100 Years Old Request

The prince of this world will now be cast out, and when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all to myself, says the Lord. (John 12:31b-32)

The 6th and final apparition of Our Lady in Fatima (Portugal) took place on October 13, 1917. Despite the rain, between 50,000 and 60,000 people came. Lucia asked the faithful to close their umbrellas and to recite the Rosary together. During the apparition, the Immaculate Conception presented herself to Lucia and said: "I want to ask you to build a chapel here in my honor. I am Our Lady of the Rosary. Let everyone continue to recite the Rosary every day. The war will end and the soldiers will soon return home."

Suddenly, the rain stopped and the crowd was able to look directly at the sun without burning their eyes or being in any way inconvenienced. The sun began to move, then it spun on itself at a vertiginous speed, throwing sparks of light of all colors. It approached the earth, to the point that the crowd was afraid.

In fact, the sun suddenly appeared to detach itself from the sky and zigzag down towards the crowd. To the general amazement, onlookers found that their clothes, soaked by the rain a few minutes before, were completely dry! This dance of the sun was also seen miles away from Fatima. (The Mary of Nazareth Team, Moment with Mary)

The month of October is the month of the Rosary, this Marian prayer of which Pope Benedict XII (d.1730) said: "The Rosary is the sovereign remedy for errors and vices." Also, Pope Pius XII (pope from 1939-1958), in his Encyclical Ingruentium Malorum, on reciting the Rosary, he wrote: "We do not hesitate to declare publicly once again that we have great hope that the Holy Rosary can heal the maladies afflicting our times… Let us arm ourselves with the most Holy Rosary, to free the world from the hatred that tears it, from the ignorance that blinds it, from the impurity that stifles it, to build up the civilization of love, the love of God and neighbor." (Source: Spiritualité chrétienne) If the evils and the assaults of the wicked increase, so likewise must the piety of all good people increase and become ever more vigorous. Let them strive to obtain from our most loving Mother, especially through this form of prayer, that better times may quickly return for the Church and society. (Ingruentium Malorum, # 16)

Let us joyfully respond to our Blessed Mother request for peace by praying the Rosary wherever you are, as often as you can.

Hail Mary full of grace….

Peace in Christ,

Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen

P.S.

St. Clare Catholic Church, Houston, TX invites you all to celebrate 100 years anniversary of final apparition of Our Lady in Fatima tonight, October 13, 2017. This is also an opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence that Pope Francis has decided to grant during this anniversary year which ends on November 26, 2017.

What: 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima (includes Mass, Candlelight Procession & Rosary)

When: October 13, 2017 starting at 7pm

Where: St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church; 3131 El Dorado Blvd.; Houston, TX 77059 (in Clear Lake Area) *Carpooling suggested.

Cost: No cost. We will have a love offering.

Find out more: www.stclarehouston.org or 281-286-7729

I hope you see you tonight!