Our Lady of Fatima asks the same thing of us today

In a solemn Mass commemorating the feast day of Our Lady of Fatima at the revered shrine in Portugal, Cardinal Juan Jose Omella echoed the timeless message delivered by the Virgin Mary over a century ago. As the Archbishop of Barcelona and a former president of the Spanish Bishops†Conference, Cardinal Omella's words resonated deeply with the faithful gathered at the shrine.

Photo credit: Mateus Felipe

Highlights

By Catholic Online (California Network)
5/13/2024 (6 months ago)

Published in Christian Saints & Heroes

Keywords: Our Lady of Fatima, Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, Prayer, Sacrifice, Peace, Unity

Reflecting on the enduring significance of Mary's message, Cardinal Omella emphasized the importance of prayer and sacrifice, echoing the sentiments conveyed to the visionary shepherds Francisco and Jacinta in 1917. He underscored the necessity for Christians to maintain a steadfast commitment to prayer, fostering intimate communion with the divine both individually and collectively. Highlighting practices such as the rosary and the Lord's Prayer, he urged believers to intercede fervently for the world's salvation and peace.

Cardinal Omella's exhortation extended beyond personal piety to encompass a global call for peace. Against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts plaguing regions from Ukraine to the Holy Land, he implored the faithful to unite in prayer for the cessation of violence and the restoration of harmony. His invocation for unity within the Church echoed this plea for peace, emphasizing that a divided Church impedes its capacity to embody the teachings of Christ and extend forgiveness and compassion to all.

In a poignant moment of reflection, Cardinal Omella commemorated the lives lost in conflict, particularly honoring the memory of Ukrainian and Russian victims. As thousands gathered at the shrine, their collective prayers intertwined with the aspirations for peace, echoing Mary's timeless plea for reconciliation and healing.

The significance of the feast day was further magnified by the overwhelming attendance at the Fatima Shrine, with a quarter of a million pilgrims converging for prayers and candlelight processions. Notably, the international representation underscored the universal appeal of Fatima, with pilgrims hailing from diverse corners of the globe, including Spain, Poland, Italy, the United States, Brazil, and beyond.

As Cardinal Omella concluded his homily, the faithful departed with hearts uplifted, carrying forth the enduring message of Our Lady of Fatima into the world. Amidst the challenges of the present age, her call for prayer, sacrifice, and peace reverberates as a beacon of hope and solace for all humanity.