On May 13, 1917, Our Lady appeared to three young farm children for the first of 6 monthly visits, the last of which would be October 13, 1917. Our Lady came to bring them messages hope and action. She spoke to them about the need for daily prayer, especially the Holy Rosary, the need for acts of penance and reparation for the sins of the world, and the need to have sincere devotion to her Immaculate Heart. She also gave them an intense reminder of the reality of the consequence of sin, a vision of Hell. As you gaze upon the beautiful image in our stained glass window, reflect upon these points and ask for the intercession of young Francisco and Jacinta, two of the three children, who will be canonized Saints on May 13, 2017.
- Notice the look on the faces of the children. Do you see their peace, sense of hope, and desire to respond to her? Notice the boy’s praying hands, stretched upward toward the beautiful woman, almost showing his devotion and willingness to join in her fiat. Take note of the hands folded and prayer posture of all three children as they kneel in respect and love of Mary. How is their relationship with her a way that we can see ourselves in relationship with Mary? Why weren’t these children afraid of this vision? The oldest child, Lucia has said that the children were not afraid of the beautiful woman, and that they were “bathed in a heavenly light” that seemed to come from Our Lady’s hands. Have you ever felt “bathed” in the light of the Lord?
- Notice the white flowing garment trimmed in gold worn by Our Lady. Think about her perfectly Immaculate Heart and her perfect obedience to God’s will for her. Why does she desire our devotion to her Immaculate Heart? Meditate on Mary’s perfection and how her courageous “yes” can point us toward “cleaning up” our own hearts, drawing us closer to the Sacraments, and therefore closer to Christ.
- Turn your attention to the stars in her halo which tells of her being the Queen of the heavens. Notice also that amongst the clouds and sky there are plants and rocks framing Our Lady. Does it not bring so much more to your relationship with Mary to know that though she is Queen of Heaven she comes to us through apparitions on earth to be with us, her children. That Mary, though in heaven, comes to us on earth to connect and direct us deeper and deeper into a relationship with her Son, Jesus? Stop.. and bring to her in intercession all that stands in your life as a block to a deeper relationship with Jesus, for this is her greatest wish to bring you closer to Him.
- Notice the beauty of the flowers and sky surrounding Our Lady and the children. Think about how this beauty must have contrasted with the horrific vision of Hell that the children were permitted to view. No one can ever know the depths of despair that exist in such a place, nor should we dwell on it too much. Our Lady of Fatima wants us to always know that Hell is a reality and that “many souls” continue to go there, especially those who have no one to sacrifice and pray for them. Our Lady gave the children a special prayer to be used after each ‘mystery’ while praying the Rosary. Meditate slowly on this special “Fatima prayer” as you gaze at this beautiful stained glass image. O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of Hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
For more information about the apparition of Our Lady of Fatima please visit www.ewtn.com/fatima/