Fatima: A Message More Urgent Than Ever

by Luiz Sergio Solimeo

In 1917 Our Lady appeared in Fatima, Portugal for six consecutive months, from May to October to three shepherd Lucia dos Santos, Francisco and Jacinta Marto. They were ten, nine and seven years of age respectively. Basing much of his book on The Memoirs of Sister Lucia, author Luiz Sergio Solimeo offers the readers an insightful and detailed account of their story, Our Lady's message and its continual relevance for our times. In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, the Fatima apparitions were "without doubt, the most prophetic of all modern apparitions."

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Nonfiction

136 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a quick book to read this year—the 100th anniversary of the Marian apparitions at Fátima Portugal—this would be a good choice. It is a quick read at 134 pages, with black and white photos, interesting supplemental information and minimal footnotes only where necessary. It is not impartial and does not pretend to be and yet it draws from many sources, including atheist observers at the October 13, 1917 ‘Miracle of the Sun’ event. It also includes a brief history of subsequent events leading up to the present. I was in Fátima in 2007 for the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun and thought myself something of an expert on this topic, yet I still learned more from this little book.

Available for free or a small donation from America Needs Fátima.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, short recap of what happened at Fatima 100 years ago.

[Christopher Upton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5. Gives an overall account of the events at Fatima. It keeps things simple and is a very easy read. It uses a lot of excerpts of Sister Lucia’s writings which I enjoyed hearing her personal accounts. Overall a solid book.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good primer on the apparitions that took place in Fatima, Portugal exactly 100 years ago.

[Avery Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on Fatima and its events. Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!

[Catie Kostyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great inspirational book. A wonderful backstory on Our Lady Of Fatima!

[Ei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many historical facts regarding the children and their endurance and persistence to be obedient to Our Lady's requests. This book is the 100th anniversary edition 1917 - 2017 of the event witnessed by 100,000 in Portugal.

[Coleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in the mail from 'American Needs Fatima', and knowing that one can never read enough about Fatima, I read it. Having read what I consider quite a bit of information about Fatima, I anticipated that most of the material would be what I already knew. And a lot of is was, but there were points and details of which I was unaware - or maybe had forgotten. So that was worthwhile.

Additionally, there was an explanation of the Five Saturdays devotion that I was pleased to read. And a section at the end of the book on Russia and Communism was added which I found very informational. This was also revealing in light of the fact that, despite the Virgin Mary's repeated request to have the country of Russia dedicated her, the Catholic Church had not done so.

Over all, I was happy to have received the book and to have read it, and hope that its message will be spread as intended.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An account of the visionaries at Fatima.

I had recently read another Fatima history. This one contained a few little known facts. This collection also had the gloom and doom aspect. We still need to pray for the conversion of Russia and other problem areas of the world. The first printing was in 20o8. Reference was made to a then living Fidel Castro.
Prophetically, the author predicts the annihilation of many nations, physically and culturally.

The point of the short book is to continue to pray the rosary daily.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Fatima is well known. However the author nicely places these events in the context of world events. This is valuable to understand who the opposing sides were and how they hoped to manipulate Fatima's events and people for their own purposes. Solimeo's Fatima offers a glimpse of what is expected of Church leaders. We find bishops, cardinals and the pope rarely deliver on orders from the "home office".

Initially, and righly so, there is skepticism followed by an inquiry. The Church acknowledged these events as legitimate only after putting the witnesses through incredible torment during the inquiry, but let's assume that is necessary. What leaves me scratching my head is, once the Church determined the children's version of the events was worthy of belief, the ordained leaders of that same church fail to comply with the mandates from the "home office", that is revealing the third secret in 1963 as directed; the consecration of Russia and something as simple as adding the Fatima Prayer to the Rosary. (After thirteen years, the Holy See allowed the Fatima Prayer to be added, as an optional prayer.) We can speculate, but the real story would be fascinating to know.

[Holly Walling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good little Fatima guide! I wanted a brief informational piece about the apparitions in Fatima, and this was exactly that. I really loved the photographs and excerpts from Sister Lucia’s memoirs. This little book condensed a lot of information in an easily digestible way. The last chapter or so was a long description of communism in the world, and provided some historical timelines. In manners of politics the author clearly had one POV, and was very upfront about his beliefs. I docked it a star because I both didn’t feel like that chapter about politics and the evils of the world needed to be there, and was convicted that maybe because I felt that way it definitely did. Will be thinking about this book for a long time. 4.5/5

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up hearing different stories from what happened at Fatima, and it's always interested me. This is a thin book but full of pictures and accounts. While I may disagree with some of the Catholic church's teachings, I definitely believe these occurrences happened. That what was spoken to the little girl was real. It's one of those things I do not discount, nor do I embrace but my mind is open. The prophecies given to her have astoundingly been extremely accurate. I'm thankful the book was not thicker, as I have much to ponder. But still hungry enough to read further books on this and satisfy my questions.

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many reviews, this book is easy to read through. You can finish it in one or two days if your schedule is not that busy. I recommend it to all Catholics. It’s a book that reflects a lot on the events that are happening currently and what God most desires from us which is repentance, conversion, and to be faithful to Him. It contains a deep message. There are pictures in the book and it’s based on a true story.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written and easy to read book. It is an intriguing look into the lives of the three shepherd children and the apparitions of Mary that came to them in 1917. I like that this book provides details and goes in depth into the words of Mary while being easy to follow and understand.

A great, inspiring book.

[Kelly McHugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book on the miracles at Fatima and the predictions on what is to come. I loved the section on communism at the end. I highly recommend this book to Catholics and non Catholics alike.

[Catherine Mohs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise history of the apparitions at Fatima. Very good.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book concisely explains the story of Mary's appearances to the children Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco in Portugal.

[Kate Dyson-D'Onofrio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent retelling of the apparitions and events at Fatima over 100 years ago and their relevance today. Quick and easy read.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. Gives the history of the apparitions and applies it to what we are experiencing today.

[Linda George · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent overview of the Fatima visions and the three visionary children. I was impressed with the first person accounts and Lucia's memories. I highly recommend this account.