First Saturday Parish Rosary at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 2/4/2017

I was still on a spiritual "high" today after having been in the presence of the International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima during the past two evenings.  I experienced Our Lady's maternal love deeply during my visits with the statue and it was still with me as we prayed our First Saturday Rosary for Peace this evening. Perhaps it was the reason why I could sense the Blessed Mother in our Day Chapel, as well... and it felt satisfying knowing that this monthly devotion we established over 6 years ago, was in direct response to the requests she made in Fatima in 1917... and I'd like to think she is pleased that my parish was responding in this manner; that there are several dedicated participants who have blossomed in their personal devotion to our Blessed Mother and her Rosary.

For this particular prayer day I introduced the participants to St. Margaret of Cortona (d. 1297), whose Feast will be celebrated on February 22nd (read more about her here). This Saint's inspirational life was all about repentance and redemption, and it corresponds perfectly with the requests Mary made at Fatima - Convert and Pray... and Peace will surely follow. St. Margaret lived and exemplified the very same message in the 13th Century, long before Fatima happened... but it just goes to show how timeless the Message is; that God continues to call us, in every era, to make a "U Turn" if we ever find ourselves headed down the wrong road; that Our Lady's many apparitions/messages and the lives of the Saints can often serve as traffic signs to help us head back in the right direction, away from disaster.  We need to be attentive.

Video:  After the Rosary Prayer, I found the

fabric doily on which the Rosa Mystica statue

stood, sprinkled with silver escarchas -

note the random sparkles.

So for anyone who's searching to head back on the right road, Our Lady's recommendations are always consistent - return to Jesus, who is present at every Mass... and pray from the heart, especially the Holy Rosary. Our parish's schedule of First Saturday Confession, Rosary, and Mass can be a start for anyone who wants to make a positive U Turn in their lives.  The next prayer is scheduled for 4:25PM on Saturday, March 4th.  All are welcome!