Fatima and Father Pavone

The LORD preserves the simple;
 when I was brought low, he saved me.
  – Psalm 116:6

God forgive me for having such thoughts.

I can't help but notice that the day that Bishop Zurek has set to meet with Father Frank Pavone is October 13 -- the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima. But instead of an apparition of the Virgin Mary, Father Frank will have the rare opportunity to witness an appearance of Bishop Zurek.

The Fatima children -- Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta -- were shown a vision of hell by Our Lady. From all accounts this had a profound effect on the three young seers, and inspired great devotion in them towards the Blessed Mother and her Son. Lucia has testified to what a horrifying vision this was.

Under most circumstances, one would not expose children to such shocking images. But Our Lady certainly knew what she was doing.

In Amarillo, some pro-Life advocates are publicly displaying images of aborted children. This has caused quite a bit of controversy. Personally, this is not an action that I would have taken. But maybe, there are some young children that upon seeing these gruesome images will be motivated to become zealous protectors of the unborn.

One does have to wonder if Catholic parents nowadays shield their children from the sight of a Crucifix. If they have truly taught their children about Christ's passion then they should have been prepared to witness the suffering of unborn children. We Christians need to return to the old traditions that give more importance to Holy Week than to Christmas.

"I love Our Lord so much! At times, I seem to have a fire in my heart, but it does not burn me."
– Blessed Jacinta Marto

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Blessed Francisco and Jacinta, pray for us.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.