FATIMA ROSARY: Big crowd despite rainy weather

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Oct. 18, 2007

Even though the rain fell on Oct. 13 in 1917, the faithful came to witness the Miracle of the Sun as was promised by the Blessed Mother at Fatima in Portugal. Despite the rain, so, too did about 170 believers come to pray the rosary at Trinity Heights on Oct. 13 this year.

Originally planned as an outside event, rain kept much of the service indoors. Bishop R. Walker Nickless offered comments and led the first three mysteries of the rosary in the St. Joseph Center before processing to the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine for the final two decades.

The bishop said they gathered on that day to pray the rosary for three reasons - to mark the 90th anniversary of the sixth apparition of Mary at Fatima, to pray during the Month of the Rosary and thirdly to pray during Respect Life Month.

Bishop Nickless spoke of the message of Fatima delivered to three children 90 years ago.

"That message was an exhortation on conversion and we need to hear that message again today - conversion especially through prayer and especially through the rosary - praying for the reparation of our own sins and the sins of all mankind," he said.

Fatima's message, noted the bishop, was reflected in the Gospel message of Jesus by Mark - repent and believe in the Gospel.

"That is a constant call of all Christians, it demands an interior transformation that we can defeat sin and attain holiness," he said. "That message is very important to us in the world today." He referred to troubles in society such as war, suffering and the denial of God.

Bishop Nickless called the message of Fatima, the outpouring of love through the heart of Mary.

He spoke of the importance of the rosary to Catholic Christians.

"When we pray the rosary, the Holy Father reminds us, we consecrate the faith of Christ," said the bishop. "Through the rosary, the Holy Father said, the faithful receive abundant grace."

As the faithful reflect on the mysteries of the rosary, Bishop Nickless said it helps them grow in understanding of their beliefs and what the faith is all about.

"Finally, we gather during Respect Life Month to end the worst form of the abuse of life - the taking of human life from the womb of the mother," he said. "We pray for an end of abortion. We pray for young women and young men who face difficult decisions. We pray for good, strong and holy families. Through Mary's intercession we pray that even good things can happen today."

It was the love of the rosary that drew many to participate in the prayer service.

Laura Grebasch of Sioux City, said, "I think it's really important to pray the rosary and I don't think enough people know the impact of that so to have me here shows its importance to other people." She tries to pray the rosary daily.

As to the weather, she called it perfect because that is how it was 90 years ago.

Kathy Stanek of Sioux City attended the rosary with her daughter and two nieces.

"I wanted to participate and honor the 90th anniversary of Fatima," she said.

Marge Stanek, a member of the diocesan World Apostolate of Fatima that organized the event, was pleased that so many people attended despite the rain.

"I believe we have a failed peace plan in the world today," said Stanek, who pointed out that Mary had offered a peace plan at Fatima. She urged people to listen to the message. "With the world in turmoil today, it is so important that we get the whole world praying again."

Dr. Paul Wolpert, a member of Trinity's board, believes the weather was perfect for the occasion because the children will remember praying in the rain.

He said the Blessed Mother is still begging for the message to be believed and practiced. The strong turnout at the rosary offered a positive sign.

"I think it shows there is a reservoir of faith in the message of Fatima. Even though it is a historical event, it is more apropos for our modern time. Unless we take to heart the message of Fatima - which is reparation through penance, prayer and fasting - the Blessed Mother is not going to be able to hold off the avenging angel," he said.