The
Meaning of Fatima
Fatima
is the name of a small town north of Lisbon, Portugal. There, in 1917, Our Lady
appeared to three little shepherds: Lucia, and her two cousins, Jacinta and
Francisco (now Blessed Jacinta and Blessed Francisco) - then, seven and eight
years old. The “Beautiful Lady dressed in white and more brilliant than the
sun”, asked for prayers and sacrifice, so that “ Our Lord may save humanity from
all calamities and bring peace to the world..."
A
prayerful life consists of doing everything in God, with God, and for God. She
emphasized a daily simple formula of paying called the Rosary, during which one
reflects upon God's personal love for us. She stressed the fulfillment of one's
daily duty according to the Gospel principles. This is the Fatima message and
makes Fatima one of the 20th Century’s most pressing heavenly Invitations to an
authentic Christian life.
Fatima,
New York
In
1954, the Barnabite Fathers, newly arrived from Italy, conceived the idea of
offering to their new country a devotional center in honor of Our Lady, where
people could come and be refreshed. Fatima U.SA. was therefore born, and the
Barnabites became the promoters of the Gospel message urged by our Blessed
Mother at Fatima, Portugal.
The
idea was enthusiastically accepted and fostered. Many people made our dream
possible by their generosity and their dedication. First among the Shrine
benefactors were Mr. & Mrs. Walter Ciurzak. In 1954, they donated 16 acres
of their farm land and with God’s help and the support of many, the Shrine has
slowly become what it Is today. Thousands of people are the beneficiaries of
the peaceful and sacred surroundings of Our Lady of Fatima Shrine.
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