May 13, Our Lady of Fatima

Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.-- Psalm 122:(see 1)

Mass readings: Acts 15:1-6 / John 15:1-8

We are One Body

On May 13, 1917, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children in Cova da Iria in Fátima: Lucia de Jesus, 10, and her cousins Francisco, 9, and Jacinta Marto, 7. Mary met them six times, urging them to ''Pray, pray very much, and make sacrifices for sinners; for many souls go to hell, because there are none to sacrifice themselves and pray for them.''

After a long day of bus travel, my friend Pat and I arrived late one night in Fátima. Unsure where to go, we looked up and followed the lighted cross illuminating the night sky, where I immediately felt united to the pilgrims processing across the sanctuary. This was, after all, Mary's request in Fátima -- a sense of collective responsibility, especially for countless people who have no one to pray for them.

Prayer: O my Jesus, lead us all to heaven.