Fr. Alex Igbozuruike: Relevance of the Message of Fatima Today (2024)

Today is the feast of the first apparition of our Lady at Fatima. Thus, I would like to focus my meditation on this event that has greatly contributed to shaping the life of Christians all over the world.  It all started in a small village of Fatima, Portugal, where three shepherd children—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta—witnessed extraordinary events. From May 13^th to October 13^th, they received apparitions of the Blessed Mother Mary. These ordinary children, raised in a simple Catholic family, were accustomed to prayer. Reflecting on their story, I would like to highlight some key points that capture my attention and draw attention to the relevance of the message of Fatima.

Divine Manifestations and a Call to Renewal

Just as Moses encountered the burning bush (Exodus 3: 1 – 15), and Bernadette witnessed a miraculous vision in Lourdes on February 11^th, 1858, these children had their own encounter with the divine. Lucia describes a flash of light, followed by the appearance of a beautiful lady on an oak tree. …