Pope to Visit Fatima

     His Holiness Pope John Paul II is planning to make a pilgrimage to Fatima on May 13^th, 1982, to thank Our Lady for saving his life one year ago in that terrible assassination attempt on May 13^th, 1981 by hired assassins using poisoned bullets. May 13^th is the anniversary of Our Lady's first appearance at Fatima. Let us join the Holy Father in spirit as he makes this pilgrimage of thanksgiving. And let us consider the significance of the Popes visiting Fatima in these times - for only a little while ago Pope Paul VI travelled to Fatima as a Pilgrim for Peace in the world. These visits of the Popes to Fatima bring our attention to the fact that the Fatima Message is God's Message to bring peace to our times. God warned us at Fatima that we must listen to Our Lady of Fatima and fulfill Her requests if we are to have world peace. Otherwise, He warns us that many nations will be wiped out, entirely destroyed.

    At the November 18, 1981 annual meeting of the U.S. Bishops' Conference, the American Catholic Bishops unanimously voted to petition the Holy Father for the Collegial Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The resolution was proposed to the Bishops' Conference by Cardinal Carberry, who helped prepare the American Bishops for this decision by sending to every American Bishop the theological background of this consecration.

    This event is very significant and encouraging news, i n these times when the world seems on the edge of nuclear war.

    When Our Lady appeared at Fatima she told Lucy She would come later to ask for the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart. In 1929 Our Lady gave the following message to Sister Lucy: "The moment has come when God asks the Holy Father, in union with all the Bishops of the world, to make the Consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart, promising to save it by this means."

    When enough Bishops petition the Holy Father for the Collegial Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, then the Holy Father will be most happy to fulfill this request which is close to his own heart. In 1971 a Pastoral Letter was written and signed by all the Polish Bishops, petitioning Pope Paul VI for collegial consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. One of the names foremost on the document was that of Cardinal Wojtyla, our present Pope.

    When all the Bishops of the world, together with the Pope, make this act of consecration, God promised through the Message of Fatima to bring peace to the world almost immediately. So it is a great cause of rejoicing and hope to see the American Bishops' Conference petitioning the Holy Father for this collegial act of consecration. We may hope that other Bishops' Conferences of the world will follow their example. It is a great step forward toward consecration of Russia and the world to the Immaculate Heart, and God has promised peace in the world when that is done. Let us redouble our prayers, then, so that all the Bishops of the world will soon petition the Holy Father for this collegial act of consecration.

STATUE VISITS

Pilgrim Virgin Statue Visits Arnprior

    At the invitation of Father Tardiff of Saint John Chrysostom Parish, with the kind help of the Catholic Women's League of Arnprior, the Pilgrim Virgin Statue visited Arnprior on Friday, October 2 and October 3, 1981. On Friday morning the Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which was blessed by Pope Paul VI for pilgrimage and for spreading the Fatima Message in Canada, visited Pope John XXIII School in Arnprior. The school children from kindergarten to grade 6 came to see the Statue of Our Blessed Mother as She appeared at Fatima, and to learn about the Message that Our Lady gave to the three children of Fatima for the people of our time.

    In the afternoon of October 2, the Pilgrim Virgin visited Saint John Chrysostom Church, where students from Saint Joseph's School came and listened with interest as Father Gruner explained the important Message Our Lady brought to the twentieth century world through Her words to the three children at Fatima.

    On Saturday, October 3, the Pilgrim Virgin stayed at Saint John Chrysostom Church where a Day of Recollection was held, led by Father Tardiff and Father Gruner. The Catholic Women's League organized a procession with the Pilgrim Virgin, and Father Tardiff offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass to start the Day of Recollection. As it was the First Saturday of the month, Father Gruner led the many people who stayed for the whole day in prayer and meditation according to the requests that Our Lady of Fatima asked for on the First Saturdays. The Statue of Our Lady of Fatima was crowned by Saint John Chrysostom Parish, and the parish and the people were consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Father Miller officiated at the Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Almost all the people present were enrolled in the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The Rosary was prayed together and many beautiful hymns in honor of Our Lord and Our Lady were sung. Father Gruner was happy to have the opportunity to give several sermons that day on various aspects of the Message that God gave us at Fatima. In accordance with Our Lady's requests many people went to Confession on this First Saturday. The ladies of the Catholic Women's League provided lunch at noon in the parish hall for all those attending.

    Many books, booklets, and leaflets about the Fatima Message as well as many copies of our magazine, The Fatima Crusader, were given away to the students and adults who came to honor Our Lady on the occasion of the Pilgrim Virgin Visit.

Pilgrim Virgin Visits Sault Ste. Marie Diocese

    In December 1981 the Canadian Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima traveled in the Sault Ste. Marie area, visiting churches and schools. These visits are the occasion of many graces and many people noted that Our Lady has brought them closer to Her Son Jesus, as a result of these visits.

    On Saturday, December 5, the Pilgrim Virgin visited the Church of Saint Stephen the Martyr, in Dowling, Ontario, at the kind invitation of Father Tremblay. The Pilgrim Virgin Statue was present at the evening Mass and during the Sunday Masses the following day. Father Gruner spoke about the Message of Our Lady of Fatima during all the Sunday Masses. On Sunday evening, the Pilgrim Virgin was present at the 4:00 p.m. Benediction. The Rosary was recited by the people, and again Father spoke on the Fatima Message.

    On December 7, the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle in Coniston, Ontario, received a visit of the Pilgrim Virgin, at the invitation of Father Kaptein. The Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which was blessed by Pope Paul VI for Canada, was present at the morning and evening Masses, and a homily was given on the Message of Our Lady of Fatima. After the Mass, there was enrollment in the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. There were a number of people present, and they responded with enthusiasm. The Rosary was recited before Mass, and after the homily, the people made the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Pilgrim Virgin Statue, which reminds us of the love and concern that the Mother of God has for us, remained in Saint Paul's Church, and then during the day people visited the Church to pray on this special occasion.

    The Pilgrim Virgin also visited Saint Paul School on the same day, and the children showed much interest in the Message of Our Lady of Fatima which Father Gruner explained to them. Rosaries and literature on the Fatima Message were given out in the school.

    Saint Stanislaus Church in Copper Cliff received a visit of the Pilgrim Virgin on December 8th with the kind help of Father Oliverio. The Statue of Our Lady of Fatima was present for both the morning and evening Masses, and a homily on the Fatima Message was given at both Masses. After the homily, the people made the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and they took advantage of the opportunity to be enrolled in the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. When Our Lady appeared at Fatima on the day of the Miracle of the Sun, which She had promised as a sign so that everyone might believe that the Fatima Message was from God, Lucy, one of the three children who saw Our Lady at Fatima, saw Our Lady of Mount Carmel holding the Scapular, and Lucy understood that the Mother of God wants us to wear the Scapular as our sign of consecration to Her Immaculate Heart.

    People came to pray in the Church during the day while the Pilgrim Virgin was there.

With the kind permission of Bishop Alexander Carter, Father Gruner recently visited parishes and schools in the diocese of Sault Ste. Marie. Pictured above is Father Gruner on the right with Father Adrien Lambert of the diocese of Sault Ste. Marie with the Pilgrim Virgin Statue visiting Assumption School in Sudbury.

    The Pilgrim Virgin visited Assumption School in Sudbury in the afternoon of December 10. On this occasion, Father Adrien Lambert, Assistant Pastor of Saint Jean de Brébeuf Parish, gave a conference in French on the Message of Fatima. The children responded with enthusiasm, and all the students were happy to be enrolled in the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

    In the evening of December 10, the Pilgrim Virgin visited Saint Pius X Church in Lively, Ontario, at the invitation of Father O'Dell. The people prayed the Rosary before Mass and listened to a homily on the Message of Fatima. At Fatima Our Lady also asked us to pray the Rosary every day to obtain peace in the world. After Mass there was enrollment in the Scapular.

    On December 11, the Pilgrim Virgin visited Saint Michael's Church in Creighton Mine, Ontario, and Saint James School in Lively, where Father Gruner spoke to the children about the Fatima Message and the Scapular of Our Lady.

    On December 12, the Residence Ste-Marie in Sudbury received a visit of the Pilgrim Virgin. The Sisters made a procession with the Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and they prayed the Rosary and sang hymns in Our Lady's honor. Father gave a talk in French on the Fatima Message. Afterwards, a few people were enrolled in the Scapular who had not been enrolled when the Pilgrim Virgin visited two years ago.

    The Pilgrim Virgin visited Saint Clement's Church in Sudbury for the Saturday evening Mass on December 12, and the three Sunday Masses on December 13. This was a return visit, at the invitation of the pastor, Father Farenzena, who received a visit from the Pilgrim Virgin in 1979 also. He invited Father Gruner to speak about the Message of Fatima at all of the Sunday Masses. The Rosary was recited by the people before all the Masses, and the people made the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for themselves and their parish.

    On December 14, Saint Andrew the Apostle Church in Sudbury received a visit of the Pilgrim Virgin, at the invitation of Father McParland, and the Statue of Our Lady of Fatima was present in the Church for the Masses both in the morning and the evening. This was another return visit, as the Pilgrim Virgin had also visited Father McParland's parish in 1979. A homily on the Fatima Message was given at both Masses, and the people took the opportunity to be enrolled in the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. During the day, people visited the church to pray while the Pilgrim Virgin Statue was there. The people expressed their happiness at receiving a visit of the Pilgrim Virgin.

    Saint Anne's Parish in Sudbury received the Pilgrim Virgin on December 15. Thanks to Father Lemieux and Father Clouthier, this brief visit was a good success. The people recited the Rosary before Mass and there was a homily on the Fatima Message, and enrollment in the Scapular after Mass. The people made the Act of Consecration of themselves and their parish to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

    At Fatima Our Lady said that to save sinners, "God wishes to establish in the world devotion to My Immaculate Heart. If people do what I tell you, many souls will be saved and there will be peace." Thus these sincere Acts of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart are very important.

    In the evening of December 15, the Pilgrim Virgin visited Good Shepherd Parish in Espanola, Ontario at the invitation of Father McMillan. Father Gruner spoke on the Message of Our Lady of Fatima during the Tuesday evening penitential service, and the people recited the Rosary. There was a procession with the Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and a crowning ceremony. There were many people present - the church was full. The free Rosaries were eagerly received by the children, and there were books and literature available on the Fatima Message for those who were interested in learning more about Our Lady's Message. Afterwards there was enrollment in the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

    On December 16, the Pilgrim Virgin stayed in the church and a number of students from Sacred Heart School in Espanola came to pray before the Statue. The children prayed a decade of the Rosary and listened to a talk on the Message of Fatima. Afterwards they were enrolled in the Scapular of Our Lady. Literature on the Fatima Message was given out.

    The Pilgrim Virgin visited Saint Bernard Parish in Little Current on Manitoulin Island, on December 17, at the invitation of Father Lynch, S.J. Father Gruner led the Rosary before Mass and gave a homily on the Fatima Message during the Mass. There was a procession and a crowning ceremony of the Statue of Our Lady of Fatima and enrollment in the Scapular after Mass.

    On December 18, the Pilgrim Virgin, at the invitation of Father Bill Maurice, S.J., visited two schools in Wikwemikong Indian Reservation. In the morning Father Gruner spoke for an hour on the Fatima Message to 190 students from grades 5 to 8, and the students all listened attentively to what was being said. The elementary school was visited that afternoon.

    Saint Veronica's Parish in Sault Ste-Marie received a visit of the Pilgrim Virgin on December 19 - 20 at the kind invitation of Father Sharpe. The Statue of Our Lady of Fatima was present for the three Sunday Masses as well as for the Saturday evening Mass. Father Gruner spoke on the Fatima Message at all the Masses and the people responded well. Father spoke a little in Italian for the Italian parishioners. After the Masses the people were enrolled in the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

    Many books, Rosaries, Scapulars and leaflets were given out on these visits, showing the interest that the Pilgrim Virgin enkindles in the Message of Fatima.

    There have been many other visits since we last reported these visits, but space and time does not permit us to report them here. Hopefully we shall be able to do so in a later issue. We would like to thank everyone who helped to make the visits of the Pilgrim Virgin of Canada such a great success. God bless you all for your faith and charity and for helping Our Lady of Fatima come closer to realizing the promise of peace to humanity.

Statement of the Episcopal Conference of El Salvador

taken from March 8, 1982, English edition of L'Osservatore Romano

    The Bishops of El Salvador, in an extraordinary meeting held on February 17, issued the following statement.

    1. The criterion that guides and enlightens the Church is the overall good of the people. The majority of Salvadorean people reject the violence of the left and of the right as much as the abuses of elements of the Army and of the Security Forces.

    2. We ascertain that the conflict - which has internal causes - has been internationalized to such an extent that decisions for its solution slip from the hands of the Salvadoreans. It is a fact that the great powers contribute to keeping the conflict going.

    3. The current conflict, deteriorating into terrorism, is accentuated at this time in various parts of the country through the activity of armed Communist groups (FMLN) with the intention of preventing elections. The social communications media, on the international level, have exaggerated and distorted these facts, creating a false picture of what is happening in the country.

    4. We believe that the elections, despite the abnormal circumstances, constitute a peaceful means for the majority of the people who have said NO to violence to have an opportunity to express their will. This can constitute the beginning of a solution to the armed conflict.

    5. We repeat, yet again, that the problem of El Salvador must be resolved by the Salvadorean people.

    San Salvador, February 17, 1982

† José Eduardo Alvarez, C.M.
   Bishop of San Miguel
   Military Ordinary

† Arturo Rivera Damas
   Bishop of Santiago de Maria
   Apostolic Administrator of
   San Salvador

† Pedro Arnoldo Aparicio y Q.
   Bishop of Sal Vicente
   Vice-President of CEDES

† Marco René Revelo
   Bishop of Santa Ana
   Freddy Delgado A.
   Secretary General of CEDES

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