As most of you know, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Blessed Virgin Mary's appearance to the three children of Fatima. Have you seen the 1952 movie, "The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima"? Great family viewing, available on DVD!

The first part of this quote is actually shown in the movie, but the part about the grace of God shining into their souls isn't...listen to this beautiful wording by Lucia, one of the three visionaries:

"'You will have a great deal to suffer,' the Lady said, 'But the grace of God will be with you and will strengthen you.'"

"As she pronounced these words, she opened her hands and we were bathed in a heavenly light that appeared to come directly from her hands. The light's reality cut into our hearts and our souls, and we knew somehow that this light was God, and we could see ourselves embraced in it. By an impulse of clear and exterior grace we fell to our knees, repeating in our hearts: 'Oh, Holy Trinity, I adore You. My God, my God, I love You in the Blessed Sacrament.'"

~ Lucia dos Santos, as quoted in The True Story of Fatima by Fr. John DeMarchi, 1952.

"The light's reality cut into our hearts and our souls, and we knew somehow that this light was God, and we could see ourselves embraced in it...." Let us dwell on these words today....