# Remembering the Miracle of the Sun on the 101st Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima
*2018-10-13*

> Bill Young reflects on the 101st anniversary of the 1917 Miracle of the Sun at Fatima, shares personal experiences of modern miracles, and leads a prayer for the salvation of the world.

## The Miracle of the Sun

On October 13, 1917, over 100,000 people gathered in the small town of Fatima, Portugal, after a rainy morning. At noon, the clouds broke and the sun appeared to dance, spin, and emit radiant colors, astonishing the crowd. The children who had received the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima testified to this event, and the faithful saw it as the fulfillment of Mary’s promise of a great sign.

## Modern Signs of God’s Presence

Bill recalls attending a Mass in Rome for the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, where the heat was intense and many suffered heat‑stroke. He felt a special grace, recalling a prior visit to the opening night of the film *The Letters* about Mother Teresa. He also mentions the recent canonization of Mother Teresa and his excitement about her upcoming feast.

He describes a recent canonization Mass at St. David’s Catholic Church in Davie, Florida, where clouds formed shapes that reminded him of an archangel and a cross, and many small circles appeared in the sky. These “little circles” reminded him of Father Michael Gately’s teaching about the “little souls” – the humble, everyday saints who may never be famous but live lives of love and sacrifice.

## The Call to Love and Sacrifice

Bill shares the story of his Aunt Sister Mary Teresa, a religious sister who gave her life for Christ. He relates how praying for her deepened his understanding of love that extends to all people, echoing Christ’s command to love our enemies. He encourages listeners to emulate the “little saints” who serve quietly and faithfully.

He also reflects on the mystery of time and suffering, noting that Christ, in his humanity, sought companionship in his Passion. Bill emphasizes that God does not desire unnecessary suffering; rather, He invites us to be friends with Him in every moment.

## Hope for a Future Without Suffering

Bill speaks of a future when God may remove the genetic cause of aging and suffering, allowing humanity to live in health and peace for a thousand years. He connects this hope to current events, praying for those affected by hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters, especially the recent storms in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.

## Prayer for the Salvation of the World

Bill leads the community in a prayer for the salvation of the world, invoking the Holy Trinity and asking for mercy, light, and peace for all peoples:

Father, hear our prayer for the salvation of the world. Grant mercy to all souls that turn away from you. Open their hearts and minds with your light. Gather your children from east and west, from north and south. Have mercy, O God, on those who do not know you. Bring them out of darkness into your light. You are our saving God who leads us in our salvation. Protect us from evil. Blessed be your name. You, O Lord, hear our prayers and answer us. You, our Savior, are the hope of all the ends of the earth and the distant seas. May your way be known upon us. Among all nations, bring your salvation. We place the world in your hands. Fill us with your love. Grant us peace. Christ our Lord, Amen.

He concludes by blessing the listeners and especially those who have lost homes to recent hurricanes.

*May we remain open to the miracles of God, both extraordinary and everyday, and pray fervently for the salvation and peace of the whole world.*