Local apostolate encourages students to offer an hour of prayer before tabernacle on Oct. 13

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
October 5, 2004

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sioux City have been asked to encourage their students to pray for families and peace in the world.

About two weeks ago the Sioux City division of the World Apostolate of Fatima sent a letter to all principals asking them to allow their students to join with children around the world for a Marian Holy Hour on Oct. 13. That date marks the 89th anniversary of the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima which was Oct. 13, 1917, the "Miracle of the Sun."

The international apostolate's slogan for this event is: "Gather the children of the world before the tabernacles of the world, for the families of the world."

In the letter, members of the local apostolate, wrote, "The purpose of the event is to give the children of the world the opportunity to unite their prayers with other children of the world, for their own families and all families of the world, to follow God's call to holiness, defend life, stop wars and live in peace."

According to Marge Stanek, a member of the local apostolate, this is the fourth year that the World Apostolate of Fatima has organized this prayer-filled day for life and peace. However, this is the first time the local division has promoted the event in the schools.

"Principals and teachers may use their own discretion as to what they decide to do," added Mary Margaret Sudbeck, a member of the apostolate. "We are hoping that all schools will choose to do something."

They acknowledged that they are uncertain as to which schools have made definite plans to participate in the hour of prayer. Because they want to encourage schools to participate, there is flexibility with this prayerful effort. Schools may decide to have all grades participate or just the older students and while options exist for the type of prayer, the rosary is the prayer of choice because the Blessed Mother did ask at Fatima that it be prayed daily. In addition to the rosary, the students could sing Marian hymns and reflect on Fatima messages.

Shirley Kennedy, a member of the apostolate, said, "The prayers are to be for peace and the family. The two go together because everything starts in the family and then from that it radiates to the world - to change the hearts of the world."

They would love for schools to not only participate in the hour of prayer, but also would like for school officials to let parents, grandparents and others know about their plans so that everyone may participate.

"The purpose of the World Apostolate of Fatima is to spread the word and message of Fatima and to increase prayer life," noted Stanek.

With this in mind, all of the women see the value in the school program.

"I feel it is important that the children learn to pray with their families and pray the rosary," said Kennedy.

Sudbeck agreed that children must learn to pray and to love Jesus.

The example of the shepherd children of Fatima has always been appealing to Stanek.

"I grew up with a love of Fatima and it's never gone away," she said.

With all of the difficult situations in the world today, they all believe that more prayers are needed.

Kennedy stressed, "I always prayed the rosary in the early years for the spiritual and temporal well-being of our family. It was through prayers that I was able to accept many of the things that happened to me in life. Now, I've seen how my prayer life has changed to a degree. It involves the world now, because we are all family."

Eleven years from now, by the 100th anniversary of Fatima, Stanek said she would love to see the Fatima message embraced by the young people.

"In the end, her immaculate heart will triumph but it means we have to pray," she said.