Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle

Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers, and Devotions

 

On May 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary first revealed herself to a trio of shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. She would appear to them five more times over the course of the year until the great miracle of the sun on October 13, 1917. She brought a message of love and peace that was heard around the world—a sorely-needed antidote to the ravages of World War I. To mark the 100th anniversary of the apparitions, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle provides a one-stop guide to the tradition, history and spirituality of Our Lady of Fatima, including the testimonies of those who have made the pilgrimage and prayers for those who share this devotion.

In Our Lady of Fatima, award-winning author, journalist, pilgrimage host and host of EWTN’s Everyday Blessings for Catholic Moms and Catholic Mom's Café Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle offers a mini-Fatima retreat—an “armchair pilgrimage,” if you will. This collection of prayers, testimonies and reflections will bring to life the events of Fatima and help you find ways to apply Mary’s Fatima message to the nitty-gritty details of your daily life.

Each chapter begins with a quote by or about the Blessed Mother before delving into a key aspect of the story of Mary’s appearances to nine-year-old Lúcia Santos and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco Marto. A prayer, a simple reflection and a doable call to action transform this book from a simple historical retelling into a practical devotional.
The Blessed Mother’s Fatima message is needed now more than ever. The uncertainty of global events can seep into our daily worries, creating fear and anxiety that’s difficult to overcome. Our Lady of Fatima is a welcome remedy for that worry. In it, you’ll find a chance to grow in faith and holiness, as well as a needed dose of inspiration, hope and peace in following its advice and suggestions, and in praying the prayers.

 My Review:

Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle has written a beautiful and deeply devotional book in 'Our Lady of Fatima: 100 Years of Stories, Prayers and Devotions'. A must read book, especially in 2017 to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the start of the apparitions in Fatima, Portugal.

The author tells the story of Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco in parts which are very easy to read and each part includes prayers and devotions that help the reader grow spiritually and to internalize the messages of Our Lady of Fatima.

Of particular interest are the included quotes and writings from church leaders such as St. Pope John Paul II and of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. It helps the reader to further see the importance of these events that occurred one hundred years ago, on a larger scale, particularly how the messages and petitions of Our Lady of Fatima affect numerous nations.

A significant part of the book is also about Mother Theresa, and her efforts to have a Miraculous Medal present in the Kremlin at the time of the Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart. Of further interest, are the devotions that Our Lady calls all people to, such as the 'Five First Saturdays' devotion. A devotion that has been largely placed aside and forgotten, as many people simply concentrate on the prophesies of Fatima.

This book is a gem that will help anyone to live out the messages of the Blessed Mother of Fatima. It is a book very much directed at a Catholic audience already familiar with either the Catholic Church or some of its doctrines. It is also a very prayerful and devotional book that helps the reader integrate the extremely important messages of Our Lady of Fatima into their daily lives.
I recommend this book for readers who are curious about the apparitions of Fatima, and I extremely recommend this book for those who already know about Fatima. This book will help the reader deepen their faith and help them to integrate their efforts and actions with the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.