God teaches us in many different ways and places. Back when I lived in Taunton at St. Mary’s I used to go for walks around the neighborhood and it wasn’t long before I noticed all the Our Lady of Fatima statues with the three kneeling children in so many front yards.
Now, this was a new thing for a guy from Quincy where the Irish who had a statue of the Blessed Mother kept her in the back yard all to ourselves!
Because Quincy was mostly Irish and Italian, we focused on Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Lady of Knock. So, there I was walking through a new experience of faith and one that wasn’t in backyards but right out front.
Called to Conversion
Today, as we reflect on the message of Our Lady of Fatima, we’re reminded of the profound call to conversion and penance that echoes the very essence of the Gospel. This message intertwines beautifully with our readings, illuminating the path of faith, perseverance, and the identity we hold as Christians.
In the passage from Acts, we hear how the early Church expanded. Though, scattered by persecution, they spread the word of Jesus as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch. This growth was not without its challenges, but the hand of the Lord was with them, and many turned to the Lord. In John's Gospel, we find Jesus walking in the temple, where he’s confronted by Jews who demand that he plainly declare if he is the Messiah.
Jesus responds, "I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep". This passage highlights the division between those who recognize and accept Jesus as the Son of God and those who do not, at least not yet, and it emphasizes the importance of faith in understanding Jesus's divine identity.
Fostering Devotion
The message of Our Lady of Fatima reinforces this need to be steadfast faith and devotion.
Our Lady’s call to penance is always joined with a call to prayer. She points to the Rosary, which can rightly be defined as the prayer of Mary, in which she feels particularly united with us.
Her message, though maternal, is strong and clear, inviting us to penance, warning us, and calling us to prayer. Considering these messages from Our Lady of Fatima. How do we live out our Christian identity? Are we actively listening to Jesus' voice…and are we heeding Mary’s call to conversion and prayer?
The Front Yard Approach
Father Peyton would have loved the front yard approach of my former Taunton neighbors with their Fatima statues. He would have related to the fact that the Blessed Mother identified herself as Our Lady of the Rosary as his family had a great devotion to Our Blessed Mother and nightly Rosary prayer.
Here at the Father Peyton Center, as you enter our grounds the central point of focus is a grand and beautiful statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and not far from her is Father Peyton holding the Rosary beads wearing his Holy Cross habit with his gaze and direction focused upon our Blessed Mother.
May we like those shepherd children in Fatima and our own Father Peyton keep our eyes fixed on Our Blessed Mother who will lead us to Jesus and holiness of life.
- Father David's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
