1917

1917 is quickly drifting into the vague fog of history - for many of us, it is already lost - and yet, it seems that it may go down in salvation history as one of the most magnficent years of all time.  I imagine it is right up there with 1531 and 1858.

The Immaculata appeared to three small children in Fatima, Portugal, carrying a message of prayer, penance, and total consecration.  While around the world the fires were already burning - those that would swallow whole countries, and those that would enflame hearts with the heroic love of God. 

1917's main characters ranged from Woodrow Wilson to Lenin, from "Pancho" Villa to Georges Clemenceau. German U-Boats were a frightening force, income tax was introduced in Canada, and suffragettes were arrested in Washington DC. In the midst, 211 people were killed when a F3 tornado touched down in the mid-west, and the "Spanish" influenza took more soldiers lives than World War I.  It seemed that the whole world rebelled, and all nature groaned. 

Heaven returned the plea. The heavenly Queen, the Immaculate one, our Mother returned to her place of birth and pilgrimage and gave us those few indications.  At the same time hearts were stirred around the world to meet the forthcoming challenges. Saints were being made according to her desire: prayerful, penitent, and consecrated. Maximilian was a seminarian in Rome. Miguel was a seminarian in Spain. Before the end of World War II their legacy and love would enflame the world: europe, asia, and the americas.  Even in the "annhilated nations" and the "persecution of the Church" along with the "spread of errors," Holy Mother Church raised heroes for the salvation of souls and the greatest glory of God!

The power of Fatima. The power of penance. The power of prayer. The power of consecration.