There are many devotions to Mary, the Mother of God. Consider the many titles that have been bestowed upon her – Mother Mary, Lady of Loretto, Immaculate Conception, Queen of the Rosary, Queen of Heaven, Virgin of Guadalupe, Our Lady of La Vang – the list is long. Starting in May, St. Valentine will begin a six–month devotion to one of the more well–known images of Mary, Our Lady of Fatima. On October 13, 1917, in the Portuguese town of Fátima, three children, Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto, were visited by an apparition of the Virgin Mary. She urged them to pray, to dedicate themselves to the rosary, and through these actions they could bring about an end to the war then ravaging Europe. A 2020 movie, titled Fatima. tells their story. It is a powerful and uplifting drama about the power of faith in three children who reported seeing visions of the Virgin Mary. The year 1917 saw the western world in turmoil. Portugal sent troops into WWI in February, the war caused widespread poverty and death and over 50 million people worldwide died of starvation and the Influenza pandemic. The children’s revelations inspired believers at the time but also angered officials of both the Church and secular government, who try to force them to recant their story. As word of their prophecy spreads, tens of thousands of religious pilgrims flock to the site hoping to witness a miracle. What they experience will change their lives forever.
As a way to prepare for a 6–month Fatima devotion, St. Val’s Worship Commission will be showing the movie Fatima on Wednesday, May 10. The evening begins with pizza and salad, served at 6 pm; followed by the movie at 6:30 pm; and will close with a brief discussion after the movie. Please call the Rectory Office at 313.532.4394 by Tuesday, May 9th, to let us know you are coming and how many will attend. Your RSVP will help us ensure we have sufficient food.
On Saturday, May 13th, and continuing on the 13th day of every month until October, we will continue our 6–month devotion by coming together to pray the rosary and remember the promises of Fatima – “that prayer and sacrifice will lead to peace and an end of the war”. Much like during Fatima’s time, our society is experiencing increased violence, wars, destruction, and death. It is our hope that we, too, can see the fulfillment of the promises of Fatima in our lifetime. We look forward to seeing you at the movie on May 10th and at as many of the monthly rosaries as you are able to attend.