Sr. Lucia in Carmel.
They proliferate and are perpetuated by those obsessed with the 'third secret' of Fatima.
To such an extent they neglect the essential message of Our Lady which Sr. Lucia was meant to make public.
"What matters is the public message ... Sr. Lucia was charged not only to transmit a secret to the Pope, but also to make known to all the world a public message." - Cardinal Ottaviani, 11 February 1967
Concerning the content of the secret, Sr. Lucia explained, "The part necessary for the people to know was already known since 1917."
The first two parts of the secret were not even made public until 1941-1942, when under obedience, Sr. Lucia recorded them in her memoirs.
So what was essential to be known was already known in 1917.
"This had all been said in 1917, that is, that men must amend their lives, that they must not offend God, that he is already much offended." - Sr. Lucia
Anything more, or demanding this or that be revealed seems to me to border upon presumption and tempting God.
We must be guided humanly and visibly in all by the law of Christ the man and that of his Church and of his ministers. This is the method of remedying our spiritual ignorances and weakness; here we shall find abundant medicine for them all. Any departure from this road is ... extraordinary boldness ... one must ever adhere to Christ's teaching. - John of the Cross
In Chapter 21 of Book II of the Ascent, St. John goes on to say that God is displeased by the request for revelations and locutions, despite the fact that some believe their curiosity to know these things is good because God has revealed himself in this manner in the past. St. John asserts that God is not pleased, saying not only is he displeased, he is 'frequently angered and deeply offended.' The following may well apply to the inordinate curiosity some have regarding the secret of Fatima, a morbid inquiry which may likewise displease God:
The reason lies in the illicitness of transcending the natural boundaries God has established for the governing of creatures. He has fixed natural and rational limits by which man is to be ruled. A desire to transcend them, hence, is unlawful... consequently, God who is offended ... is displeased. - John of the Cross
Fatima remains a mystery. As a child my parish would host the traveling statue in parishioners home. One night when it was your turn neighbors would come over to pray the rosary. Very simple nothing flashy. It was all for world peace. I have read the statue still travels around to churches not so much homes. The so called secrets were minor in this whole process. I have fond memories of this as it was pure devotion. Today we look for the sensational. Time will tell what God has in store for us.
ReplyDeleteAgree ... that's what I want, a pure and humble devotion. to pray in earnest with charity for all.
DeleteI find not knowing all the secret stuff and focusing just on trying to amend my life daily is enough, and gives a peace of mind & freedom. Otherwise you're just in turmoil. Finally, that feeling of "I just can't be bothered" that comes from getting older is actually a good thing!
ReplyDeleteAmen!
DeleteTerry, I linked to your last four Fatima posts - excellent stuff as usual.
ReplyDeleteThanks much Larry. I know you used to work with a Gruner follower.
DeleteYup - I think he follows Gruner more fervently than Christ. At least it seems that way sometimes.
DeleteI just read this article from Joanna Bogle June 1, and had to come and post the link here. I have to admit that I giggled through the whole thing, but then said a rosary in penance.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.catholicworldreport.com/Blog/4819/the_boring_third_secret_of_fatima.aspx
Thanks Maggie - I just read what she had to say - it's a great article. She covers the whole problem.
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