I may be getting ahead of myself, but I am awarding this book 2017 Book of the Year! Our Lady of Fatima: 100 years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions is my favorite Catholic read this year.
From the first pages, I felt as if I was sitting in an overstuffed chair in front of the fireplace listening to Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle tell the story of an incredible Lady and three shepherd children who have captured our hearts in a very special way over the past 100 years.
October 2017 marks the 100th year since the last apparition of Mary in Fatima, Portugal to the three children, Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco. I was overwhelmed with awe and humility by the depth of faith expressed by these children, the oldest of whom was only 10 years old... "these children chose to remain faithful. They did not turn their backs or run away," (p.96) and "They grew in unfathomable, bold holiness as they prayed and sacrificed for heaven's sake." (p.81)
This book is not simply a reporting of the history of the story and message of Fatima, but it is presented as a mini-retreat in that each chapter ends with a "Time to Reflect," how to apply the message "In My Own Life," and a "Prayer."
I found myself challenged on many levels to increase my own faithfulness to daily prayer, Morning Offering, sacrifices to save souls, and devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the First Saturdays.
If only we could all fulfill Jacinta's dying words:
"I wish I could put into everybody the fire that I have here in my heart which makes me love the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary so much." (p.93)
Thank you to Donna Marie Cooper O'Boyle
and Franciscan Media for a great Catholic book!
I received this book for free in return for providing my honest and unbiased review. I received no other compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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