David Carollo, the Executive Director of the World Apostolate of Fatima, USA and the National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, writes the Voice of Fatima blog monthly.Anything But “Ordinary” Time
Pentecost Sunday, the birthday of the Church, marks the end of the Easter season. Leading up to this day we completed the Novena to the Holy Spirit which began on Ascension Thursday; “Come Holy Spirit fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy Love.” Although many dioceses transferred the feast to the following Sunday, most of us began the nine-day prayer on the traditional day. This was a great preparation for the mission ratified when the Holy Spirit came upon Our Lady and the Apostles. It is the time when the Holy Spirit comes upon us and fills us with the gifts needed to carry on our mission as Catholics. On Pentecost the Church was born.
Persevere Like the Early Christians
During this glorious Easter season, it is important to ponder the fruits of the Redemption, which often escape the eye. What became of the many who crossed paths with Jesus and came to understand the meaning of the events they participated in, either as followers or as those who brought about His death? Some witnessed His works from a distance but knew the truth was at hand. Even those guilty of the atrocities inflicted upon Him were among the first recipients of the great gift of redemption. This was a message preached during the years of His ministry: His mercy is beyond description to those who seek it through repentance.
The Moment of Truth
Holy Week is upon us, and Lent is over. The sacrifices and reflections that marked these forty days are now ending and the true purpose of this time of penance is in front of us.
Lent Should Transform Us
Simon becomes Peter; Saul becomes Paul. The Cornerstones of Lent Prayer and sacrifice are the cornerstones of Lent. It is during this time that we re-evaluate our lives and strive for improvement. This should be our task every day of the year, but in this time, we are directed to a more focused effort to […]
A Year of Decisions and Crossroads
Can We Alter the Course? A new year always begins with speculation, hope and resolutions. This year not only appears to follow that course but may be one of the most pivotal times in history. It is a major election year and the choices in front of us are monumental. Once again, we look at […]
We Are Blessed to Know the True Wonder of Christmas
Secularism Cannot Replace Christmas The day after Thanksgiving, I returned from Portugal. My wife and I decided to stay a few extra days after our Fatima pilgrimage group departed to spend the holiday with some friends. It was not a holiday there, but something jumped out at me; advertising for Black Friday was everywhere. This […]
November, the Month of Awareness and Gratitude
by David Carollo – The month of November starts with the great feast of All Saints Day, which directs us to look to the many holy people who have been elevated to the altar and stand as examples of how we need to live. We have our favorite saints, those who we look up to, […]
Separation of Church and State is an Impossibility
By David M. Carollo – Kennedy v. Nixon My earliest recollection of politics goes back to 1960 when John Kennedy faced Richard Nixon in the presidential race. The overwhelming subject seemed to be the fact that one candidate was Catholic, the first in the history of the nation. As a young child, I had no […]
The Work of God is Final
By David M. Carollo – Our World Is Like an Amusement Park Ride When I was young growing up in Chicago, my parents occasionally took us to Riverview, an amusement park on the north side of the city. The rides were thrilling to a 5-year-old who eagerly followed his dad on any adventure. The parachute […]
A Lesson on Faith
By David M. Carollo – A Visit to The Holy Land Again, I am writing from a historic place – the Holy Land, where the foundation of our Faith is found. God chose this land to bring about the true understanding of Divine Law lost by the actions of our first parents and the subsequent […]
