The Fruits of Fatima

Can an event that occurred over 100 years ago still have relevance for us today? The answer is yes! I’d also wager to say it’s relevance may be critically important to us as a society. In his book The Fruits of Fatima: A Century of Signs and Wonders,  Joseph Pronechen takes a deep dive look at the events that occurred in 1917 and beyond. If you think you know everything about Fatima, then you’ll want this book.

One of the first things that intrigued me about the book was the numerous little-known or forgotten post apparition events that occurred. These include a rather long list of miraculous healings that occurred as a result of using water or even dirt from the apparition site. Perhaps the most famous of these healing was of a future saint. That saint was none other than Padre Pio, who credited his healing from severe illness in 1959 to a visit of the pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fatima.

Also lost to the sands of time are three “post-Fatima” visions that the Fatima visionaries Lucia, Jacinta, and Francesco experienced after the miracle of the sun that occurred on October 13, 1917. The first vision entailed an appearance by the Holy Family and included a blessing from Saint Joseph. The second vision was of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and involved a further message from Our Lady of the importance of the brown scapular. The third and final vision was of Our Lady of Sorrows. Each of these visions was significant, according to Sister Lucia, as they further enforced the basic messages Our Lady revealed to the seers of Fatima.

Right in the middle of this book comes perhaps the most important chapter of all Why Pray the Rosary Daily? The message of this chapter comes directly from Sister Lucia herself. The answer is simple, and it’s just that…..the rosary is simple to pray. It can be prayed anywhere at any time. Even those sick and informed in bed can pray the rosary. Not only is it simplistic in its formula, but it is a powerful weapon n spiritual warfare. As Sister Lucia says, “God, who is our Father and understands better than we do the needs of his children, chose to stoop to the simple ordinary level of all of us in asking for the daily recitation of the Rosary in order to smooth for us the way to Him.” How powerful is that statement!

Why is Fatima so important to us today? Take a look at the obvious backward slide of society. Marriage is under attack. The Church is under attack. And we are under attack for our beliefs. I dare say that the message of Fatima is probably more relevant and necessary to us today than it ever has been. I encourage everyone to get this book and rediscover the message of Fatima and instill it into our daily lives. The fruits of Fatima are plentiful, if only we seek them.

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