Mercy in Fatima

It is the month of the rosary, how fitting because Our Lady of Fatima urged the children in her apparitions to pray the rosary daily. And today, October 13, is the 100th anniversary of the last of apparition of Our Lady in Fatima.  Among several prayers taught by Our Lady is the Fatima prayer in the rosary. If you are unfamiliar it is as follows:

Oh My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. Amen. 

This prayer is one of my favorites. It shows us one of the fundamental elements of prayer. It's not just normal conversation with God, which is important, but intercessory prayer for others. Save us from the fires of Hell. Us, not just me. We're praying for those around us, our children, our parents, the neighbor who keeps taking our parking spot, the crabby manager at work, our elected officials. Yep, them too.

We are all in need of His mercy. And in this Fatima prayer, we're asking in intercession for everyone to pick up their cross and follow Him and receive His mercies by His guidance. And it reaffirms what Our Lady points to in every one of her apparitions-- back to her Son.

Intercession is one of the things that sets Catholics apart from their Protestant friends. As Catholics we acknowledge human and heavenly intercession. Heavenly intercession can be through a canonized saint or Our Lady, and even our uncanonized relatives that have already been called home. 

After all, shouldn't we always be praying for our neighbors not just what we want? In being followers of Christ, are we not called to love and care for others?

Do you pray any of the Fatima prayers? What is your favorite one? How can I pray for you?

Our Lady, ora pro nobis!

In Him.