Cardinal Mauro Piacenza thinks that the “clear prophetic purpose” of Fatima “is not finished yet”

Cardinal Mauro Piacenza thinks that the “clear prophetic purpose” of Fatima “is not finished yet” 

International Anniversary Pilgrimage that evokes the fifth apparition of Our Lady started today in Fatima

The Major Penitentiary of the Supreme Court of the Apostolic Penitentiary, Cardinal Mauro Piacenza, mentioned this evening that the apparitions of 1917 at Cova de Iria had a “clear prophetic purpose” that maintains its exceptionality and topicality. “It would be a mistake for someone to think that the prophetic mission of Fatima has ended. Fatima is not over!” He highlighted, during the homily of the Vigil Mass of the International Anniversary Pilgrimage of September in the Shrine of Fatima, which evokes the fifth apparition of Our Lady to the little shepherds.

The Italian Cardinal underlined the “exceptionality of Fatima” that makes it different from all the places where the Virgin appeared and pointed out that “this is not a place like the others”.

“The Blessed Virgin appeared on this place not only to urge mankind to conversion and prayer, as it happened other apparitions, but with a clear prophetic purpose, suggesting future events so that mankind can perceive them, can be prepared, recognised them and convert itself” said Mauro Piacenza.

The Italian Cardinal talked about faith as the experience of a “truly, objective, real and transforming presence” lived by the seers of Fatima.

Mauro Piacenza also remind that Our Lady left a pending mandate “to be the prophecy to the world, to show now and forever Christ, His Body to the others so that, by knowing the truth they can achieve salvation”.

The Major Penitentiary of the Holy See warned us to the consequences of an “absolute denial of God” and presented the prayer as “a great exorcism on the world”.

“Also in this context, Fatima is not yet completed, because the mission of the Church is not accomplished and will remain alive until the end of the centuries, through all the historical conditions and despite of all the adversities that come from culture and power”, he added.

The Italian Cardinal, who has already been Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy and he is currently the International President of the foundation “Aid to Church in Need” that makes, on this occasion the international pilgrimage, mentioned that on another hand the Church is “young, strong with an abundant faith from all its children, adorned with all the prayers and works of charity, enriched by several hidden and offered sufferings that truly build the kingdom of God, the only new world that we can aspire to”.

“Dear friends, all the enemies of the Church, all the ones that persecute and fight it throughout the centuries, are part of the past. The Church of Jesus is still here, like the Blessed Virgin Mary!” he pointed out, mentioning that the Kingdom of God “is not a matter of food and drink; is not a matter of organisations or strategies, of attempts to solve this or that problem, even if they are important and needed.”

“Above all, and despite of the enemies outside and within, the Church lives in the consciousness of mankind, where it flourishes, progresses and takes place again and again for the salvation of each one and for the salvation of humanity”. He concluded, pointing out that “the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary is exactly this: the event of Christ in the consciousness of mankind and in the history of the world; the event of Christ and, with Him, of that Mother who create Him, offering Him for us and for our salvation, the event, first all in us, of the salvation that’s originated from the redeeming encounter with Christ and for that reason, through us, leads to the introduction to the world of the Lord”.

“Mother of Church, pray for us” is the subject of the Pilgrimage that evokes the fifth apparition of Our Lady to Francisco, Jacinta and Lúcia.

157 groups of pilgrims from 35 countries were registered next to the Pilgrims Department. Highlight to a pilgrimage of the World Apostolate of Fatima from Czech Republic, followed by the Cardinal Dominik Duka, President of the Bishop’s Conference of Czech Republic, who by the end of the celebration of the 13th of September will solemnly receive a Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which will remain in that country until the 8th of October. The Cardinal will also address a greeting and give to the Shrine of Fatima a statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. Alongside with the national pilgrimage of the Czech Republic, the Foundation AIS, that celebrates 70 years of existence and half a century since its consecration to Our Lady, also makes its international pilgrimage.

340 priests, 18 bishops and 2 cardinals attended this pilgrimage.