On May 13, 1917, the Blessed Mother began appearing monthly to three Portuguese children in the village of Fatima. This would continue until Oct. 13 of that same year. Her message throughout was a call to prayer, as an answer to many of our personal struggles, and as a way for the Peace of Christ to bring an end to World War I, to avoid World War II, and the destruction of the Cold War. As so few took up Mary’s challenge, peace has continued to be elusive, although many believe that the destruction has been minimized.
   
In her messages to the children, she gave them three secrets. The first was revealed as a call to honor her Immaculate Heart. The second was a vision into Hell. The third was kept secret until Pope John Paul II ordered it to be addressed in the year 2000, with a document explaining its meaning. In that document, he expressed his belief that it was foretelling the assassination attempt on his life May 13, 1981.
    
The message of the secrets is a call to prayer. Unfortunately, many Catholic conspiracy theorists have hijacked the messages to put forth their own distorted explanations.
   
In every apparition of our Lady, she has given forth the same message, “Pray! Pray! Pray!” May we honor her request. This Wednesday, May 13, is the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima.

The Ascension of the Lord took place 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead. If we celebrated it on that 50th day of Easter, we would do so this Thursday, May 14. Some years ago, the bishops of the United States transferred the celebration of that feast to the following Sunday, making it easier for the people to make it to Mass on that day. Therefore, next Sunday will be the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord.