The Fatima Celebration

On Friday I received a wonderful video call from a friend in Fatima, Portugal. It was a complete surprise: standing on the metro platform on my way home from work, and suddenly I am looking down at a live video of the celebrations happening in the middle of the night on the other side of the world, honoring the 100th anniversary of Mary's appearance to the Portuguese shepherd children in Fatima.

My phone screen lit up with a sea of people as far as the eye could see, holding candles, singing and praying, and I felt like I was there with them. I became emotional; it was an incredible blessing to be a part of that moment which was really eternal. Mary appeared 100 years, ago, yes, but she continues to be with us as a Mother, and will always be our support. She is there if you look for her.

The Fatima story is also important because Mary appeared at a time of great world turmoil - sound familiar? And she asked and asked for the world to pray the rosary for peace, which we must do, and which is so incredibly important at this time in human history.

Aleteia put together a nice slideshow of Pope Francis's visit and the pilgrims who joined him, which you can view here. The image of him looking at the statue of Mary is particularly profound to me, as I believe this is the statue whose crown contains the bullet that almost killed Saint Pope John Paul II. JP II publicly credited our Lady of Fatima's intercession with saving his life (and the attempt on his life occurred May 13, coincidentally).

I will leave you with this thought from St. Maximilian Kolbe: "Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did."

Businessman sends free Fatima statues to parishes throughout the world

I came across this article last week in the UK Catholic Herald, "Businessman sends free Fatima statues to parishes throughout the world." I love this story for a few reasons:

1: The selflessness of this man, Jose Camara, to serve a cause, and his God (and specifically, his Mother). How many people do you know give completely of themselves in this type of way? 

2: The manner in which he gives, both because it is such modern evangelization, and also because he is doing what he can with he has. He is elderly, so he won't be flying to South America for a mission trip. Instead, he uses his means and resources to send a spiritual experience to those who need it, and he does it with full faith in the power of our Blessed Mother's intervention and without asking for anything in return. It is a very uncomplicated ministry, with very deep reward. I love it!

3. It involves the Blessed Mother. This year is the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions, and her message of conversion is as important now as ever, for every part of the world. It's not just about Russia; the problem of suffering and persecuted Christians is global and worsening. And it's old news that Christians are the most persecuted faith in the world. I attended a talk last week with some of the groups involved in #StandTogether who reported that more Christians are murdered today than in the time of the Roman Empire. 

All of this is reminding me to pray the rosary more often. That is what she asked of us, and even if we are in a position of truly having no resources to share with others, you are never unable to pray. "Always pray and never give up," as St. Luke urged. I mean that: pray, without ceasing, that our fellow believers in the middle east, Africa, North Korea, and everywhere else, may be granted their religious freedom, that greatest of human rights, and for the end of Christian persecution.

Radio Redux

Earlier this week I spoke with John Harper on his show, Morning Air, about this idea that you can't turn to a saint when your heart is broken, and for good reason. Listen to the audio here, which starts at about minute 13. We had a momentary technical difficulty, but no big deal. They are extremely professional and it's a pleasure speaking with John and his entire team (including the part where they are queuing up the interview and I speak off-air with his producer, Cyrus, who I feel like is now my long distance friend).

I also just can't describe how it feels both to be in communication with a community of true believers, who are equally as interested in seeking life's meaning, but more importantly, to be in a position to serve or help others. This week I received a message from someone who said that my article helped him work on his all-consuming grief over the loss of his young wife. Think about that! That one comment alone is worth all the time I have spent writing and speaking these past few years. That is what this is about. It is nothing short of a miracle when Christ uses the talents He gave you, working through you to help heal others. 

Happy Divine Mercy Sunday, everyone. Jesus, I trust in you.