The Catholic Defender: The America Needs Fatima Rallies
As America and the world at large continue to grapple with the repercussions of an international pandemic and the economic and cultural ripple effects thereof, many are understandably searching for a glimmer of hope, a star by which to chart their course ahead. This year marks the 105th anniversary of Our lady of Fatima's public miracle that took place on 13 October 1917.
On October 15, at noon, 20,000 Rosary Rallies were held across America in town squares. Approximately 1,000,000 America Catholics joined in these rallies praying for America.
It was an honor to begin this rally this year in our town.
America Needs Fatima (ANF) is a special campaign to spread the message of Fatima in the United States. The goal of America Needs Fatima is to win the heart and soul of America for Mary by spreading Our Lady’s Fatima message and promoting devotion to Her Immaculate Heart.
America urgently needs the prophetic messages of Our Lady at Fatima. Above all, America needs a clear direction, a great purpose, and the means to achieve it. The admonitions, requests, and warnings of Mary Most Holy can rightly be called a heaven-sent survival manual.
Learn more about all the different ways you can help us to promote devotion to Our Lady!
Father's Corner
Dear Friends,
On October 24th I will depart for my little pilgrimage in the footsteps of our Patron, St. John Paul II.
From October 25-31 I will be in Poland, visiting holy sites from the stunning Cathedral to JPII's boyhood home to the icon of the Black Madonna at Częstochowa. My pilgrimage will end at the tomb of our Patron on November 1-2 in Rome.
I would be honored to pray for your special prayer intentions and leave them at Our Lady's Shrine in Częstochowa. Please leave your intentions in the designated receptacle in the church vestibule, or follow this link to add your intentions by Wednesday, October 19.
Our Lady of Częstochowa, also known as the Black Madonna, is a venerated icon of the Blessed Mother Mary located at the Jasna Góra monastery in Częstochowa, Poland. Częstochowa is the most popular shrine in Poland. Pope St. John Paul II visited the shrine many times throughout his life and several times after becoming Pope.
Legend traces the icon to St. Luke the Evangelist who painted it on three planks of a tabletop from the home of the Holy Family. It was discovered in Jerusalem in 326 by St. Helena who brought it to Constantinople and presented it to her son, Constantine the Great. It came into the possession of Władysław Opolczyk, Duke of Opole, who was travelling with the icon and when passing through Częstochowa his horses refused to go on. In a dream he was advised to leave the icon at Jasna Góra.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Fr. Farrar
It was a great honor as Dr. Gregory Thompson and I carried the image of Our Lady of Częstochowa around the Planned Parenthood Clinic that had recently closed in Columbia Missouri. We led a large crowd in celebration and thanksgiving for Our Lady's prayer and protection.
Holy Mother of Czestochowa, Thou art full of grace, goodness and mercy. I consecrate to Thee all my thoughts, words and actions, my soul and body. I beseech Thy blessings and especially prayers for my salvation. Today, I consecrate myself to Thee, Good Mother, totally with body and soul amid joy and sufferings to obtain for myself and others Thy blessings on this earth and eternal life in Heaven. Amen.
