Today, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, recalling that first extraordinary encounter on May 13th, 1917, in a quiet little village in Portugal. It was there that three children, Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta, experienced an event that changed their lives and the lives of millions across the world.
At that time, the world was suffering through World War 1. People were afraid, confused, and in grief. But God sent Mother Mary with a message of peace, hope, and trust. By choosing to reveal herself to these children, she reminds us of the Kingdom of God belongs to those with childlike heart.
A Flash of Light and the Voice of a Mother
In the account of the Apparition, Lucia tells us that they first saw a flash of light, and then, standing above a small holm oak tree, a beautiful Lady appeared. That flash of light makes me think of how God breaks into our lives when we least expect it. Sometimes, through a moment of silence, sometimes in suffering, or like in Acts 11, through persecution that ends up serving for spreading new life.
In the Book of Acts, we are told that following the persecution that broke out in Jerusalem, the believers were scattered. It could have been the end, but it was not. Instead, it became the beginning of something new. The Good News was shared in new places. What looked like failure became a source of growth of the Church.
The Tree that Held a Message of Hope
The choice of a simple holm oak is quite symbolic. In ancient times, the oak symbolized strength and endurance. Mother Mary stood upon it as if to say: “I am with you in the storm, praying for you. Come back to my Son, Jesus and find strength, and peace.” That tree became a kind of pulpit from which she preached the Good News to the world: “Pray the Rosary, offer sacrifices, trust God and do not be afraid.”
108 years after, our world is still shaken by wars, injustice, and suffering, and natural disasters. Celebrating Fatima today reminds us of the Hope and Peace God gives us in Christ Jesus and Mother Mary. We still need her motherly voice calling us back to conversion, prayer, and peace, starting in our own hearts and spreading all over the world.
His Sheep Hear his Voice
Today’s Gospel from John 10:22-30 gives us the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He says: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Isn’t that what happened in Fatima? The children heard the voice of Mary, who always leads us to Jesus, and they followed. Even when it was hard. They followed even when no one believed them, and even when it cost them dearly.
What about us? Are we listening for this voice in our daily lives? Do we recognize it in moments of silence, in the Scripture, in others? Jesus says: “I give them eternal life and they shall never perish.” That kind of trust, that kind of relationship, is what Fatima is ultimately about. It invites us to trust in Jesus, to walk closely with Him, to believe that no matter what happens, we are held securely in God’s hands.
A Simple Prayer from Fatima
One of the most touching parts of the Fatima message is the prayer the children were taught: “My God, I believe, I adore, I hope, and I love You. I ask pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love You.” We can make ours this prayer today, praying it meditatively.
Mary told the children: “You will suffer, but the grace of God will be your comfort.” That message is for us too. Whatever burden we are carrying, whatever uncertainty we are facing because of our faith in Christ, let us remember that God’s grace is with us.
So, let us pray, believe, and listen to His Voice. And above all, let us believe that even in our broken world, God is still speaking, still healing souls, and wants us to bring us back to Him.
