Another thought on Fatima ...

The only photo I have of the icon

I did for the World Apostolate of Fatima.

We must be very careful not to take one part of the message and allow it to overshadow and obscure the full truth of Fatima. I fear that some have concentrated only on the secret, the collegial consecration, the practical details of the conversion of Russia or the various phenomena such as the solar miracle or the vision of hell and by so doing miss or render myopic the Blessed Virgin's central teaching: The application of the grace of the redemption is accomplished through the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ. By giving himself or herself unreservedly to God through conversion, prayer, sacrifice and other acts of charity, each member of the Church is called to be an instrument of Christ in the work of saving souls. - Fr. Frederick Miller

I know Fr. Miller.  I did an icon for him, and another which he commissioned for the World Apostolate of Fatima, which has since been lost BTW.  (Or painted over, but that's another story.)

Fr. Miller has always emphasized the theological and catechetical dimension of the message of Fatima, the call to holiness and fidelity to the Vicar of Christ.  I have not been in touch with him for many years, but I'm sure he has not changed in his promotion of the Fatima message and devotion.

 Rereading some of his writings, it seems very clear to me that he thinks in accord with the Church and not only accepts and believes the consecration was accomplished and accepted by heaven - he understands its significance and purpose.  Our Lady requested the consecration to prevent the spread of errors propagated by atheistic communism and for the conversion of Russia.  It was a message for the Pope.  It has been accomplished, though errors have spread.  Yet Russia has been converted, churches reopened and so on.  Communism has collapsed, the Soviet Union broken apart, and so on.  Communism may not be entirely eradicated on a global scale - principally because the errors of Russia have spread throughout the world.  In explaining why the entire Russian nation did not return to the faith in a mass conversion, Sr. Lucia said the Russian people are free to return to God - or not - God respects our free will.  Nevertheless, the Russian Church has been 'resurrected' so to speak.

Which is why I'm confused and disappointed by people who lobby to have the Pope consecrate Russia once again.  

Anyway.  I have to let it go.  I've spent too much time on the subject and my opinion doesn't have any effect upon Fatimists.  If they don't believe the Holy Father or the Church, or even the seer Sr. Lucia, they will never be convinced.