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THE FINAL BATTLE: Why the Message of Fatima is a Survival Guide for the Modern Family? FATIMA, Portugal — For over a century, the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima have been scrutinized by theologians, historians, and the faithful. The 1917 events are famous for their prophetic warnings, calling humanity back to God and Holiness by following heavens peace plan. However, buried within the memoirs of Sister Lucia dos Santos—the longest-living seer of Fatima—lies a less publicized theme for the 21st century: a divine battle plan for the preservation of the family. From the terrifying climax of the Miracle of the Sun to the intimate details of Sister Lucia’s childhood home found in her second volume of memoirs, the message of Fatima suggests that the "final battle" between good and evil will not be fought on a battlefield, but in the living room. The Forgotten Vision of October 13 Most accounts of October 13, 1917, focus on the "Miracle of the Sun," where 70,000 people witnessed the sun dancing and plunging toward the earth. This terrifying display was a public validation of the children's claims. However, while the crowd looked on in fear, the three shepherd children—Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco—were granted a private, beatific vision that serves as the theological key to the entire message. As the sun resumed its place in the sky, the heavens opened. In her Memoirs, Sister Lucia describes the scene: "We saw Saint Joseph with the Child Jesus and Our Lady robed in white with a blue mantle, beside the sun. Saint Joseph and the Child Jesus appeared to bless the world, for they traced the Sign of the Cross with their hands." The appearance of the Holy Family at the climax of the apparitions was not merely decorative. Theologically, it was a declaration. By presenting St. Joseph holding the Christ Child and blessing the world together, Heaven was emphasizing the father's crucial role in the spiritual protection of the family. In a world that would soon see the disintegration of family structures through war and secularization, God presented the Holy Family of Nazareth as the ultimate remedy. The vision suggests that peace—symbolized by the calming of the sun—will only return to the world when Christ reigns within the "domestic church." Roots of Sanctity: Inside the Santos Home To understand the type of family God desires, one need not look further than the family He chose to receive the message. In Fatima in Lucia’s Own Words, Volume II, Sister Lucia pulls back the veil on her parents, Antonio and Maria Rosa dos Santos, offering a masterclass in parenting. Contrary to some historical caricatures that paint her father as merely a sceptic or a drinker, Lucia’s fifth and sixth memoirs reveal a home rooted in deep, imperfect, human love. She recounts touching anecdotes of her father, Antonio, whom she describes with great affection. In one instance, seeing his wife overwhelmed with work, Antonio clumsily attempted to help her spin wool. Though he failed at the task, Lucia recalls her mother’s tender reaction, embracing him and saying, "What a good man you are!" Lucia paints her mother, Maria Rosa, as the spiritual anchor of the parish—a woman who refused to let her children merely parrot prayers. She insisted on a "lived faith," creating an atmosphere where the supernatural was a natural part of daily conversation. However, Volume II also serves as a reality check: holiness does not grant immunity from suffering. Lucia heartbreakingly details how the apparitions shattered the peace of their home. Under the pressure of constant interrogations and accusing neighbours, her mother once lamented, "My God, where has all the joy of our home gone?" This inclusion in the memoirs is vital. It demonstrates that the "Fatima family" is not one of plastic perfection, but one that perseveres in faith even when the joy seems to have vanished. The Prophecy of the Final Battle Decades after the apparitions, Sister Lucia’s warnings about the family turned from reflective to prophetic. In the early 1980s, she corresponded with Cardinal Carlo Caffarra, who had been tasked by Pope John Paul II with establishing the Pontifical Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. When the Cardinal wrote to the nun asking for prayers, he received a handwritten reply that contained a chilling prophecy:

The Consecration to the Holy Family is a devotion in which we entrust our homes to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, asking for their protection and guidance. It invites our families to grow in holiness and unity by following the example of the Holy Family The Consecration to the Holy Family is a meaningful devotion through which we, as Catholics, entrust our homes to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Though love for the Holy Family has been part of the Church’s life from the earliest centuries, the more formal practice of consecrating families to them grew significantly in recent times. In 2018, the Knights of Columbus began widely promoting this devotion to strengthen Catholic family life and help households embrace their identity as “domestic churches.” This modern initiative builds on a long tradition encouraged by Popes Leo XIII , Benedict XV , and others, who urged Catholics to look to the Holy Family as the model of unity, virtue, and holiness. How do we make the Consecration to the Holy Family? Families are encouraged to prepare spiritually by attending Mass, praying together, reflecting on the virtues of the Holy Family, and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation when possible. On the day of consecration, the family gathers—either at home or during a parish celebration—and prays the official Prayer of Consecration to the Holy Family . This prayer entrusts the family to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, asking for their protection, guidance, and help in living out the Gospel within the home. Many families also place an image of the Holy Family in a prominent place as a reminder of their commitment. Which consecration prayer formula do we use? Most parishes today use the prayer provided by the Knights of Columbus , which is the standard and widely recognized Prayer of Consecration to the Holy Family . Because it is copyrighted, it is usually not printed in full without permission—but it is commonly available in parish bulletins, on Knights of Columbus materials, and on their official website. The prayer includes elements such as: dedicating the family to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph; asking for protection from spiritual and worldly dangers; a commitment to imitate the virtues of the Holy Family; and a pledge to strengthen faith, prayer, and unity within the home. Your parish may also provide an approved version of the prayer, and any formula officially recommended by the parish or diocese is entirely appropriate to use. By making the Consecration to the Holy Family, we unite ourselves to the perfect example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. In a world where family life often faces many challenges, this devotion gives us a spiritual foundation rooted in faith, love, and mutual sacrifice. May the Holy Family watch over our homes and guide us ever closer to Christ.

33 Day Consecration to The Blessed Virgin Mary 01 January 2026 to 02 February 2026 (Solemnity of Mother of God to Feast of the Presentation)

Our 2026 Pilgrimage: The 12 Cathedral Visits

A beautiful Christmas Novena by St. Andrew, to help us prepare for the arrival of Our Lord Jesus.

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”.

World Apostolate of Fatima (England and Wales) Pilgrimage to Braga and Fatima 9th th – 15 th July 2026 Day one - Thursday 9 th July 2026 (London-Porto-Braga) Flight from UK to Porto. (LGW/Porto – Easyjet 1005 / 1300) Meet our coach and guide and transfer to our accommodation in Braga. Time to see Braga. Dinner is provided at the hotel. Day two – Friday 10 th July 2026 (Braga-Balazar) After breakfast we begin our visit to the city of Braga and the Shrine of Sameiro and Bom Jesus. We break for lunch. In the afternoon pilgrimage to Balazar to pray at Blessed Alexandrina’s tomb. Mass in the chapel. Dinner and overnight accommodation at our hotel. Day three – Saturday 11 th July 2026 (Porto-Aveiro-Coimbra-Fatima) After breakfast we check out of our hotel in Braga and travel by coach to Porto. Free time to tour the city in the morning and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon we travel towards Fatima, stopping en route in Aveiro. We travel on to Coimbra and visit the Museum of Sister Lucia and say Rosary at the Convent Chapel. Check in at Domus Pacis hotel in Fatima and dinner. Day four – Sunday 12 th July 2026 (Fatima) Breakfast in the hotel Holy Mass in Domus Pacis or Shrine. We then have free time to independently tour the Sanctuary. Free for lunch. Visit to the House of Candles for a guided tour. 7.30 pm - Dinner at the hotel 9.30 pm - Participation in the evening Vigil We return to our hotel for our overnight accommodation. Day five – Monday 13 th July 2026 (Fatima) After breakfast we join the congregation for the International Mass in the Piazza of the Shrine of Fatima. Free for lunch 2.30 pm – We meet for talk of Nuno and Ana at Domus Pacis Chapel. 4.00 pm - Visit to the museum of Fr Formigao. 6.00 pm Fatima Prayer Cell at the Library of Domus Pacis. 7.30 pm Dinner 9.30pm Rosary and Candlelight procession Day six – Tuesday 14 th July 2026 (Fatima) After breakfast we depart by coach walk the Stations of the Cross. We visit the site of the Apparition of the Angel and celebrate Mass at St Stephen’s chapel. We then walk into the village of Aljustrel where we break for lunch before visiting the homes of the children. We return by bus to St Anthony’s Church for a renewal of baptismal promises. Return to the hotel. 7.30 pm Dinner 9.30pm Rosary and Candlelight procession Dinner and overnight accommodation in Fatima. Day seven – Wednesday, 15 th July 2026 (Fatima-Lisbon) After breakfast we check out of our hotel and depart for Lisbon. En route we visit Santerem before moving on to the Shrine of St Anthony where we celebrate Mass. We also visit the Convent of the Poor Clares where Jacinta stayed whilst waiting for a hospital bed. We travel on to the airport for our return flight to the UK. (1720/1955 LIS/LGW)Day 1 – Thursday, 9 July (London–Porto–Braga) Flight from London Gatwick to Porto. Transfer to Braga with time to explore the city. Dinner at the hotel. Day 2 – Friday, 10 July (Braga–Balazar) Visit Braga’s religious sites: Shrine of Sameiro and Bom Jesus. Afternoon pilgrimage to Balazar to pray at Blessed Alexandrina’s tomb. Mass and dinner at the hotel. Day 3 – Saturday, 11 July (Porto–Aveiro–Coimbra–Fatima) Travel to Porto for sightseeing and lunch. Continue to Fatima via Aveiro and Coimbra. Visit Sister Lucia’s museum and pray the Rosary. Check-in and dinner at Domus Pacis hotel. Day 4 – Sunday, 12 July (Fatima) Mass at Domus Pacis or the Shrine. Free time to explore the Sanctuary. Guided tour of the House of Candles. Dinner and participation in the evening vigil. Day 5 – Monday, 13 July (Fatima) Attend the International Mass at the Shrine. Afternoon talks and visits: Domus Pacis Chapel, Fr Formigao Museum, and Fatima Prayer Cell. Evening Rosary and Candlelight procession. Day 6 – Tuesday, 14 July (Fatima) Stations of the Cross and Mass at St Stephen’s Chapel. Visit Aljustrel village and homes of the visionaries. Renewal of baptismal promises at St Anthony’s Church. Dinner and evening procession. Day 7 – Wednesday, 15 July (Fatima–Lisbon) Depart for Lisbon with stops at Santerem and the Shrine of St Anthony. Visit the Convent of the Poor Clares. Return flight to London Gatwick. Price: £1,370 per person sharing a twin/double room on a half board basis. Single rooms are available at a supplement of £190. Price includes return airfare including hold baggage, accommodation as detailed in the itinerary, all transport whilst in Portugal, and all entrance fees. Price does not include lunches, drinks or items of a personal nature. Please note that this itinerary is not suitable for the less able traveller. Deposit of £400 and completed booking form required by 15.12.2024 with balance and any single supplement due by 16.4.2026. Booking Ref: WAF02

The 8th Annual General Meeting of the World Apostolate of Fàtima England and Wales took place from 23-25 October 2025. This three-day event was a time of reflection, gratitude, planning, and prayer to strengthen the Apostolate’s mission of spreading Our Lady of Fàtima’s message across England and Wales. On Day 1, participants engaged in discussions focused on Promoters’ growth and contributions, Social Media and newsletters, and the Children of the Eucharist and Young Missionaries of Mary programs. Day 2 featured talks by two invited speakers: Antonia V Moffat on the connection between Consecration requests and the First Saturdays of Reparation, and Fr Lawrence Lew, OP, on the powerful theme of Redemptive Suffering in Fàtima’s message. The new Trustees elected were Ethel Lojo as National Treasurer and Anthony Hanley as a Board Member.  Day 3 included an insightful session with Jerry Rivera about the Fàtima Prayer Cell program, which has been running for over four years. The event was led by National President Patrick Cunningham and Vice President Barbara Dixon, supported by National Secretary Kathleen Too, Aurea Ancheta Coloma, and Lucila Salonga Desbruslais. A special thanks was extended to Rev Fr Peter Sebastian, who celebrated the liturgies and hosted the AGM in his parish. The 9th Annual General Meeting will be held in November 2026, with details to be announced. May Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart be your refuge and guide you to God. Ave Maria.

On the first Saturday of October, the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue (NPVS ) of Our Lady of Fàtima and the Relics of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto visited the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist in Portsmouth. Bishop Philip Egan welcomed, crowned, and blessed the statue, relics, and the Centenary Icon of the Pontevedra apparition during Mass, attended by about 200 faithful from across the diocese. In his homily, Bishop Philip emphasized the Immaculate Heart of Mary and her call for conversion and reparation.  He also led a 15-minute meditation and the recitation of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Canon James McAuley, Cathedral Dean and Vicar General, guided the veneration of the relics and welcomed the congregation. Fr Ryan Browne, the cathedral curate, presided over the enrollment and investiture of brown scapulars. May Our Lady's Immaculate Heart be your refuge and guide you to God.