Happy Feast Day!
Today we celebrate the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima. This day also marks the 100th year anniversary of the apparitions at Fatima, Portugual. It is fitting therefore that Catholic author and well-known blogger, Jean Heimann 's wonderful new book has been published as we commemorate this blessed occasion. The book is Fatima: The Apparition that Changed the World. This book must be really special as it is not only published by Tan Books, a publishing company noted for their fine Catholic books, but the introduction was written by none other than David Carollo, the executive director of the World Apostolate of Fatima.
Those of us who have a devotion to Our Lady of Fatima will notice that there are plenty of new books available during this Fatima centennial. Personally speaking, I was having a hard time wondering which book I should read. I was looking for a book that would explain in easy to understand terms, chronologically, the events that occurred, and written without any personal bias. I really believe it was Divine Providence that led me to Jean Heimann's book. It was as if it were custom written with my specifications in mind. I think this book, which is not at all long yet chock-filled with pertinent information on all things relating to the Fatima apparitions, will appeal to just about everyone. All ages, male and female, religious and the laity and even non-Catholics will find this little treasure of a book an invaluable resource.
The book is written in Jean's clear style of writing. The book begins with a comprehensive timeline of events. There are many good books that have been written to explain Our Lady of Fatima's messages to the three young shepherd children, but I cannot recall one that specifically explains not only the messages but also when things occurred. The fact that Jean took the time to give us the timeline alone makes this book a valuable Fatima resource.
Along with the timeline of all the events, there are beautiful photographs throughout the book. There are also explanations of certain terms which makes the Fatima experience more meaningful. For example, the writer explains quite clearly what our lady meant by reparation. It stresses the importance of our Lady's messages such as penance, prayers and sacrifices for poor sinners. She gives background on the history of the holy rosary. Her writing also gives us a better impression on the characters of the shepherd children. This is important because we understand them to be holy children but also your normal, playful children as well.
Jean does not shy away from the scarier messages of hell either. The reader will no doubt try to avoid hell as much as possible. She also writes about the Fatima popes and their handling of the Our Lady's messages.
I highly recommend this beautiful little book. It will give the reader a better appreciation for this Fatima jubilee.
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