The Catholic Defender: The Fatima Prayer the "Decade Prayer,"
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Mother Mary told the children that people should add this prayer to the end of 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 who are in most in need of Thy mercy. Amen."
Commonly recited during the Rosary at the end of each decade, it carries a powerful message of intercession and hope. It’s often referred to as the "Decade Prayer," and its history is quite fascinating.
The prayer was revealed during the apparitions at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. According to the accounts of the three visionary children (Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta), the Virgin Mary asked them to add this specific prayer to their Rosary to pray for the salvation of souls.
It emphasizes two core tenets of Christian faith: Divine Mercy and the universal desire for salvation. It reflects a selfless posture—praying not just for oneself, but specifically for those who might be the furthest away from spiritual peace.
An act of contrition and an acknowledgment of human imperfection.
A plea for protection and a recognition of eternal consequences.
A petition for universal salvation, reflecting a heart for all humanity.
A focused intercession for the marginalized, the lost, or those struggling most.
Teaching us to intercede for souls is the heart of Our Lady’s message at Fatima. When she appeared to the three children in August 1917, she said, “Pray, pray very much, and make sacrifices for sinners; for many souls go to hell, because there are none to sacrifice themselves and to pray for them.”
Nearly a century later, the message of Our Lady of Fatima remains as relevant and urgent as ever. In a world plagued by division, violence and moral decay, Mary’s call to prayer, penance and conversion resonates deeply with believers. she invites us to heed her words and embrace the path of holiness and reconciliation, trusting in God’s mercy and grace.
The primary message is that accepting Jesus as Savior and repenting of sins is the way to avoid judgment.
Jesus taught that salvation involves bearing good fruit and following Him, rather than facing destruction.
"Everlasting Fire": Jesus refers to hell as a place of "everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" Matthew 25:41.
Body and Soul: Jesus warned that God can destroy both soul and body in hell, indicating a severe, ultimate consequence Matthew 10:28.
Symbolism of Fire: Some interpretations view the fire as a symbol of divine justice and the consuming nature of sin or separation from God, which "burns" as a form of eternal dissatisfaction.
Admit your need: Acknowledge that everyone has sinned and falls short of God's standards (Romans 3:23).
Believe in Jesus Christ: Trust that Jesus is the Son of God who died for your sins and was raised from the dead (Romans 10:9).
Repent: Turn away from sin and toward God, a change of heart often required for genuine salvation (Luke 13:3).
Call on His Name: Ask God for mercy and forgiveness, relying on His grace rather than your own good works (Romans 10:13).
John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".
Jude 1:23: Instructs believers to save others by "snatching them out of the fire".
Acts 16:31: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved".
Romans 6:23: States that the "wages of sin is death," but the free gift of God is eternal life.
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