From the Pastor's Desk
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From the Pastor's Desk: Our Lady of Fatima Mass & Procession
Monday, May 13, 6 p.m.
Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Stephen Parish,
I extend a warm invitation to you to join us in the celebration of Our Lady of Fatima, starting on May 13, 6 p.m. and continuing on the 13th of each month until October.
In these troubled times, the message of Fatima resonates profoundly as we face conflicts and unrest around the world. It is an opportune moment for us to respond to the Blessed Mother's call with humble prayers for peace, forgiveness, and repentance among nations and within ourselves.
The evening will commence with Mass, followed by a procession with the rosary (weather permitting). Let us gather in solidarity, seeking solace and guidance through prayer.
Schedule – the 13th of each month as follows:Gather with us as we come together in prayer, reflection, and reverence to pay homage to Our Lady of Fatima. Let us join hands and hearts to deepen our devotion and seek the blessings of the Holy Mother. I have included a history of Fatima’s Apparitions so that you may learn more about this story of faith.
Mon., May 13, 6 p.m.
Thurs. June 13, 6 p.m.
Sat., July 13, 5 p.m. (regular Vigil Mass)
Tues., Aug. 13, 6 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 13, 6 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 13, 6 p.m.
A Rosary procession will follow each Fatima Mass.
We look forward to your presence and the shared spirit of faith as we embark on this meaningful journey together.
Fr. Slawek
History of Fatima’s Apparitions
In the annals of spiritual history, there are moments that transcend the ordinary, moments where the divine seems to touch the earth in extraordinary ways. Such is the story of Fatima, a humble village in Portugal where, in 1917, three shepherd children claimed to have witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
This event, known as the Miracle of Fatima, has since become a cornerstone of Catholic faith and devotion, drawing pilgrims from around the world to this sacred site. As we reflect on this miraculous occurrence, let us delve into the significance of the Fatima apparitions and their enduring impact on our faith.
The story begins on May 13, 1917, when three young shepherds – Lucia dos Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto – were tending their sheep near Fatima. Suddenly, they beheld a vision of a radiant lady, more brilliant than the sun, who identified herself as the Virgin Mary. Over the course of six months, Mary appeared to the children on the 13th day of each month, imparting messages of peace, repentance, and prayer.
One of the most profound moments of the Fatima apparitions occurred on October 13, 1917, when thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Cova da Iria, drawn by the children's testimony of impending divine visitation. As promised by Mary, the sun appeared to dance in the sky, performing inexplicable movements witnessed by all present. This event, known as the "Miracle of the Sun," confirmed the authenticity of the apparitions and left an indelible mark on those who witnessed it.
The messages conveyed by Mary at Fatima remain relevant and poignant to this day. She called for repentance and conversion, urging humanity to turn away from sin and embrace God's love and mercy. Mary also emphasized the power of prayer, particularly the Rosary, as a means of obtaining peace for the world and salvation for souls.
In the century since the Fatima apparitions, the devotion to Our Lady of Fatima has spread far and wide, inspiring countless believers to deepen their spiritual lives and commit themselves to prayer and penance. The Fatima message continues to resonate with people of all backgrounds, offering hope in times of adversity and pointing the way to a world renewed by faith and love.
Three Secrets of Fatima
What makes the events at Fatima particularly remarkable are the prophecies and messages that accompanied the apparitions. The Virgin Mary entrusted three secrets to the children, which were revealed over time, each holding significant implications for humanity.
The first secret was a vision of hell, shown to the children by the Virgin Mary. This harrowing revelation underscored the importance of repentance, conversion, and prayer for the salvation of souls. It serves as a solemn reminder of the reality of sin and the eternal consequences it bears.
The second secret, disclosed in July 1917, concerned the urgent need for the conversion of Russia and the propagation of devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This message, echoed in subsequent apparitions, emphasized the power of prayer and sacrifice in bringing about peace and spiritual renewal in a world ravaged by conflict and division.
The third secret, initially shrouded in mystery, was finally revealed by Lucia in 2000, following years of speculation and anticipation. It depicted a vision of a bishop clothed in white, beset by persecution and suffering, symbolizing the Church's trials and tribulations in the modern era. This prophecy, while unsettling, serves as a call to unwavering faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The events at Fatima serve as a powerful testament to the enduring presence of the divine in our lives and the profound impact of faith on the course of history. They remind us that even in the darkest of times, hope shines through, beckoning us to heed the call of repentance, prayer, and conversion.
As members of this parish community, let us heed the call of Fatima by embracing the virtues of prayer, repentance, and love. May we draw strength from the example of the shepherd children who, despite their youth and simplicity, were chosen to bear witness to the presence of the divine in our midst.
In commemorating the Miracle of Fatima, let us recommit ourselves to living out its timeless message of faith, hope, and love in our daily lives. Through our prayers and actions, may we help to bring about the fulfillment of Mary's promise of peace for our troubled world.
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