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Humanity’s Greatest Hope: The Forgotten Request of Fatima

F or g o t t e n Truths

God Assures Faithful Souls a Glorious Victory over the Powers of Earth and Hell B y R e v. J . P. d e C au s s a d e , S . J .

upon the interior and spiritual man, and this war still continues. The monsters succeed one another; the abyss swallows them and vomits them forth again, while unceasingly emitting new and strange vapors. The combat begun in Heaven between Lucifer and Saint Michael still wages. The heart of that proud and envious spirit has become an inexhaustible abyss of every kind of evil; his only aim since the creation of the world has been to ever raise up among men new workers of iniquity to replace those swallowed up in the abyss. Lucifer is the chieftain of those who refuse obedience to the Almighty; this mystery of iniquity is but the inversion of the order of God. It is the order, or rather the disorder, of Satan. This disorder is a mystery, for beneath a fair exterior it hides irremediable infinite evils. All the wicked who have declared war against God, from Cain to those who now lay waste the earth, have been seemingly great and powerful princes, famous in the world and worshipped by men. But their apparent splendor is a portion of the mystery; they are but the beasts which, one after another, rise from the abyss to subvert the order of God. But this order, which is another mystery, resists them with men truly powerful and great, who give the deathblow to these monsters; and even as Hell vomits forth new monsters, Heaven raises up new heroes to battle with them. Ancient history, sacred and profane, is but the record of this war. The will of God always triumphs. His followers

share His victories and reap a happy eternity. But iniquity can never protect its followers, and the deserters from God’s cause reap death, eternal death. The wicked ever believe themselves invincible, but oh, my God, who shall resist Thee! Were the powers of earth and Hell raged against one single soul, she would have naught to fear in abandoning herself to the will of God. That apparent might and irresistible power of iniquity, that head of gold, that body of silver, brass and iron, is but a phantom of glittering dust. A pebble overthrows it and makes it the sport of the winds. How admirable is the work of the Holy Spirit throughout all ages! The revolutions which irresistibly carry men along with them, the brilliant heroes heralded with so much pomp, who shine like stars above the rest of mankind, the marvels of the age, are all but as the dream of Nebuchadnezzar, which at his awakening fled with all its terrors. All these things are only sent to exercise the courage of the children of God, and when their virtue is proved and confirmed, He permits them to overcome these monsters and continues to send new warriors into the field. So that this life is a continual warfare which exercises the courage of the saints on earth and causes joy in Heaven and confusion in Hell. Thus, all opposition to the will, the order of God, serves but to render it more adorable. The servers of iniquity are the slaves of justice, and from the ruins of Babylon the divine action builds the heavenly Jerusalem. n

The battle begun in Heaven between Saint Michael and Lucifer still wages with Our Lady of the Apocalypse as its general. (The Archangel Michael and His Angels Fighting the Dragon, by Gustave Doré, 1865–1866.)

J.P. de Caussade, S.J., Abandonment, or, Absolute Surrender to Divine Providence, trans. Ella McMahon (New York: Benzinger Bros. 1887), 160–164.

f the divine action is veiled here below by an exterior of weakness, it is that the merit of faithful souls may be increased; but its triumph is no less sure. The history of the world is simply the history of the struggle maintained from the beginning by the powers of the world and Hell with souls humbly submissive to the divine action. In the conflict all the advantage seems to be on the side of the proud; yet humility is always victorious. This world is represented to us under the form of a statue of gold, brass, iron and clay. This mystery of iniquity which was shown in a dream to Nebuchadnezzar is but the confused assemblage of all the acts, interior and exterior, of the children of darkness. These are again represented by the beast coming up out of the abyss from the beginning of all ages, to make war

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Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira How I Came to Accept and Love Suffering

Over one hundred years ago, Our Lady presented Sister Lúcia with her plan to save the world. Is it too late?

The American TFP The American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) is an organization of lay Catholic Americans concerned about the moral crisis shaking the remnants of Christian civilization. Its earliest origins date back to January 1971, when the first TFP members started to group around the publication Crusade for a Christian Civilization. It is a civic, cultural and nonpartisan organization which, inspired by the traditional teachings of the Supreme Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church, works in a legal and peaceful manner in the realm of ideas to defend

and promote the principles of private ownership, family and perennial Christian values with their twofold function: individual and social. The TFP’s words and efforts have always been faithfully at the service of Christian civilization. The first TFP was founded in Brazil by the famous intellectual and Catholic leader Prof. Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira in 1960. His work inspired the formation of other autonomous TFP sister organizations across the globe, thus constituting the world’s largest anticommunist and antisocialist network of Catholic inspiration.

November/December 2025

Contents

PLINIO

CORRÊA DE

OLIVEIR A

How I Came to Accept and Love Suffering B y P l i n i o C o rr ê a d e O l i v e i r a

omeone asked me how I came to love suffering. To answer this question, we need to realize that nobody naturally loves suffering; it horrifies us. For example, I am horrified by the thought of a drop of boiling water or, even worse, a drop of sealing wax falling on my skin. It will form a blister and complicate my life until it stops hurting, the wax drop is removed and things are normalized. I do not want things

Suffering has many forms and is no stranger to the young and healthy.

like this to happen to me. We all have a horror of suffering. Imagine someone saying to a person who will be returning to Spain, “You will get some bad news when you arrive

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in Madrid.” The person will be worried during the trip and think, “What will this bad news be?” He will scour the horizon, wondering about the source of this bad news. Everyone has a horror of suffering. Thus, you might ask how I came to like suffering since it is so contrary to our desires. Like everyone else in my early youth, I had around me people who suffered and those who did not. Those who did not suffer at least appeared to be leading a perfectly comfortable and enjoyable life. Everything seemed fine with them. Those who suffered a lot clearly showed their sorrows. Thus, I could contrast the two groups and reach some conclusions. I noticed that the people who led pleasant lives were selfish and indifferent to the concerns of others. Their vulgarity horrified me. They only spoke about and were interested in banal things. On the other hand, I noticed those who suffered had loftier concerns. They were interested in doctrine, religious topics and other such issues. Even their vocabulary was more beautiful. They employed lovely words to express their thoughts. Those who didn’t suffer possessed an indescribably ordinary vocabulary. I came to appreciate the value of suffering even more by observing the peo-

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ple in our household. My home was one of those old houses with lots of servants. In those days, it was easy to have many servants because society was not highly industrialized. There were many maids, including those who suffered much and often. For example, we had two maids who were cousins, one a cook and the other a laundress. They had very upright bearings and the faces of people who had overcome all life’s vicissitudes. The cook’s name was Florence, and her cousin, the laundress, was Magdalena. Magdalena was full of aches and pains. She had rheumatism in her hands. Despite these problems, all she wanted © Wikimedia Commons

A washerwoman with rheumatism who embraced her suffering won the admiration of the author at a young age.

From these observations, I concluded that a man is worth something only to the degree he suffers. immense. I felt I had reached the limits of what I could endure; such was the torturous situation. However, I also saw how this suffering did me good. I grew in my capacity to suffer and developed qualities. I even perceived that this suffering made me more intelligent. I later related these lessons on suffering to the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ and understood the great lesson He gave us in His Passion. I came to understand the role of Our Lady of Sorrows in helping me endure these trials. All this inspired in me a great respect for suffering. From these observations, I concluded that a man is worth something only to the degree he suffers. If he can’t suffer, he is worth nothing. The same applies to those who lack the capacity to suffer. There is one final consideration when dealing with suffering. I found that some sufferings in life seem to exceed my ability to deal with them. Even at a young age, we can face some sufferings so intense that we feel we don’t have the courage to confront them. Sometimes, the simple struggle against a moral defect is so hard that we don’t dare face it. I have been prostrate by these trials several times throughout my life. However, I eventually understood that strength comes from praying to Our Lady. It is an arduous struggle. Relief does not, or might not, come immediately. If we pray, pray and pray, Divine assistance really comes. When lacking strength, pray for it to come. No man has the right to say he does not have the strength if he did not ask for it. By asking, we receive. We can have recourse to Saint Bernard’s prayer, the Memorare: “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known. . .” This prayer is one of the most beautiful prayers in the Catholic Church. It is very categorical. Notice that it says, “never was it known!” “. . . that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. . .”

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In other words, no unworthy creature on earth has ever asked for her support and not received it. That is what I am, the last of men. However, I am a man and, therefore, her son. That is why I come to ask a favor. I am confident that she will not deny me that which she would not deny anyone, even criminals or Judas if he approached her with a contrite heart. “Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee, I stand, sinful and sorrowful. . .” At this point, the prayer mentions sin. I am not praying to her as a good or upright man but as a sinner. I have sinned so much that my sins have brought me to the ground; I groan under their weight but prostrate myself at her feet. Then comes the final sentence: “. . . O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.” With such a prayer, we can all acquire a love of suffering. n The preceding article was adapted from an informal talk given by the author on August 23, 1983, in São Paulo, Brazil. –Ed. © George Kroll | Dreamstime.com

to do was wash clothes. She was always very ill. I would often see her talking with my mother, Dona Lucília. Needless to say, Dona Lucília felt sorry for her and helped her in any way she could. I noticed that Magdalena prayed a lot and was pious. She passed by us respectfully like a shadow along the wall. She wore a spotless white cloth on her head, like a headdress I’d never seen anyone use. Thus, I had respect for the laundress but no special respect for Florence, who was more easygoing and enjoyed the good things in life. I appreciated this washerwoman who was a sufferer. No one cared about her. However, I saw how suffering gave her soul more value than some of the beautiful, perfumed and jeweled ladies who visited our home. I then understood that suffering is the thing that most elevates a person’s soul. No person on earth is more destitute than one to whom God does not send pain and suffering. In this way, I began to sympathize with suffering. I also came to understand suffering in the context of the struggle of Revolution and Counter-Revolution, that is, those who fight for and against Christian civilization. I realized that those who suffer are more counter-revolutionary than those who don’t. This is because those who don’t suffer are generally happy with how things are and are engulfed in pleasure. They get along with the revolutionary world. Those who suffer typically have some point of friction with the Revolution, either because they don’t want the Revolution or because the Revolution doesn’t want them. The Revolution doesn’t like suffering people and hides them as much as possible. It keeps silent about those who suffer. That is one more reason I began to greatly respect suffering. This respect increased yet more when I started to suffer. I noticed that my soul made progress through suffering. When I was very young, I went to a primary school called Colégio São Luís. I found classmates and others there who the Revolution influenced, and I clashed with them. For a young boy, this suffering was

No man has the right to say he does not have the strength to bear his sufferings if he did not pray for it.

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Cover Story

Humanity's Greatest Hope: The Forgotten Request of Fatima By Rex Teodosio

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here is much talk in Catholic circles about the centennial of the request for the Five First Saturdays devotion. It is a principal request of Our Lady of Fatima. It can be argued that it is even more important than the request to consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Though the consecration has been a topic of discussion for decades, the second part of Our Lady’s request has not seen as much attention. What is the Five First Saturdays devotion? What are the promises attached to it? Why is it so important to Our Lady and Our Lord? Finally, why is this, and not the consecration of Russia, mankind’s greatest hope?

The Five First Saturdays Devotion and the Angel of Portugal The Five First Saturdays devotion is the main practice of devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The three Fatima seers—Lúcia dos Santos and Francisco and Jacinta Marto—saw a series of apparitions from 1916 to 1917. After Francisco and Jacinta died, the remaining seer saw another set of apparitions and locutions, which the Fatima Shrine in Portugal now refers to as the Cordimarian Cycle of Apparitions. The first allusion to this devotion happened when the Angel of Portugal appeared to the seers three times in 1916. He said, “The Hearts of Jesus and Mary are attentive to your supplications.” In the second apparition, he told them, “The Hearts of Jesus and Mary have designs of mercy for you. Constantly offer prayers and sacrifices to the Most High.” In the third apparition, the angel clearly laid out the spirit and motive of this devotion in the prayer he taught the children: “Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifference with which He Himself is offended. And, through the infinite merits of His Most Sacred Heart, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of Thee for the conversion of poor sinners.”

The apparition of the angel was to prepare the children for something even more important: the apparition of the Queen of Heaven to them, which happened a year later.

The Five First Saturdays Devotion and the Communion of Reparation The apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima to the three children happened monthly from May to October 1917. The Immaculate Heart was not mentioned in the first apparition. In the second apparition, the children were shown a vision of the Immaculate Heart pierced with thorns and understood that she asked for reparation. The first mention of the devotion occurred during the July 13, 1917, apparition. This third apparition is the most important because Our Lady revealed three secrets to them during it. Here is an excerpt of what Our Lady said pertaining to the devotion: “To save [souls], God wants to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If the world does what I will ask of you, many souls will be saved and there will be peace. The war will end. But, if mankind does not stop offending God . . . a worse war will begin. When you see a night illuminated by an unknown light, know that this is a great sign which God gives you that He will punish the world for its crimes by means of war, hunger and persecutions of the Church and the Holy Father. To prevent it, I will come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart and the Communion of Reparation on the first Saturdays. If they listen to my requests, Russia will convert, and there will be peace. If not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, promoting wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred.” The context of this devotion was clearly defined in this apparition. Mankind’s sins have offended God, and they need to stop. Wars, hunger, persecutions of the Church and the Holy Father, the martyrdom of the good, the annihilation of nations and the loss of

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the Dogma of the Faith will come as a result of Russia spreading her errors around the world. Sister Lúcia frequently referred to this devotion as the “Communion of Reparation” and “Devotion of Reparation.” The Five First Saturdays devotion was later designated and is more commonly used today. It was one of two requests Our Lady made as the means to prevent the punishments she prophesied. Though it was mentioned then, the requests had not been made. Our Lady intended to return to request them formally at a later time. This is most likely to give the faithful worldwide time to hear of the miraculous events at Fatima and for devotion to her to spread.

“My daughter, look at my Heart surrounded with the thorns with which ungrateful men pierce me constantly through blasphemies and ingratitude. . . .” The Formal Requests Be that as it may, the formal request for the Communion of Reparation devotion was made in a series of apparitions to Sister Lúcia. The Fatima Shrine in Portugal calls them the “Cordimarian Cycle of Apparitions, ” referring to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The first apparition happened on December 10, 1925, at the Dorothean convent in Pontevedra, Spain. Only eight years after the events unfolded in Fatima, Sister Lúcia was eighteen years old at the time. This is how Sister Lúcia described it: “The Most Holy Virgin appeared with a boy standing on a cloud. On one hand, she showed a heart covered with thorns. She placed the other hand on the boy’s shoulder who said, ‘Have pity on your Most Holy Mother’s Heart, which ungrateful men pierce with thorns unceasingly. No one removes them by making acts of

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The Angel of Portugal gave Holy Communion to Lúcia, Jacinta and Francisco to strengthen them for the trials ahead.

reparation.’ The Most Holy Virgin added, ‘My daughter, look at my heart covered with thorns which ungrateful men pierce unceasingly with blasphemies and ingratitude. . . . Tell people that I promise to assist them at the moment of their death with the graces necessary for salvation, all those who, on the first Saturdays of five months, goes to Confession, receives Holy Communion, prays five decades of the rosary, keeps me company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the fifteen mysteries of the rosary and with the intention of offering me reparation.’” The second apparition happened later in December 1925 or January 1926. Sister Lúcia spoke to a child in the convent who should not have been inside its cloister. She told him to go to the nearby church and pray some Hail Marys.1 Later on, this scene happened: “On February 15, 1926, as I came back in after leaving the trash bin in the backyard, I came upon a child who seemed to be the same one I had encountered. I asked him, ‘Did you ask for the Child Jesus from the Heavenly Mother?’ The child turned to me and said, ‘And, have you spread in the world what the Heavenly Mother asked of you?’ The Child became resplendent. I realized it was Jesus, and I told Him, ‘My Jesus, You know well what my confessor said in the letter I read to you. He said that the vision

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It is evident how insistent God was in promoting the Devotion of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The Five First Saturdays Devotion This devotion consists of five elements to be done on the first Saturdays of five consecutive months:  Go to Confession;  Receive Holy Communion;  Pray five decades of the Holy Rosary;  Keep the Immaculate Heart company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary;  Offer all these acts as reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Why Five Saturdays? Father Jose Bernardo Gonçalves asked Sister Lúcia why it was five instead of nine, like a novena, or seven, in honor of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Our Lord told Sister Lúcia the following:

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“Daughter, the motive is simple. There are five types of offenses and blasphemies committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary: – The blasphemies against the Immaculate Conception. – Against her virginity. – Against her divine maternity; refusing, at the same time, to receive her as the mother of all men. – Those who publicly seek

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to instill indifference, scorn and even hatred toward My Immaculate Mother in the hearts of children. – Those who insult her directly through her holy images and statues.”2 In addition, Our Lord told Sister Lúcia that many souls begin this devotion, but few finish it with the intention of receiving the benefits promised. “Those who do five with fervor and with the intention of making reparation to the heart of their Immaculate Mother are more pleasing to Me than those who do fifteen, lukewarm and indifferent,” He said. © Wikimedia Commons

had to happen a second time and that facts are needed so it may be believed. And my Mother Superior is not able to spread this request all by herself.’ “[The Infant Jesus responded,] ‘It is true that your Superior alone can do nothing, but with My grace she can do everything. It is enough for your confessor to give you permission and for your Superior to tell it to people, for it to be believed, even if they don’t know to whom [the request] was revealed.’”

"Have pity on your Most Holy Mother's Heart, which ungrateful men pierce with thorns unceasingly." — Our Lord to Sister Lúcia, December 10, 1925

The Promises, Benefits and Graces of This Devotion To encourage the faithful to follow this devotion, Our Lord and Our Lady promised benefits and gave indications of the graces that will be received. The principal promise to those who fulfill this devotion is that Our Lady will be present at the moment of the person’s death with the necessary graces for the person’s salvation. The second promise is the conversion of Russia and peace in the world. Another benefit is that the person will recognize how easy it is to fulfill the devotion and do it more frequently. Lastly, it will instill a feeling of pity for the injuries suffered by the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. This will cause a horror of all sins, replacing indifference and leading sinners to have a desire to amend their

lives. In short, this devotion will cause the conversion of humanity.

Addressing Common Questions and Obstacles Can confessions be made eight days before or after the first Saturdays? Yes, confessions can be made more than eight days before or after the first Saturdays, as long as the person is in a state of grace when Our Lord is received in Holy Communion. Is it valid if the elements of the devotion are done without offering them as acts of reparation? No, each one must be done with the specific intention of repairing the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart. If, for example, the Confession was not offered, then Our Lord instructs to do it at the next opportunity. Can Holy Communion received at a Saturday vigil Mass be offered to fulfill this devotion? Yes, Holy Communion received at any time during the first Saturday of the month can be applied. Can Holy Communion received outside of the liturgy of the Mass be offered? Yes, Holy Communion outside of Mass, such as in Communion services in big cities like Rome, for the sick or elderly or the viaticum, can be used for this devotion. The example for this was set by the Angel of Portugal in 1916 when he administered Communion in the species of Flesh to Lúcia, and under the species of Blood to Francisco and Jacinta. Also, Jacinta frequently received Holy Communion outside of Mass because of her illness. If a person cannot fulfill this devotion on a Saturday, can it be done on the Sunday after the first Saturday? Yes, Our Lord told Sister Lúcia this can be done with the permission of a priest. Does one meditate on one or all fifteen mysteries? Both are acceptable. Can one meditate on other aspects of the Scriptures that are not the fifteen mysteries? No, Our Lady requested meditation on the fifteen mysteries of the Holy Rosary.

Is it valid if all the elements are done but they are not offered as acts of reparation? No, Our Lord was clear that, as with Confession, if the person forgot to offer it as an act of reparation, the person can do so in the next Confession. Is it valid if the meditation is done without keeping Our Lady company? No, keeping Mary in the center of attention is key to repairing the injuries committed against her heart. There is no reparation done if the injuries her heart suffers are neglected, since indifference is one of the offenses against her. Can children do this? It is very much recommended that this devotion be cultivated in the hearts of children. America Needs Fatima custodians have seen very young children enthusiastically practice this devotion. There are no better role models for them than the three Fatima seers.

Why Is This Devotion So Important? Holy Mother Church has given Her children many means of salvation. In Her bountiful richness, many paths can obtain pardon of sins and Heaven. However, God did not ask for generic prayers, litanies and devotions to avoid His punishment. For these times, He only asked for the Devotion of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

No other devotion bears the promises of universal conversion, world peace and the resulting triumph of the Immaculate Heart. C r u s a d e

The three seers of Fatima, simple shepherd children, were entrusted with Heaven's secret for saving the world.

to be spread throughout the world. Because of this, the Fatima devotion stands out as unique among all the modern devotions the Church promotes, especially in these times. No other devotion bears the promises of universal conversion, world peace and the resulting triumph of the Immaculate Heart. This Devotion of Reparation is God’s solution for man’s “unsolvable” problems. In addition, Sister Lúcia asked Our Lord why He insists that this devotion be established before He converts the world. He responded: “Because I want My whole Church to acknowledge this consecration as a triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in order to later extend its cult and to place the devotion to the Immaculate Heart alongside devotion to My Sacred Heart.”3

Is This Request More Important for the Conversion of Mankind Than the Consecration of Russia? There is so much consideration regarding Our Lady of Fatima’s request for the pope and bishops to consecrate Russia to the Immaculate Heart that most devotees have the impression that this is the single most important request coming out of Fatima. Some have gone so far as to insinuate that if only this was done, all of Our Lady’s requests would have been fulfilled.

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A close reading of the second secret shows both the request for the consecration of Russia and the Communion of Reparation are needed to meet Our Lady’s requirement to convert Russia. In that sense, both are equally important. Be that as it may, here are some considerations that indicate the Communion of Reparation can be considered more important. First, the request to consecrate Russia, once done properly, would be a singular act. There are no instructions to repeat it. On the other hand, the Devotion of Reparation is a continuous one. Even after the triumph of Mary’s Immaculate Heart, this devotion will only gain even more importance. When the Immaculate Heart converts all of mankind, generations of children will grow up with the habit of doing the Communion of Reparation. When Russia converts to the Immaculate Heart, this devotion will be the main one practiced there as an act of reparation for the crimes the nation has perpetrated and promoted, especially the persecution of the Church. Secondly, though Our Lord was pleased with Pope Pius XII’s consecration in 1942, He complained how little amendment of life there was.4 People were not moving away from a life of sin. Mankind still offended God with sins. He intimated to Sister Lúcia that living a life of virtue is the preferable sacrifice God wants from mankind. The Five First Saturdays devotion gives mankind the motive and elements to live virtuously.

Thirdly, this devotion is a comprehensive summary of all Our Lady’s important requests, namely the Holy Rosary, Communion, conversion of sinners, amendment of life, penance, recognition of the injuries to the Immaculate Heart and the Sacred Heart and a desire to repair them. In that sense, it fully represents all the aspects of the Fatima apparitions. Finally, this devotion addresses the main problem Our Lord is concerned with the most: the injury of the Immaculate Heart, and He invokes mankind to pity His mother.

Can This Devotion Be the Means to World Peace? It has been 100 years since Our Lady formally requested the Five First Saturdays devotion. World affairs continue to be discussed in committees to obtain peace and order in society. The solutions presented are based on the best available political, economic, technological, scientific and other practices. Nothing seems to work as the world constantly finds itself on the brink of another world war. Leaders propose new and better alliances, treaties and accords to maintain peace. All of them eventually fail. Yet, world leaders insist on returning to these same principles that have failed repeatedly. All the while, God’s solution remains shelved and ignored even by those who should promote it. While the secular world ignores all supernatural solu-

tions, Catholics must be the first to point to this vital devotion. In the hierarchy of importance, God’s solution must be placed above all others. This does not mean all natural solutions must be discarded. Indeed, supernatural solutions can cooperate with natural means. However, God’s solution to the present problem goes far beyond issues like a stabilized economy or a secure border. Indeed, Our Lady at Fatima promised much more when she said, “Finally, my Immaculate Heart will triumph.” This prophecy proclaims a universal and lasting hope and peace to a suffering humanity. It will return the whole world to order. While the world ignores this devotion, Catholics who stand with Our Lady of Fatima must continue promoting it. Thus, make a resolution to do or renew the Five First Saturdays devotion. Become more aware of all the sins that offend the Immaculate Heart, and offer acts of reparation for these outrages. Only when devotion to the Immaculate Heart is spread throughout the world will the world truly have peace. n Notes:

1. Santuário de Fátima, “Documentação Crítica de Fátima,” Seleção de documentos 1917–1930 (2013), 324, Author’s translation. 2. Ibid., 522–523. 3. Carmelite Sisters of Saint Teresa, A Pathway under the Gaze of Mary: Biography of Sister Maria Lúcia of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart (World Apostolate of Fatima, 2019), 128. 4. See Carmelite Sisters, A Pathway, 231.

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Even some liberals had a problem with transgenderism being promoted to young children.

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Three Takeaways from This Year’s Caravan This year’s caravan to defend the innocence of children in Irish schools was very successful, thanks be to God. There were three takeaways from this caravan. First, it was the largest caravan so far, with twenty volunteers in three different vehicles. This allowed the caravan to campaign in two different parts of a city at the same time. Second, this issue was very effective in galvanizing public opinion against the perversion promoted by the LGBT

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movement. Even some liberal people had an issue with transgenderism being promoted to young children. The volunteers distributed over 12,000 leaflets and collected over 700 signatures. Third, the caravan campaigned in housing estates for the first time. Volunteers brought their message to people’s doors. This was very successful. In one housing estate alone, volunteers gathered 135 handwritten petitions from concerned locals. With God and Our Lady’s help, the battle to defend children’s innocence will continue throughout the world. n

TFP in Action Fighting the good fight for moral values

Catholic Youth Take to the Streets to Defend Children’s Innocence in Irish Schools By Joseph Gensens

rom August 12–19, young members and volunteers of the Irish Society for Christian Civilisation (ISFCC) took to the streets to defend children. A caravan of twenty young men traveling around the country campaigned against the dangers of the Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum now taught in Irish schools. The curriculum promotes radical sex education to children as young as six years old. This includes learning about homosexuality and transgenderism, promoting gender fluid notions of the family and teaching that the conjugal act is for pleasure. The goal of this caravan: Raise awareness of the evils in SPHE by handing out thousands of flyers and gathering signatures for a petition calling on the education minister to remove the sexually perverse elements from the curriculum.

“Sign the Petition to Keep Our Children Free!” Volunteers campaigned in the most prominent places across Ireland, including Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny, Limerick and Tipperary. Smaller towns such as Cobh, Adare and Fermoy were also

included. A band of bagpipers and drummers played music to attract attention, while others proclaimed slogans calling on the Irish public to protect children’s innocence.

A lively exchange of ideas could be seen wherever the caravan of twenty young men traveled to defend innocence.

In Dublin, Locals Declare “They’re Everywhere” The caravanners campaigned all across Dublin city for several days, starting in front of the Spire on O’Connell Street. They seemed to be everywhere at the same time. One incident illustrates this impression well. The volunteers split up to cover Dublin’s two main train stations, Heuston and Connolly. At Connolly Station, two liberal women got off the bus with leaflets in hand. They had just been to Heuston Station and, upon seeing more members, exclaimed in despair: “They’re everywhere!” A bus driver asked a volunteer to come on the bus, where he signed the petition. He said he has two young daughters in the school system and added that “this wokeness is destroying our country.” From large cities to smaller towns across Ireland, members of the Irish Society for Christian Civilisation informed the public of the dangers of a new curriculum being taught in schools.

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The door-to-door campaign woke up sleepy neighborhoods with young men playing bagpipes and asking occupants to sign a petition opposing the LGBTQ agenda in Irish schools.

Volunteers Bring Message to People’s Doors with House-to-House Campaigns This year’s caravan did something different by sending volunteers to housing estates. The band played bagpipes and drums, walking through the neighborhoods, while other volunteers knocked on people’s doors offering leaflets and asking people to sign the petitions. Whole families would come outdoors to hear the TFP band and listen to the campaign’s message. These campaigns woke up neighborhoods, as many people enthusiastically applauded the music, accepted the leaflets and signed petitions. One woman signed the petition and told a volunteer, “I have an autistic son in school, and I told them not to teach him any of this. I used to be a liberal, but now I’m against all that.” Another woman told the volunteers they were doing excellent work. She said she had taken her daughter out of school because of the curriculum, adding that “children should grow up with innocence.” A few people were not so receptive. One man in a Dublin housing estate started yelling at the volunteers. He demanded to see sources showing how SPHE is promoting the LGBT agenda. When shown the sources in the leaflet, he refused to listen and responded with insults. Another woman told volunteers that she understood what transgenderism does and how destructive it is. However, she had no problem with it being promoted to young children. (Continued on page 10...)

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TFP in Action

TFP Caravans Sweep Through the States in 2025 By Domenick Galatolo and Kevin Roman

he battle for America’s soul continues! Whether America will fall into the woke abyss or make a great moral comeback lies in the balance. For this reason, the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) and Tradition, Family, Property-Louisiana launched multiple caravans and campaigns over the summer, each focusing on burning issues of the day. Young TFP volunteers participating in these caravans sacrificed their time and energy traveling—at times across multiple states—to defend traditional marriage, the pro-life cause and to oppose socialism.

Pro-Marriage Caravan in the South

On July 14, 2025, young volunteers of TFP—Louisiana gathered to begin a twoweek tour defending traditional marriage throughout Louisiana and Texas. Overall, the pro-marriage caravan held twenty-one campaigns in seventeen cities. Accompanied by honk signs, bagpipes and drums, the volunteers dis-

tributed a flyer titled: “10 Reasons Why Homosexual ‘Marriage’ is Harmful and Must be Opposed.” Under the patronage of Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons, the caravan traveled many miles to proclaim the message: “Roe v. Wade was laid to rest; same-sex ‘marriage’ is going next!”

Joyful Support and Pathetic Pushback The media give the impression that the public overwhelmingly supports samesex “marriage.” However, TFP volunteers found the opposite to be true. Wherever they went, they saw massive support for their campaign and very little pushback from pro-homosexual liberals. At a campaign in Lake Charles, La., one man yelled with glee, “That’s right . . . it’s (traditional marriage) coming back!” Others cried out, “God bless!” while honking their horns and beaming from ear to ear. Americans are clearly tired of the LGBTQ+ agenda being forced down their throats. Support for the caravan was not limited to honking and thumbs up. During

the caravan, twenty-one generous friends donated twenty-seven meals for the hungry caravanners. These meals provided both physical nourishment and precious moral support. The opposition to the caravan was pathetic and vulgar, showing the movement’s weakness. Debate was reduced to obscene gestures and shrieks of isolated individuals. After campaigning in Lake Charles, Lafayette, Baton Rouge and New Orleans, La., the caravan headed to the Lone Star State of Texas.

Austin, the Lone Star State Capital Once in Austin, the caravan held two campaigns, one in front of the Capitol building and one at the University of Texas at Austin. At the Capitol building, the sun burned so hot that the volunteers said their feet felt on fire. One woman came up screaming and cursing at the campaign. When confronted about same-sex “marriage,” she stated that all morals are subjective. “If morals are subjective, then would it be okay for a person to be a pedophile?” said a TFP member. “Yes!” responded the woman, “For them it would be.” “What about murder?” asked the volunteer. “Yes, it would be fine,” responded the woman. While some volunteers were debating with the woman, a car drove by, and someone screamed, “Kill yourselves!” The woman gave a thumbs-up to the The TFP Caravan for Traditional Marriage received overwhelming public support in the form of honks and people saying, "God bless!"

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TFP in Action

words coming from the vehicle. “Did you just give a thumbs up to us killing ourselves?” said the TFP member. “Yes. I think all of you should kill yourselves,” responded the woman.

Dallas, San Antonio and Houston Once in downtown Dallas, the young volunteers faced both support and opposition. One man said the caravan was talking to the wrong public, while another threw a flyer on the ground. On the other hand, a man came up and thanked the TFP members for their work. “This is what we need! Thank you for all that you do, and I love the bagpipes,” said the man.

who donated bottles of water, tea and chocolate. A group of young friends walking in the area loved the campaign and stayed to talk. “Thank you all for what you are doing,” said one of them. Another young lady said she watched the TFP Student Action videos online. She said she is a Catholic and was disappointed to see how some Catholics do not believe in traditional marriage.

The Battle Continues Overall, the public’s general reaction was supportive of the Saint Joseph Caravan. The hope of same-sex “marriage” being overturned just as Roe v. Wade is not a false hope, but a living and fortified one that confides in Our Lady, the Virgin of all Virgins.

Pro-life Tour Across the States

In the Southern states, many people approached the TFP volunteers with words of encouragement, appreciation and even a case of Powerade to refresh them.

When an older lady with her daughter in a stroller was offered a flyer, she responded, “Of course! Traditional marriage is the only way marriage can be done.” Volunteers in San Antonio campaigned for four hours in the hot Texas sun. Thankfully, a man bought some Powerade for the volunteers. One married couple said they were glad to see young men still defending the truth. One young man took a flyer and threw it on the ground while cursing. When the man’s mother and grandmother noticed what he did, the family apologized and rebuked him. After many miles, the caravan reached Houston, where it received much support, starting with a man

As the pro-marriage caravan proceeded through the South, TFP Student Action launched a pro-life tour through Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New York and the District of Columbia on July 16, 2025, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Eighteen young volunteers dedicated two weeks of their summer to defend the most fundamental human right: the God-given right to life. The caravan began with a display of signs asking the public to “honk” against abortion. A TFP bagpiper and drummer played patriotic music to add a touch of beauty to the event. Many showed their pro-life support by honking and talking to the TFP volunteers. In Lancaster, Pa., a pro-life mother joined the TFP members. “I am a mother of two, so I am pro-life,” she told them. “Abortion is the same as murder.” She stayed for an hour, encouraging drivers to honk and giving out TFP flyers.

Morally Bankrupt Liberals When opposition from liberals occurred, it escalated quickly. A purple-haired leftist woman screamed from her car, “Jesus [expletive] hates you!” One volunteer asked her to calm down and use real arguments in-

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This member of the Pro-life Caravan endured the summer heat along a Pennsylvania highway to defend the unborn of America and their mothers.

stead of insults. What happened next was shocking. She parked her car and ran over to scream more insults laced with foul language. Her “arguments” also made no sense. She ended her tirade by yelling, “I want to kill all the [expletive] babies!” One man in Philadelphia, enraged by the pro-life message, shouted obscenities and hurled unfounded accusations, even shoving a sixteen-year-old volunteer and attempting to damage the TFP camera. Despite the aggression, TFP members remained calm, continuing to pray.

Pro-Life Joy in Washington, D.C. A pro-life rally plus a very liberal city usually equals a very contentious event. However, TFP volunteers found a very different scenario in Washington, D.C. While some pro-aborts swore, shouted or spat, tourists from all over the world walked past, agreeing with the prolife message. A proud father said, “I have seven kids. I am with you.” A grandfather with eleven grandchildren encouraged the TFP volunteers: “We are 100 percent, no 1,000 percent pro-life!” Rosaries, Suffering and Public Witness in the Midwest Over in the Midwest, twenty young TFP volunteers traveled through Minne-

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TFP in Action

by following Our Lady’s instructions. Only a culture of faith can defeat the culture of death. America is on the brink of making abortion unthinkable. Prayers, sacrifices and actions can all help tip it over once and for all.

Anti-Socialism Campaign in New York City

The TFP Caravans offer everyday Americans the unique opportunity to discuss current events with informed Catholic volunteers.

sota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan, praying rosaries in front of twenty-two abortion mills for nine days straight at the end of July. The volunteers stood under the blazing sun, sweat-soaked, with limited water, engaging the traffic with honk signs or discussing the issue with passersby. They slept in people’s basements or on the floor of an abandoned convent without central air conditioning. Their voices went hoarse from shouting pro-life slogans like, “Smile! You survived abortion!” and singing Marian hymns loudly. Some were pepper-sprayed in the face by an irate abortion advocate. The opposition wasn’t content with obscene gestures or shouting profanities from afar; they got into the pro-lifers’ faces. Everyone faced the scorn and ridicule of pro-aborts or the blank-faced indifference of so many. The worst was the hatred and physical threats.

A Culture of Life Begins with a Culture of Faith The pro-life movement stands at a critical juncture, where small acts of faith can yield monumental change. If one step is missing, however, the whole sequence fails. Only God can make sure every step falls successfully. The three Fatima seers forever changed history

With another powerful message, sixteen young TFP volunteers stood on the iconic steps of the New York Public Library on July 24, 2025, to peacefully oppose socialism and proclaim the timeless values of Christian civilization.

Socialism Is a Philosophy of Failure The lively demonstration featured bagpipes, handouts and bold slogans shouted through megaphones, cutting through the city’s chaotic pace with clear conviction. For example, “What does socialism give the poor? Equal poverty and equal misery,” and “The best remedy for poverty is Christian charity and private property.” Socialism denies the right to private property, contradicts the moral order established by God and overlooks mankind’s calling to exercise responsible stewardship over creation. By promoting egalitarianism that rejects legitimate differences in talents, vocations and contributions, socialism stifles authentic progress and the flourishing of individuals according to the unique gifts entrusted to them by God. In short, socialism makes social harmony impossible. New Yorkers for True Freedom Despite the city’s liberal reputation,

Americans enjoy the free exchange of ideas unhampered by monolithic, impersonal media platforms. 14

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countless New Yorkers welcomed the campaign. Many distributed extra flyers, applauded or joined in prayer. “I agree with you on every point,” said one woman. “God bless you. Never stop speaking the truth.” Two locals commented in a thick New York accent: “We hate socialism.” Many passersby, especially immigrants who fled socialist regimes, enthusiastically supported the campaign. Russians, Poles, Romanians and Venezuelans approached TFP volunteers to share their painful experiences and warn against repeating history. A Cuban man, visibly emotional, embraced a TFP member and said, “Socialism destroyed my country. Thank you for standing up.”

Leftist Logic and Misfires Not everyone engaged honestly. Some responded with tired clichés like, “Jesus was a socialist,” or insults, like calling a black TFP volunteer a “white boy.” Others tried the usual tactics: “You’re all men!”—a line used by feminists to silence pro-life men. Even in NYC, Socialism Doesn’t Sell Despite New York’s many challenges, TFP Student Action’s outreach proved that the truth is still attractive—even here. When socialism is exposed for what it is—a failed, immoral system condemned by ten popes—it loses its appeal. Like Americans everywhere, New Yorkers want a truly free nation—under God, rooted in tradition, family and private property. n

America Needs Fatima ®

November/December 2025

PROGRESS REPORT

t Ritchie From the Desk of Rober Dear Soldier of Our Lady,

dy ’s intercession. Each d’s blessings and Our La Go of ed ne te era sp de us Christ—the greatest Our world is in pe in the promises of Jes ho r ou s ew ren n so sea year, the Christmas d secular voices openly gift ever given. under attack. Atheists an is e tim red sac s thi re, holy day. From blaspheYet in today ’s cultu ip Christ from His own str to y ssl ele tir rk wo d c protests, society seeks mock Christmas an the season, even to publi of n tio iza ial erc mm co mous displays to the as. true meaning of Christm ly captains are to distort or destroy the country, courageous ral the s ros Ac g. on str ing nd sta public square. are the e into But faithful souls bringing prayer and peac s, lie ral as tm ris ce the truth: Ch en in sil t can leading Keep Chris of noise from the world nt ou am no t tha us s Their witness remind rist. He “so loved the world” Christmas belongs to Ch n to the world because So s Hi ve ga d Go as, tm is the triumph of Divine On that first Chris without Christ. His birth as tm ris Ch no be n ca (John 3:16). There gh His sacrifice. uered sin and death throu nq co t tha st be bold in defending e lov the e— lov s Father’s call, we too mu Hi er sw ort. an to aid afr un inviting you to join this eff are Just as Jesus was we y wh is at Th n. tio friends, and in our na community? Gather with ur His presence in our lives yo in ly ral as tm ris rist in Ch December. Your public Will you host a Keep Ch d from Advent through en ek we y an on s lic tho family and fellow Ca ristmas. Christ into the heart of Ch e tor res lp he n ca ss tne wi email Protest@TFP.org. It’s easy to sign up. Just ll to prayer and proudly us answer Our Lady ’s ca let n, so sea as tm ris Ch This Advent and us, the Prince of Peace. celebrate the birth of Jes Sincerely, In Jesus and Mary, Robert E. Ritchie Executive Director

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ANF PROGRESS REPORT

Taken from ANF ’ s public ation , B attlelines

Overall, Connie said it was a very successful event. “There were no challenges for us on this day. Mother Mary was with us. I felt her presence and her guidance. I felt honored to be invited and to be named captain of this rally. My husband and I were joyous to respond to the call of God.”

Middletown, N.Y.

Catholics Defeating Satan's Attack As the blasphemous traveling circus, the Paranormal Cirque, continues to travel around the country, our prayer warriors keep responding by hosting peaceful protest rallies in their towns. Connie, a rally captain, and her friends gathered outside their church in Middletown, N.Y., to make reparation against this vile event taking place at a local mall. The group held their banner facing the road so passersby could see what they were doing. Connie said they answered questions from many people who were interested in the rally. They also encouraged others to join them at future rallies to help defend our Faith and defeat Satan’s attacks against the Catholic religion.

Drying the Tears of Our Lady with a Grand Gesture in Milwaukee and Chicago A dedicated group of prayer warriors recently organized two rosary rally flotillas along the shore of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee’s Veteran’s Park and on Devon Avenue Beach near Loyola University Chicago as reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary. During the rallies, a beautiful Pilgrim Virgin statue of Our Lady of Fatima was placed on a pedestal in the prow of a sailboat adorned with medieval flags. The rosary was led by two members leading the prayer of the rosary on megaphones. The group has done the rallies since 2022 and received many signs from Our Lady that she is pleased with this grand gesture, including the appearance of seven rainbows last year. Rex, a rally captain, said, “People wonder why we do a rosary rally flotilla. The answer is simple. The way her statue cried in New Orleans was an extraordinary event and the world ignores it. That’s why we made a commitment to commemorate her weeping every year with a grand gesture.”

Milwaukee, Wisc.

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ANF PROGRESS REPORT

Miami, Fla.

Blasphemy Is Not Education Grand Valley State University in Michigan has returned to mocking Our Lady. Earlier this year, following public outcry from a group of TFP-ANF supporters, the university relocated a blasphemous mural against the Mother of God from public display. However, it has since been reinstalled within the provost’s office in a move that foments blasphemy and anti-Catholicism. This so-called artwork features manipulated images of Our Lady of Guadalupe overlaid with pro-LGBT phrases, rainbow flags and immoral imagery. When we first spoke out against this immoral display, Meredith, a rally captain, organized a peaceful protest rally on the university’s campus in Allendale, Mich. “We are fighting a supernatural battle. Desecrating this sacred image of Our Lady is going too far,” she said. “Simply relocating this does not change the sacrilegious nature of it. It is offensive to God and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”

Irving, Tex.

Protecting Texan Youth from Immorality A group of dedicated TFP-ANF friends and supporters organized a rally outside Irving Public Library in Irving, Tex., to

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protest against Pride books and exhibits at the library. John, a rally captain, said the group chose to host the rally when they heard the library had LGBT/Pride books aimed at children on display and exhibits that promote unnatural vice, homosexuality and gender fluidity. Although it rained throughout the rally, John said they remained dedicated to praying and received more than 330 honks of support from passersby. There was a good mix of men and women of all ages at the rally and they prayed five decades of the rosary. “Though we could not breach over a thousand honks due to the shortened length of the rally, it was very blessed. There was a spirit of calm and cohesion. No one complained. Everyone seemed at peace. Even though by worldly standards, it wasn’t ideal, everyone felt as if we had done something pleasing to God and Our Lady,” he said.

Help Keep Christ in Christmas with an Advent Rosary Rally The war on Christmas continues to grow more intense each year as atheists try to leave Christ completely out of Christmas or mock and blaspheme this very holy and sacred time of the year. However, as they do throughout the year, our TFP-ANF friends and supporters continue to respond to these vile attacks with the power of prayer. This year, we’re encouraging everyone to host a rosary rally on any weekend from the beginning of Advent through December to remind everyone to keep Christ in Christmas. We continue to hear from our rally captains about what the power of prayer means to them. Wally in California said, “We will continue to do a rosary rally every Saturday for as long as we are alive. We’ve been doing them weekly for several years at the most public area of the city and even made wind proof banners so we can pray no matter what the weather conditions are.” n

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ANF PROGRESS REPORT

Bringing Hope and Light to the World By Kirstin Ahearn

n October 11, 2025, Americans gathered simultaneously at 23,090 rosary rallies across the country to pray urgently for the conversion of our Grafton,Ill. nation and the world. Organized by volunteers with the support of America Needs Fatima’s annual Covington,La. Public Square Rosary Crusade, the rallies took place on public street corners in towns and cities throughout the nation. “It says a lot about America and our strong desire for prayer that we were able to host a record-breaking number of rallies across our country this year,” Robert E. Ritchie, Director of America Needs Fatima, said. “There is a growing sense that America is tired of the depravity that has been affecting our beautiful country for too long. We know the chaos ends only when we return to God—and we must do that now, before it is too late.” The rallies, which have become an October tradition for countless American families, were held near the anniversary of the October 1917 Miracle of the Sun, an event of biblical proportions that occured during the sixth appariif. Cal tion of the Blessed Mother near ro, Point Fermin, San Ped Fatima, Portugal. The number of ralPark Square, Pittsfield, Mass. lies has grown rapidly since they began eighteen years ago, with each event ranging in size from just a few participants to several dozen and even hundreds. During these rosary rallies, Americans recite the Holy

Rosary, sing hymns and earnestly pray for peace in our land. The rallies are in union with the Blessed Mother’s appeal to the three young seers at Fatima for a life devoted to prayer, conversion of sinners, penance and making acts of reparation for sin. “We were so blessed to be together to pray the rosary for our country,” said Cecilia S., a rally captain from Brooklyn, N.Y. “Just like thousands of people all over the United States, we joined the America Needs Fatima rally to ask our Holy Mother of Fatima for peace, protection and conversion. May our prayers rise like incense to Heaven and bring hope and light to the world.” “I knew we would be a small group, but it didn’t matter as our voices were big,” said Mary M., a rally captain from New York City. “We were blessed by a young man joining us who was trying to go to a federal location closed by the shutdown. He is just learning about Catholicism, saw us praying and joined us, then went into the church and sang to Jesus. It was beautiful, the entire rally! It was such a God moment, and you could feel God’s plan. Amazing!” “It was such a blessing and bliss filled my soul to feel connected to Our Lady,” said Belinda B., a rally captain from Santa Rosa, Calif. More than 100 years after the Miracle of the Sun, Our Lady’s message at Fatima still resounds: “Say the rosary every day, to obtain peace for the world.” n

ANF PROGRESS REPORT

Our Readers and Viewers Write From Our Readers: Fatima Apostolate “You’ll be happy to know that, to expand the Marian apostolate, I placed your True Devotion to Mary in the library at a nursing home so the residents there may learn of Mary—and maybe even convert.” J.H., Zieglerville, Pa. “Being sick and bedbound and sometimes feeling lost in life, I sit here and look at Our Lady’s face and know that I am found again in her gaze, never more to be lost. If only the lost populaces of the world, so far from God, would allow themselves to be found in and through Mary! She can work miracles—if we let her.” T.H., Atlanta, Ga. “I am a Baptist, but I think what you are doing is so important, I just HAD to help. I appreciate what you all are doing very much! I was horrified to find out the drag queens are still around. It is so hard to believe adult men would do what they do or that they would be allowed into a library around children. God bless you for the abundance of good things you are doing, including fighting the awful things these drag queens do.” M.B., Bentonville, Ark.

things these days, but I feel beholden to reach out and tell you how grateful I am that your organization takes the time to create and send out these incredible calendars dedicated to Our Blessed Lady every single year. I would like to take a moment to extend (and hope you will pass along) my congratulations and thanks for a monumental, ‘Good job!’ to all the people behind the scenes who work so hard to make this, and every calendar, a success. From the photographers to the printer to the graphic designer to every decision-maker along the way, they all deserve a big hand of applause. “May Our Lady’s endlessly maternal heart obtain blessings and graces for all those who make her calendar project possible, and bring many souls back to the arms of Holy Mother Church, and thus, her Son. I’m certain that all those who lay eyes on these calendars will be touched in some way.” H.B., New Orleans, La. “Thank you so much for the beautiful calendar! I will use it in my home. We are praying for our Church and our country, knowing that it will be through our dear Mother that any changes will happen. We will continue to pray for you. May God bless you and all your work!” S.K., Willow Springs, Mo. “Thanks for the beautiful calendar of Our Blessed Mother of Fatima. She is very beautiful. I have displayed it on my home wall. Her eyes—and what eyes they are!—are the first thing people see when they enter my foyer.” Anonymous

From Our Viewers: Fatima Calendar “I am behind in this, as I am in most

“As a Protestant, I’d honestly rather spend the rest of eternity being the most radical Catholic than one minute as someone in that horde.” @effix9097 C r u s a d e

“This is a total win for you guys. The way those young adults acted is just so childish and disturbing. They really didn’t even notice the things they were saying and were just making a mockery of themselves and what they stand for. As someone who is fourteen and sort of questioning religion, I can still respect the work you all do. You hold yourselves high and don’t act foolish and immature like those ‘adults.’” @J3ste4

“This video makes me want to go to church! You guys are brave for standing firm in the face of this chaos and insanity. I don’t think I could do it.” @fionabrennan9148 “I’m not a Catholic, so I wouldn’t know how to pray the rosary, but if I see any of this happening, I will stand with you to the end.” @samuelmaynard6580 “I am a pro-life woman and always enjoy seeing the bravery you men have in defending the most innocent. Sadly, the majority of people who disagree with you choose to act out like animals rather than civilized human beings and engage in a discussion. People are so quick to cancel a conversation just as they decide to cancel human life. Please come to San Diego, Ca.!” @rosalindapuentes

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Academy

A Diamond Amidst the Coal Hills By Ted Huereña

“A

diamond in the coal hills of Pennsylvania” is how St. Louis de Montfort Academy in Herndon, Pa., was described by Monsignor Michael Fedorowich, of fond memory. The occasion was the graduation held at his parish, Transfiguration of Our Lord, in Shamokin, Pa. The school had completed its third year with the first graduating class. Now the Academy is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary. How much water under the bridge, or better, how many diamonds mined from the hills over those three decades! The Academy had humble beginnings amidst the farmland, forests and rolling hills of the Susquehanna Valley. In the beginning, there were fifteen students and half a dozen staff, with Richard Lyon at the helm as headmaster, and effectively one teacher overseeing all the schoolwork, very much in a homeschooling style using the Seton Home Study curriculum. The students were all sons of supporters of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property (TFP). For years, it was the dream of these parents and of the American Early Years: Top: Eager students gather around a single table in the first classroom at St. Louis de Montfort Academy. Middle: Students pray in formation, honoring Our Lady with a daily rosary. Bottom: The second graduating class poses with Right Reverend Monsignor Michael Fedorowich, teachers and administrators on the steps of Transfiguration of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church.

TFP to start a school, because of the terrible decadence of the public school system. Apostolate programs such as summer camps (the forerunners of the Call to Chivalry camps) have been held since the TFP’s inception and thus bore that fruit. As the student body enlarged from fifteen to over twenty, the growing pains made it clear that the main building was too small. In 2012, the first step toward expansion came: a new classroom building. The student body grew to over thirty as soon as it was finished. Doubling the students meant the threevan fleet had to become a bus, and that bus grew even larger to accommodate over forty passengers. The entire formation, moral, mental and physical, as well as the curriculum of the Academy, has always been to form young men into well-rounded Catholic gentlemen, future leaders with the wherewithal to actively confront the modern pagan world. Countering a culture of death that offers the seductive enticements of unlimited sensual pleasure, easy worldly advancement and ultimately painless suicide, the Academy alumni respond with their own battle cry: “Youth was not made for pleasure but for heroism . . . yes . . . heroism is the key to happiness.” Among the first graduates, several have become pillars in the American TFP: one a column in the legal and financial control office, another heading Crusade Magazine and a third leading the construction of successive Academy expansions, including the current one. A good number went on to spearhead TFP Student Action or are currently spreading the Fatima message

The Academy is expanding its size, with a 10,000-square-footaddition nearly doubling its original size.

in the home visits for America Needs Fatima, as well as organizing campaigns against satanic Black Masses, gender ideology and the dangers of socialism. Alumni of the Academy likewise manage the Call to Chivalry camps across the country. All this is a labor of love, many times carried out without receiving or expecting any sort of remuneration. No matter where the alumni are presently, they remain steadfast in the Catholic Faith. Thus, they influence society, drawing it ever closer to the Reign of Mary prophesied by our patron, Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort. At the center of the apostolate at the Academy is the true devotion to Mary that Saint Louis revealed. The students of today, like those of former times, learn to love Our Lady and express their love in their daily lives by the recitation of the rosary. Praying in the privacy of their homes doesn’t suffice for them. They have expanded their love and devotion out into the public square, becoming the leaders and participants in many of the America Needs Fatima's 23,090 Public Square Rosary Rallies across the United States. Saint Louis, their fiery patron,

must be looking down from his heavenly abode with delight, for Academy alumni embody the motto “De Maria numquam satis” (“Of Mary, never enough.”) Once again, the Academy is broadening its apostolate by expanding its size, and this time with the addition of a four-level construction totaling 10,000 square feet, almost doubling the size of the old building. With this expansion, the student body can triple what it originally was, and more. With all this added space, the Academy can better accomplish its goal of forming more laborers for Our Lady’s harvest and copious leaders for her crusade on the infernal enemy. The Academy is a beacon of culture, logic and common sense amidst the current insanity of our neo-pagan culture of relativism. Growth is a symbol of life. As modern institutions crumble one by one, having long ago lost any moral compass, there is one institution that is thriving. Join us as we celebrate this new phase in the development of our beloved Academy. The blueprint for our next expansion is already being prepared as the current project rushes toward completion. Deus Vult! n

St. Louis de Montfort Academy For more information, please visit www.montfortacademy.edu or send an email to info@montfortacademy.edu C r u s a d e

Thanks be to Our Lady, St. Louis de Montfort Academy continues to flourish in achieving its three main objectives as pictured above: academics, the spiritual life and restoring the dignity of authentic Catholicism in a dark world.

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Return t o Or d e r

Handwriting ~ Is It Obsolete? B y B y r o n W h i tcr a f t

Because no two people write exactly the same, a handwritten note is truly an extension of one's self to another.

n an era when everything is digital and most people spend their days typing or texting on computers or smartphones, does handwriting have a place? Undoubtedly, the answer is yes. Apart from its other benefits, handwriting engages the mind in ways that typewriting cannot match, taking first place as a learning and cultural tool for adults and youth today.

Preserving History For thousands of years, writing by hand has allowed the great minds of history to compose and pass on ideas and lessons for future generations, including the divinely inspired words of the Bible. The first notions of philosophy were preserved because of handwriting. Plato and Aristotle’s works would have been lost without it. Imagine a world without the Confessions of Saint Augustine, who masterfully pioneered theology in the early centuries of the Church. Without handwriting, Saint Thomas Aquinas’ theology classes would be reduced to a few imprecise stories in oral tradition instead of the great Summa Theologica. Handwriting, whether on papyrus, tablets, parchment or paper, is one of the most fundamental hallmarks of civilization. It was a major step in the process that led primitive tribal communications to advance toward civilization. One of the first tasks of many Catholic missionaries was to create a written language for the numerous tribes they brought into the Church’s fold. Innumerable catechisms and prayers were then translated into the new languages.

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Penmanship Is Personal Handwriting, especially cursive handwriting, is worthwhile for numerous reasons. For one, handwriting is an art form. Notes, letters and documents written by a skilled hand can be very beautiful. Imagine the loss of beauty if King John of England’s Magna Carta had been printed from a computer. Beautiful script increases this beauty, as can be seen in the original Book of Kells or a medieval manuscript of the Divine Office. Imaginative scribes developed many elegant fonts over the centuries, ranging from the simple eighth-century to the ornate and beautiful Gothic script. Another superior aspect of handwriting, especially cursive, is its personalizing effect. Anything written in cursive is personal. No two persons on the planet write in exactly the same way. For this reason, a tangible, handwritten letter is truly an extension of oneself to another. In the same way, a penned thankyou note or Christmas card is something to cherish because the sender genuinely invested time in the recipient. Traditional etiquette would never permit a hastily typed or computer-printed thank-you card. In an age of unbridled egalitarianism, standardization of fashions and gaudy fads, handwriting is a refreshing alternative. “The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard” Science confirms that handwriting is superior to typing as a method of learning. Norwegian neuroscientists Frederikus Ruud van der Weel and Audrey van der Meer found that handwriting stimulates

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brain activity linked to memory and learning more than when one types.1 Another researcher, Abraham Flanigan, found that students who took notes by hand achieved more A’s or B’s than those who typed them.2 In addition, Daniel Oppenheimer and Pam Mueller produced a 2014 study, “The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard,” which confirms this conclusion.3 Shelby Foote, a well-known Civil War historian, used a quill to write his books. Did he live in the nineteenth century? No, he actually passed away in 2005. He said the quill gave him time to think about his next line while he dipped his pen in the ink. Considerations like these are missing from the frenzied world of quickly typed and texted messages. There needs to be a return to the simple wisdom of doing things right. Perhaps it is the case to invoke the four Gospel writers, Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and pray for an end to the “typed gospels” of the postmodern world. n Notes:

1. F. R. (Ruud) Van der Weel and Audrey L. H. Van der Meer, “Handwriting but Not Typewriting Leads to Widespread Brain Connectivity: A High-Density EEG Study with Implications for the Classroom,” Frontiers, January 25, 2024, https://www.frontiersin .org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389 /fpsyg.2023.1219945/full. 2. Abraham E. Flanigan, “Typed Versus Handwritten Lecture Notes and College Student Achievement: A Meta-Analysis” Springer Nature Link, July 12, 2024, https://link.springer.com /article/10.1007/s10648-024-09914-w. 3. Pam A. Mueller and Daniel M. Oppenheimer, “The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand Over Laptop Note Taking,” Sage Journals, April 23, 2014, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi /abs/10.1177/0956797614524581.

(Continued from back cover. . . )

your calendar for a convenient time. Evenings are best. After your Holy Hour, go out for dinner or get a good cup of coffee or hot cider and discuss the significance of Christmas.

7. Listen to Christmas Hymns: Christmas hymns, which focus on the birth of Our Lord, serve as a reminder of God’s great love for us and His plan of salvation. During the Christmas season, these hymns should be heard not only in church, but also in our homes.

5. Organize a Public Square Rosary Rally: Invite your friends to help. Be creative and keep it simple. Sing traditional Christmas carols like “Silent Night.” Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary as a group. Meet for refreshments afterwards to talk about the meaning of Christmas. To find out more, go to www. americaneedsfatima.org/december -rally-captain-sign-up 6. Plan a Eucharistic Adoration: Find an adoration chapel near you, then ask your friends to join you for a Holy Hour before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament in honor of Christmas. Mark

8. Prepare Yourself: Advent prepares us to celebrate the birth of Our Lord worthily. We should erect a throne in our souls to receive the King of kings. Therefore, it is an excellent time to make a good Confession before Christmas and make sacrifices. For example, give up watching TV or surfing the Internet. 9. Write Christmas Cards to Our Troops Serving Abroad: Thank them for their sacrifice and service and show them your support. Wish the troops a blessed Christmas and tell them you will remember them in your prayers during Midnight Mass. Remind them that people back home appreciate the military. 10. Stop Secularism: Don’t let secularists purge Christmas from the public square.

Christmas is vehemently opposed by secularist groups such as the ACLU, Freedom From Religion and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. If these pressure groups had their way, Nativity scenes, Traditional Christmas carols and religious symbols would be swept from the public square. We Catholics should take the initiative and set up Nativity scenes on public property all across America. The Supreme Court has decided that we have this right. Matt Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, explains: “In contrast to a publicly sponsored Nativity scene on public property, a privately sponsored Nativity scene on public property does not need a secular symbol to be constitutional. For example, some towns allow private citizens to put up signs or displays on public property. In that case, if a church sponsors a Nativity scene on public property, there is no requirement that a secular symbol be placed within the context. The requirement of the secular symbol only arises when a Nativity scene is sponsored by the government. To avoid any confusion, the privately sponsored Nativity scene should probably have a sign acknowledging the private sponsorship.” For legal help in case you face opposition, please contact the Alliance Defending Freedom. They offer free, quick and effective help. Phone 1-800-TELL-ADF or visit their website: www.alliancedefendingfreedom.org n

Merry Christmas! C r u s a d e

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Ten Ways

to Honor Christ P u bl ic ly T h i s

By Anthony Ryder

1. Never Use the “H” words: Avoid saying “Happy Holidays” and “X-Mas.” These secular terms mean nothing and only serve to erase the memory of Christ from Christmas and the Holy Season we celebrate. Wherever you go, wish others “Merry Christmas”: at the supermarket, on the phone, in emails. You’ll be surprised. Many will appreciate your conviction. Warning: a few may not appreciate it. Do not let this bother you; instead, say a prayer for them. 2. Decorate Your Lawn and Home: Hang beautiful Christmas ornaments from your doors and windows.

Christmas

Pick up some large poster board and markers and make signs that read, for example: “Just Say Merry Christmas!” Write with big, clear letters. Tape one sign to your window facing out for everyone to see. Place another on your door. Encourage your friends to do the same.

3. Send Christmas Cards: Send a Christmas card with a religious message to your friends. Mention that you will pray for them. You can also send a card to your town mayor or elected representative. Also, look for an opportunity to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper about Christmas. Letters receive

an avid and wide readership. For free, Catholic Christmas cards to download and print, go to: www. am erican eed sfatima.org/cards /christmas-cards

4. Share a Christmas Meditation: Go to www.americaneedsfatima.org /prayers/meditations-next-to-the -child-god-in-the-crib to download and print an inspiring reflection titled “A Christmas Meditation by the Holy Crib.” Then, give the meditation to your friends and family, include it in your Christmas cards, post it on bulletin boards or wherever people will read it and share it far and wide. (Continued on page 23. . . )

Crusade mag Vol 198 November-December, 2025