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"As the earth brings forth its plants,  and a garden makes its growth spring up, So will the Lord God make justice and praise  spring up before all the nations." - Isaiah 61:11 (Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Fatima) 

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima! This memorial is a reminder of how important prayer is at all times, but especially in times of distress and trouble. Mary reminds us about the rosary and encourages us to offer our prayers so we can find peace and comfort in God.   

These scripture readings and this feast day help us remember that it is the Lord who is the source of our peace, and is the One whom we should be proclaiming from the mountaintops, so others can know Him and find peace in Him. Our Lady of Fatima was able to lead the children closer to her Son, and thus help others to know Him and grow closer to Him. Let us also be  witnesses to Christ and proclaim Him to others, so they can know God and can find peace in Him through prayer. 

How can I make Christ better known today? 

Lord, help me to make Your Name known to all with whom I interact today. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us and with us! 

Reflection by: 

Madison Marsh 

Luke 11:27-28

While Jesus was speaking,

a woman from the crowd called out and said to him,

"Blessed is the womb that carried you

and the breasts at which you nursed."

He replied, "Rather, blessed are those

who hear the word of God and observe it."

*reading from the memorial of Our Lady of Fatima

Our Lady of Fatima

On October 13, 1917 over 70,000 Portuguese citizens watched the sun dance in Fatima. With the atrocities and uncertainties of World War 1 as a backdrop, three young children experienced apparitions which would bring hope, conversion and peace to millions. Today we commemorate the initial apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima to three children in Fatima, Portugal. While the various apparitions of Our Lady are not essential to faith, they can be incredibly supportive. The apparitions of Fatima reminded millions of the core of our Christian duties—prayer, fasting for others and conversion. May our hearts imitate the heart of Mary in being receptive to the presence of God

Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:

Fr. Chuck Dornquast

Director of Vocations

Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here.