Our Lady of Fatima and the Rosary

This picture was taken at my father in law’s memorial service over two years ago. He passed peacefully on the 100th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady at Fatima on May 13, 2017. This is the most beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima I have ever seen.

I love the following quote by Sister Lucia because she is saying that everyone can pray the Rosary. No one is excluded. Religion or religious sect has no bearing. Our Blessed Mother asks everyone to participate. This quote is so fitting because today is the 102nd anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun in which the sun “danced” witnessed by at least 70,000 people in Fatima, Portugal.

“All people of good will can, and must say the Rosary every day. Why? In order to put ourselves in contact with God, to thank Him for His benefits and ask for the graces we need. It is the prayer which places us in familiar contact with God, like the son who goes to his father to thank him for the gifts he has received, to talk to him about special concerns, to receive his guidance, his help, his support and his blessings.” -- Servant of God Sister Lucia

Through the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima may we remember to pray often especially the Most Holy Rosary and may we always be thankful for all the graces Our Lord bestows upon us.

Hello Again

I’ve been hearing the singer Neil Diamond’s voice almost every day for the last couple of weeks. And I’ve noticed that his voice and songs were sounding stronger and stronger by the day. Tonight I decided to listen to a couple of his songs like "Sweet Caroline” and “Hello Again.”

When I listened to “Hello Again” I started to feel like that was Dad’s beautiful voice talking to us. Today is my father-in-law’s second death anniversary and it is also the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima. Dad died on the 100th anniversary of the first apparition of Our Lady at Fatima, Portugal. He was a great, well-loved and respected man who was 107 years old when he passed. We miss him very much.

If you don’t know the lyrics or the song of “Hello Again” you should take a listen. I think it’s Neil’s warm, soothing fatherly voice that made me think of Dad. After a few minutes of remembering Dad I started to tear up because I then heard God’s voice calling out to me. God was now saying, “Hello again.”

Every time I stray and every time I get spiritually lazy God finds a way back into my heart. He’s always waiting; always watching; always loving and forgiving us.

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us! 
Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!

Dad in Heaven, pray for us. We love you!