Our Lady of Fatima
Coloured Pencil
© 2022 Adelaine Nohara
In 1917, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children of Fatima: Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. She called them to prayer and penance for the salvation of souls, and requested devotion to her Immaculate Heart as a means to world peace. Here is a poetic meditation inspired by the message of Fatima, written by Adelaine.
Sweet Purity, Penance and Peace
The little ones – they understand.
The pure of heart perceive God’s Hand.
The tidal waves of Justice stayed
Through acts of self-denial made
That poorest sinners may be saved.
Sweet purity! Sin’s stain effaced
By cleansing ointments borne of grace.
O bathe my soul with balm divine,
Bind up the wounds, dissolve the grime
That fetters me from love sublime.
My sin now scorned, my crimes rejected
No longer is my heart dejected.
With praise to Him who set me free
My spirit soars in liberty,
The Heavens opened wide to me!
But what of those in darkness gripped –
Their hardened hearts of goodness stripped?
My God, accept this heart’s oblation
And every act of reparation
Imploring You for their salvation.
You crave the prodigal’s return –
No humbled heart Your Heart can spurn.
Yet spurned are You by all the world:
At You is insult, hatred hurled
Through lies of Satan’s mind unfurled.
“Make penance, then, your daily bread
That with your body souls are fed.”
– This my Mother’s sweet advice.
With her I wish to pay the price,
My flesh a living sacrifice.
Her heart, her soul, her marrow torn
As from His side the Church was born.
Immaculate yet pierced with pain
She finds it sweet to taste disdain
When by the chalice souls are gained.
O holy Mother, full of love
Your heart is crystal, your eyes are doves
That melt my soul with sweetest peace
Beseeching me, through prayers increased
To lead men to the Wedding Feast.
I believe, I adore profoundly, Lord
I hope, I love – my life accords
With Your Most Holy Will, my meat.
Grant pardon from Your Mercy seat,
As I lay prostrate at Your Feet.
As man remembers he is dust
The Serpent’s head by love is crushed
Your Eucharistic kiss our life
Dispelling lies and ending strife
As Bridegroom claims His lowly wife.