In 1917, the children of Fatima – ten, eight, and six years old – were called to sacrifice themselves for the reparation of sins and consecrate their hearts to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. They were chosen to model this act of faith and consecration for generations to come, catching thousands of souls in their nets. Mother Mary asked the children to visit her on the thirteenth day of each month for six months and entrusted them to spread her message to the whole world.
It is truly incredible that the messages of Our Lady of Fatima were given to three young children. Children are resilient and qualified members of the body of Christ. A child’s resiliency is often found in their conviction of the truth. When something is true, they will stand firm in it. Regarding the apparitions of Mary and receiving messages from her, the children of Fatima faced conflict from their families, villages, and government. And despite what came, the children’s faith remained strong and never wavered.
While reflecting on the children of Fatima – their steadfast faith and love of Our Lady – I am reminded of my own students in the Early Learning Program at St. Benedict Classical Academy and how God calls each of them to do His will. Each day, my students encounter Christ, and I am blessed to walk alongside them. Whether they make the connection that they are sheep of Psalm 23 – one of the many hopes of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – or I am invited to answer a question, sing a hymn, or pray for one of their intentions, it is a joy to witness how Christ is leading them. As teachers and parents, we are called to guide the children to the True Teacher and serve as His instruments.
Furthermore, children have an aptitude for deep admiration and wonder, such as admiring simple parts of nature in bugs or plants, where God is present in as He created them. Christ tells us, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it” (Mark 10: 14-15).
Spending time with the children at SBCA over the last three years has given me an understanding of what the faith life of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta must have been like – children who changed the course of the world through their simplicity and steadfast pursuit of Truth. They are role models of exemplary childlike trust in God. Young children are completely present to what is in front of them; they don’t fixate on failings for long, and they are quick to move forward, allowing God to lead them. The present can carry much responsibility and trial, and yet only in the present moment can we fully love. It is a gift that the Lord asks us to worry about today, and we must take this certainty and live it out, being present to the ever-present God. The Lord is so good to us, his children – not only does He lead us, but He also sustains us with all that we need. All He asks is that we follow Him with complete and unwavering trust.
The Fatima Angel’s Prayer:
Most Holy Trinity—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—I adore Thee profoundly. I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges, and indifferences whereby He is offended. And through the infinite merits of His Most Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of Thee the conversion of poor sinners. Amen.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us! Saints Jacinta & Francisco, pray for us!
AUTHOR: Teresa Thekaekara, Early Learning Lead Teacher
