Message from Bishop John
May 2024
COURTESY PHOTO
Diocesan pilgrims pose for a photo at Fatima, Portugal. The pilgrims visited Marian, Carmelite and Jesuit shrines in Portugal, Spain, and France from April 3-16.
Our Lady of Fatima, Pray for us!
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Praised be Jesus Christ!
In a few days, on May 13, we will celebrate the anniversary of the first apparition of Mary in Fatima, on May 13, 1917. Last month, I had the privilege of being in Fatima on the diocesan pilgrimage, and I celebrated Mass at the apparition site along with our pilgrims and others who were present.
There is a sense of deep peace at Fatima, and a reminder that Jesus Christ has already won the victory over sin and death. I had been to Fatima once before in 1988, and I was moved to see an addition since my previous visit, namely, a piece of the Berlin wall. It was a testament to Mary’s intercession for peace, and a sign that we should not lose hope. Rather, we should trust in the Lord and pray for peace when our world is so troubled by war and violence.
It seems opportune, then, to reflect on Mary’s central message at Fatima, which is still quite relevant for today. What is the message of Fatima all about? Allow me to quote from the website of the World Apostolate of Fatima an association of the faithful established by the Holy See to be the Church’s official voice on the message of Fatima.
"At the height of World War I, Pope Benedict XV appealed to the Blessed Mother to intercede for peace. Just over a week later, Our Lady began appearing to three young shepherd children in Fatima Portugal.
"From May 13 – October 13, 1917, Our Lady appeared to Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto – three shepherd children tending sheep in the hills just outside their small village of Fatima, Portugal.
"During the course of these appearances, Mary revealed her suffering heart and said that God wished to establish devotion to her Immaculate Heart. She asked the children to pray the Rosary daily for world peace, and to offer their daily sufferings and sacrifices in reparation for sins and the conversion of sinners."
You can read more about Fatima on the World Apostolate of Fatima website:
This message is so important for us today when we are troubled by the evil that seems to be ever present in our world. Let us heed what Mary has asked. Let us pray the rosary daily for world peace and let us offer our daily suffering and sacrifices in reparation for sin and the conversion of sinners.
+Most Reverend John F. Doerfler
Bishop of Marquette
Bishop of Marquette
The U.P. Catholic Flocknote Newsletter
The U.P. Catholic Flocknote newsletter is published once monthly on the fourth Thursday of the month.
Bishop John's newsletter is published on the second Thursday of the month.
Bishop John's newsletter is published on the second Thursday of the month.
