The apparitions of Our Lady
exist in a very delicate, mysterious but always lovingly attentive atmosphere.
Even as she pleads for penance and prayer at Fatima, Mary has not come to
reprimand. Rather her concern is for all of us, her children lost, and often
inured to our sinfulness. At Fatima and always, Mary’s compassionate care far
exceeds our expectations.
In 1917 three shepherd children
from a village in Portugal are rapt in awe at her lovely presence and heed her
requests. Let us follow them, as we remember our sins and beg her Son’s
forgiveness.