MADRID, Spain, DEC. 5, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Sister Lucia, the only surviving Fatima visionary, has just published a book to respond to numerous questions and concerns about the Blessed Virgin Mary´s secret.
The 354-page book, entitled «Appeals of the Fatima Message,» was published in Portuguese and Spanish by Planeta+Testimonio. An English edition is planned.
Bishop Serafim de Sousa Ferreira e Silva of Leiria-Fatima explained that this «volume is the result of an initiative of Sister Lucia herself who, faced with the deluge of letters sent by thousands of faithful, who seek answers to their questions about the mysteries of Fatima, felt the need to ask the Holy Father´s permission to respond, in a general but understanding manner, to the questions of Fatima devotees.»
The main intention is not just to satisfy the faithful´s curiosity, but «to deepen the understanding of the spiritual importance of the Virgin Mary´s words,» said Father Jesús Castellano Cervera, who attended the presentation and is a consultor of the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
«Appeals» is structured around the following concept expressed by the Virgin Mary to the little shepherds on Oct. 13, 1917: «Do not offend Our Lord God any more, who is already very offended.»
In the first part, Sister Lucia explains the circumstances in which the apparitions took place: the little shepherds´ family background, their simple and Christian lives, and the providential role of the angels who appeared to them.
In the second part, Sister Lucia talks about the call to holiness, which is addressed to every Christian.
The third part of the book is dedicated to the moral message of Fatima. Sister Lucia casts light on the Ten Commandments from her own experience as well as from the Virgin´s revelations. Part 4 is dedicated to prayer, especially the rosary.
Lucia of Jesus was born March 22, 1907, in Aljustrel, a little village of the Fatima parish in Portugal. Following the Virgin´s apparitions between 1915-1917, she entered a religious community. In March 1948 she joined the Carmel of St. Teresa of Coimbra, where she still lives today.
