Our Lady's message to pray still vital, says Fatima advocate

Published: 2005-10-03

FATIMA, Portugal (CNS) -- Our Lady of Fatima's message to pray is just as vital today as it was in 1917 when she appeared to three shepherd children, said the international president of the World Apostolate of Fatima. "We are acting on Our Lady's request to pray often," the president, Americo Lopez-Ortiz, said Oct. 1, the eve of the Worldwide Day of Prayer for the Sanctity of Life. "Hard work and prayer will triumph in the battle for life." On Oct. 2, more than 100,000 people filled the square outside the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima for Mass to mark the day of prayer for life. Bishop Serafim de Sousa Ferreira e Silva of Leiria-Fatima celebrated the Mass, which also served as the annual pilgrimage for lay Franciscans from throughout Portugal and for the people of the diocese. The World Apostolate of Fatima sponsored the day of prayer with the goal of getting 100 million prayers said for the intention of upholding the sacredness of life.

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