The Catholic Defender: “Pray, pray much, and sacrifice for sinners, for many souls go to hell because there is no one to sacrifice and pray for them.”
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“Pray, pray much, and sacrifice for sinners, for many souls go to hell because there is no one to sacrifice and pray for them.”
The message was delivered during a series of apparitions to Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto. On this particular date, the children had recently been released from prison after being detained by local authorities who wanted them to recant their story
The Vision of Hell: This appeal followed a terrifying vision of hell shown to the children during the previous month's apparition (July 13), where they saw souls "plunged in a great sea of fire".
The Core Request: The message emphasizes the interconnectedness of souls and the Catholic doctrine of "reparation," suggesting that the prayers and small daily sacrifices of the faithful can directly impact the eternal salvation of others.
The Sacrifice Prayer: "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".
The Fatima Prayer: (To be said after each decade of the Rosary): "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".
Daily Rosary: Requested for world peace.
Intercessory Prayer: The message emphasizes the power of praying for others, particularly those who do not pray for themselves.
Sacrifice and Reparation: Beyond prayer, the call includes making personal sacrifices as acts of reparation for sins committed against God.
The Bible encourages frequent, persistent prayer as a continuous, daily conversation with God, rather than merely a scheduled activity. Key verses include "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), the call to pray in all circumstances (Philippians 4:6), and examples of earnest, repetitive prayer (Elijah in James 5:16–18).
Constant Connection: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) implies maintaining a lifestyle of prayer and an open-ended dialogue with God throughout the day.
Persistent Supplication: Luke 18:1 instructs that believers should always pray and not give up, emphasizing perseverance in prayer.
Pray About Everything: Rather than being anxious, Christians are encouraged to bring all requests, worries, and thanks to God (Philippians 4:6).
Earnest/Fervent Prayer: James 5:16 notes that the "effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" illustrated by Elijah praying seven times for rain.
Types of Prayer: "Praying much" includes, but is not limited to, asking (supplication), praise, thanksgiving, and confession (Ephesians 6:18).
Jesus: Frequently withdrew to lonely places to pray for long periods, particularly before major decisions or during intense suffering (Luke 5:16, Matthew 26:36-46).
Elijah: Prayed earnestly seven times for the rain to stop and start again (1 Kings 18).
The Early Church: Consistently devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 2:42).
Fervent and Effective Prayer: James 5:16 states that the "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much," emphasizing that deep, heartfelt prayer has great power.
Pray Always and Don't Lose Heart: In Luke 18:1 , Jesus tells a parable to teach that people should "always pray and not give up".
Be Constant in Prayer: Romans 12:12 encourages being "joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer".
Devote Yourselves: Colossians 4:2 says to "devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful".
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