Fatima

Are you willing to offer yourselves to God and bear all the sufferings He wills to send you, as an act of reparation for the conversion of sinners?"

"Then you are going to have much to suffer, but the grace of God will be your comfort."

Startling words from the Virgin to the three children. Mary, whose heart was pierced as by a sword, teaches the children that Christianty isn't an easy religion. Christ is stark and real. The Gospel can seem harsh. Sin and death must be dealt with in our world.

Even if (like me) you are not in the habit of praying the Rosary, today is a great day to pray this wonderful prayer.