Fatima 100 years and two new Saints, Jacinta and Francisco

From our correspondent

Oudtshoorn, Saturday 13 May 2017: Faithful from around the Diocese gathered together with the bishop and some of the clergy at St. Saviour Cathedral to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the apparition of Our Blessed Mother at Fatima and the elevation to the Altar of the youngest ever Saints by the Church, Jacinta and Francisco at a special Mass of Thanksgiving.

A special invitation to ALL and especially our young people as we celebrate the canonization of the two youngest children ever!
   Let us rejoice as the Church acknowledges that children can make a difference; that they are also called to holiness and can grow in virtue.

CHILDREN SHOULD BE SEEN AND HEARD!

And in the case of the new saints Jacinta and Francisco

their faith, commitment, humility and prayer

needs to be imitated by young and old.

Here’s an idea – At Francisco and Jacinta’s beatification in Fatima by Pope St. John Paul II in 2000, thousands of children came to the Mass dressed as little shepherds.   Why not encourage our children to do the same at Mass on 13^th May?   Would it not make a clear statement that children are not only to be protected and cared for but that THEY also can be carers and protectors?

CHILDREN ARE NOT THE FUTURE CHURCH – THEY ARE THE CHURCH!