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In 1917, Portugal joined most of Western Europe, entering World War I. As a result, 220,00 Portuguese civilians would die from violence, famine, and disease.
Portugal was at war on two fronts. Externally, it was protecting its interests in Africa.
But internally, Portugal was at war with its Catholic citizens. The government banned religious festivals and seized Catholic schools and churches by the bunches.
In fact, between 1911 and 1916, nearly 2,000 priests were murdered by their own countrymen.
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This was the Portugal that the Blessed Virgin Mary entered into when she appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima on May 13, 1917.
The essence of her message was: conversion.
Pray for the conversion of Portugal – and the conversion of the world.
The best way to do that, she said, was to pray the rosary.
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Perhaps Mary appeared to children, only one who lived to become an adult – spending her life as a nun – because she knew how seriously they’d take her message; her appearances would not be met with skepticism, rather with child-like faith.
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Mary’s message is still relevant for our world today. Just open the newspaper or turn on the television; it’s clear how divided our world is.
On this 104th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima, we’re reminded to pray for the conversion of all souls, including our own.
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Image credits: (1) Diocese of Lansing (2) Children of Fatima (3) Magis Center