people in our churches, do not know how to genuflect, make the sign of the Cross, receive Holy Communion with reverence, or even know the basic prayers? The monthly First Saturdays of Reparation are a monthly means to bring this all before the Lord, and his Holy Mother in Reparation. They are a means to revaluate our catholic practice and witness. Pope St. John Paul II fulfilled Our Lady’s request for the Consecration of Russia on March 25th 1984. Pope Benedict XIV, Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV have all made significant Acts of Consecration since, in times of Global crisis. The Pope’s have done their part, and continue doing their part! We need to do ours through the practice of the First Saturdays! Lucia when petitioning Pope John Paul II about the Consecration, wrote in 1982: “I humbly lament and beseech the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary in union with all the bishops of the world. So that this consecration is a bond of union of all the members of the Mystical Body of Christ, who with Mary, the Mother of Christ and Our Mother, offer to the Lord to complete the work of Redemption of the world.” This is beautiful, and invites us all to renew daily, this bond of union of all members of the Mystical Body of Christ with the Pope and Bishops of the world. We are in this together with Mary our Co Redemptrix who will obtain from God, the Conversion of Russia, and that of the whole world through the Reparation of the First Saturdays, and the graces obtained through the Collegial Act of Consecration of March 25th 1984, and other Acts of Consecration both before and after. Take note again! - the fragile peace accord for the Middle East was signed on the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima - October 13th 2025! Perhaps a sign that the graces of our First Saturdays are at work? Pray the Rosary daily for Peace & practice the First Saturdays of Reparation. The Peace of the World depends upon your response! Antonia Moffat October 2025 Background Reading 1. A Pathway Under the Gaze of Mary - Biography of Sister Maria Lucia of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart by the Carmel of Coimbra. 2. Inside the Light - Understanding the Message of Fatima by Sr. Angela de Fatima Coelho - Postulator for Venerable, Servant of God Sr. Lucia dos Santos, & previously for both St. Jacinta and St. Francisco. 3. Fatima and the First Saturdays - Communal First Saturdays publication 4. The Message of Fatima - by Sr. Lucia 5. Numerous other books by Sr. Lucia, various priests and WAF publications. I highly recommend the reading of the above books. Daily Prayer in preparation of the Centennial of the apparition of the Infant Jesus and His Virgin Mother (December 10th 1925) to the Venerable Servant of God Lucia dos Santos O Virgin Mother of God and my dearest Mother, Our Lady of Fatima of the Most Holy Rosary, I gaze upon your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart pierced with so many thorns by the ingratitude and grievous sins of your children. I am deeply and forever sorry for how my sins have offended your Divine Son and you, His sinless Mother. With a humble and contrite heart, I wish to make reparation for the offences - great and small - given to your Heart by the sins of your children. In your maternal love, you have taught me, through your daughter, the Venerable Servant of God Lucia dos Santos, the way to make reparation for sins by the First Saturdays Devotion. On the occasion of the 100th Anniversary of your apparition, together with the Infant Jesus, to the Venerable Servant of God, on December 10, 1925, I pledge to observe the First Saturday of the month in heartfelt reparation for sins by the sacramental confession of my sins, by the worthy reception of Holy Communion, by the recitation of five decades of the Rosary, and by keeping company with you for fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary. Please intercede for me that my practice of the First Saturdays Devotion may redound to the salvation of many souls and to peace in the world. Help me also to bring your message of the First Saturdays Devotion to others. In obedience to your maternal counsel, may the Church throughout the world offer to you this loving act of humble and contrite hearts in sincere reparation for sins committed. I give my heart completely to your Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart and, with you, I rest my heart forever in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. With all my heart, I offer this prayer in Him Who alone is my salvation. Amen. Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke - September 8th 2025 - Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 17 Act of Entrustment to the Blessed Virgin Mary by Pope Leo XIV on occasion of the closing Mass in St. Peter's Square for the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality October 12th 2025 Holy Virgin, Mother of Christ our Hope, your caring presence in this Year of Grace accompanies and consoles us and gives us, in the dark nights of history, the certainty that in Christ evil is overcome and every person is redeemed by his love. Perfect disciple of the Lord, you have treasured all things of God in your heart. Teach us to listen to the word of God and to understand it interiorly so that we may walk confidently on the path of holiness. To your Immaculate Heart we entrust the whole world and all of humanity, especially your children who are tormented by the scourge of war. Advocate of grace, advise us on the path of reconciliation and forgiveness, do not fail to intercede for us, in joy and in sorrow, and obtain for us the gift of peace that we earnestly implore. Mother of the Church, welcome us kindly, so that under your mantle, we may find refuge, and be helped by your maternal aid in the trials of life. With you, Immaculate Virgin, we magnify the Lord, recognising at every moment the great works of his love. Holy Virgin, Mother assumed into Heaven, Queen of Peace, Lady of the Immaculate Heart, pray for us!