Fatima - Message for Our Times

Last summer, after having the privilege and honour to accompany a group of pilgrims from Toronto to Fatima, I was able to enjoy some time of rest with my family. Searching for some simple and relaxing summertime reading, I came across the French version of Fatima 1917-2017 – The Message for our Times, written by Fr. Bertrand Labouche, an old friend of mine. Right away, I was intrigued by the simple, yet captivating style of that book, written by a true pastor of souls. But I need to warn the reader who may be looking for unpublished words of Sister Lucy that “may give the key to understand everything”.

The hunters of scoops may be disappointed, as there is nothing new in that book, which gives a complete summary of what has been written before him, especially by Brother Michael of the Trinity. But what makes the book of Fr. Labouche special, it is the way the author interprets the message of Fatima in view of the situation of the world that we are living now. Things that are happening now are not the fruit of hazard, but should be rather understood in light of a message entrusted to three young shepherds one hundred years ago. Here we are not only talking about the negative things that are deeply disturbing us, but also the positive ones: the fact that the message of Fatima is a great message of hope: hope for the final triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, that may not be too far off in the future.