J.M.J. A faith-filled, young lady who frequently comments on one of the most popular Blogs operated by a priest, in recently responding to a poll question about whether one adds the Fatima Prayer ("O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy") to the end of each Decade of the Most Holy Rosary, wrote: "I don't like the Fatima prayer. I use it if I am praying aloud with others and they expect it. Otherwise I do not use it."
The remark of this lady,
who is an exemplary Catholic, has publicly committed herself to the practice of
the Virtue of Chastity and has often defended the Holy Father as well as the
Church's Social Teaching on the Blog in question, urged me to reflect on why I use the Fatima Prayer at the end of each Decade.
On July 13, 1917, about
four thousand persons were gathered in Fatima, Portugal for the apparition of Our Lady, who informed
the children that they should specifically recite the Most Holy Rosary in honor
of “Our Lady of the Rosary.” Before the trio saw a very frightening vision of
Hell, Our Blessed Mother encouraged them:
Sacrifice yourselves for
sinners, and say
many times, especially whenever you make
any sacrifice: "O
Jesus, it is for love of You,
for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation
for the sins committed against the
Immaculate Heart of Mary."
After the vision of
Hell, Our Lady said:
When you recite the beads (that is, pray the Rosary),
say after each mystery:
"O my Jesus, forgive us,
save us from the fire of Hell.
Lead all souls to Heaven,
especially those who
are most in need."
(The "Fatima Prayer" most often recited today is substantially the same but slightly different in words: "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.")
The reason why I use the Fatima Prayer after the end of each Decade is because Our Blessed Mother asked the three little shepherds of Fatima to recite it.
True, the Church does not command us to use it; however, for me the Fatima Prayer is a reminder of my connection to Our Lady, to her request made nearly a century ago and to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta.
And the sentiments expressed in the Fatima Prayer are so valuable and relevant to our era.
Finally, based on my years in Rome and the fact, as reported to me just yesterday by persons from India and the Philippines, that many of the Faithful throughout the world use the Fatima Prayer after each Decade, I am convinced that Our Lady's request resonates and is embraced around the globe.
Thus, we have another inspiring indication that we as members of the Universal Church are united under Our Father in Heaven, in Christ Jesus Our Risen Lord, through the Holy Spirit the Paraclete, with Mary Our Ever-Virgin Mother, Saint Joseph Our Patron, the Holy Angels and the Saints.
