The Mother of God is calling you today. Will you stand idly by while Her Fatima Messenger is silenced forever? Please, whatever you do, read this letter!

Month of the Holy Souls, 1991

Dear Friend of Our Lady,

       I'm writing you this letter shortly before I leave for what may be one of the most important journeys of my entire life.

       I am going to India at the invitation of the All-India Laity Congress with the express purpose of bringing the full Message of Fatima to more than 12 MILLION Catholics across the subcontinent.

       What makes this trip especially wonderful is that it comes at a time when I am told that millions of India's Catholics are more receptive to Our Lady's Fatima words than ever before.

       According to reports, love for the Mother of God has now reached fever-pitch in places like Bombay and Madras.

       Equally exciting, I will also have the occasion while in India to meet with many influential Church leaders, including several of India's most important Cardinals and Archbishops.

       In my talks with these leaders, I will work to convince them to actively join us in our battle to consecrate Russia as Our Lady asked at Fatima and thus bring real, lasting peace to the world.

       I think you can see why I cannot help but believe that this journey is truly a heaven-sent opportunity and an answer to so many of my prayers and yours.

       But I must also tell you in all frankness that this trip comes at a very dangerous time for Our Lady's Apostolate...

Our Lady's Fatima Messenger Silenced Forever?

       As I have explained to you before, the current recession has taken a fearful and punishing toll on the Apostolate.

       In fact, I can only think of two or three times in the last 15 years when we have come so close to closing our doors forever.

       Despite every cost-cutting measure and cutbacks in staff, we have only managed to hang-on through our faith in Almighty God, in Our Lady and the Saints ... and particularly our faith and strong belief in YOU.

       As I prepare to depart for India, I am leaving behind more than $425,000 in unpaid bills, including the more than $90,000 it has cost to put this magazine in your hands.

       More than 15 years of hard work and sacrifice, of prayer and struggle is now hanging in the balance.

       Everything — from this magazine to Our Lady's radio and TV programs, from our telephone ministry to the pilgrimages and Our Lady's book service — is in your hands at this moment.

       Believe me, it is truly...

A Matter of Life OR Death

       Under normal circumstances, I would have cancelled my journey, but this opportunity to reach out to so many millions of new people with Our Lady's Fatima Message may never come again.

       In my heart of hearts, I know that I must go where God and Our Lady lead me ... but I also know that I must depend on you to help me. And today, I especially need to call on you.

       The plain fact of the matter is that I cannot do it alone. I must have your help.

       Just as Our Lady needs your faith and your love today as She has never needed them before, Her Fatima Apostolate needs your prayers and your financial sacrifices more than ever!

       SPECIFICALLY, I am asking you to make the largest financial sacrifice you can possibly afford today ... Whether that means $10,000, $1000, $100 or even $10.

       You see, right now, anything you can give is crucial as we struggle to survive the recession, pay these outstanding bills and continue the work of Our Lady's Apostolate.

What's At Stake

       I think you know that, with all of my heart and soul, I wish I never had to turn to you and ask for your financial assistance.

       It is the hardest thing I ever have to do (and yes, I have to do it often), but as the Blessed Apostle tells us, we are not struggling merely against flesh and blood.

       You see, our battle is part and parcel of God's own battle for goodness and mercy against the snares and wickedness of the Evil One and his human cohorts. It is a battle for eternal life and salvation against everlasting darkness and death without end.

       My dear friend, the price I am asking you to pay may seem high to you, but I beg you to consider the cost of doing nothing.

       Just look at the last 25 years in the Church...

Our Traditions Smashed ... Our Values Trashed

       Because many of us were reluctant or even frightened to speak out or act, we've watched as our Holy Church was dragged through the mud and many of our most sacred traditions and values were discarded.

       Much of the precious heritage of 2,000 years of Catholic life has disappeared before our very eyes. Our churches and schools have grown emptier and emptier, our beautiful liturgies and music have all but vanished.

       Today, you can hardly pick up a newspaper without reading about another church or school being closed. The behavior of many priests and nuns is so scandalous as to be beyond belief.

       In many places, devotion to Our Lady and the Saints is all but extinct. I'm sure you know Catholic children who have never learned the Rosary or who can barely recite a Hail Mary.

       And when was the last time you heard anything about Fatima from the pulpit? To many priests, Fatima is a forbidden word, an embarrassment, something to be swept under the rug along with the rest of our holy Catholic traditions.

       Is it any wonder that where once tens of thousands of Catholic girls entered convents each year, now tens of thousands are in the waiting rooms of abortion clinics?

       Looking at the situation in the Church, can any of us really be surprised that our streets are filled with drug-crazed gangs?...Or that our prisons are full to overflowing?...Or that our politicians are corrupt?... Or that 75 percent of our families are torn asunder by divorce and disharmony?

Fatima.... Our ONLY Hope

       The Mother of God, the crowned Queen of Heaven came to Fatima to offer us the solution to all the many problems confronting our Church, the world, our nation and particularly our families.

       And as you know, Her words could not have been any plainer: 'Only I can help you' She told us. "Only She can help you."

       Our Lady has chosen you and me to bring that Message to the world. She is using this Apostolate, this group of "little flowers" as Her clear strong voice amidst the chaos and confusion around us.

       I know that you love Our Lady too much to allow Her voice to be stilled forever. I go to India with total confidence that you will do everything in your power to help us in this time of need.

Pray for Guidance!

       Please, please pray for me while I am in India and pray that others will hear this urgent plea for financial assistance.

       Everything you and I have worked and prayed for is at stake. Your Rosaries are "Heaven's weapon" in this struggle for survival.

       And with all my strength, I beg you to ask Our Lord and Our Lady to guide your hand as you write your check today.

       As I told you, we've cut our expenses down to the very bone. There's simply no other place to cut without seriously impairing our ability to bring the Fatima Message to you and others.

       IF this magazine and Our Lady's radio and TV programs mean anything to you, please give the largest amount you can possibly afford today. But remember, ANY SIZE GIFT IS URGENTLY NEEDED!

       I know that God will reward you so abundantly, so richly for your help. I am praying for you always and especially will offer prayers for you at Our Lady's shrines throughout India.

       Again, please help. We need you so desperately today.

       Yours in Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

Father Nicholas Gruner              

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