Inside the Light: Understanding the Message of Fatima

by Angela de Fatima Coelho

“We stopped, astounded, before the apparition. We were so close that we were inside the light which surrounded her, or rather, which radiated from her.”—Lucia de Jesus There may be no person on the globe who knows more about the story of Fatima than Sr. Angela de Fatima Coelho. As a little girl growing up in Portugal, she used to pray at the tombs of Jacinta and Francisco Marto. Many years later as a sister of the Alianca de Santa Maria, she would become the postulator for their cause of canonization. This journey would lead her to visit with Sr. Lucia several times and eventually become the vice postulator for her cause as well. Sr. Angela brings this unique and privileged perspective to the story of Fatima, going beyond a chronicle of the events to the theological meaning of the Fatima message, as well as taking a deeper look at the lives and spiritualities of each of the three seers. Relying on her extensive research as a postulator advice postulator for their causes and on her own personal story touched early by suffering only to be healed by the embrace of Our Lady of Fatima, she helps readers discover the relevancy of this message for our post-modern world. For many years, Sr. Angela has traveled the world and spoken to thousands of people. Now, for the first time in print, she gives her profound testimony about Fatima. Her hope is that she may take each of us inside the light—the light that is God—that washed over the three shepherd children on that miraculous spring day in 1917.

Genres: Catholic

267 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2020

Reviews

[Michael Jolls · Rating 5 out of 5]

The problem with Marian apparition books is that, sometimes, the author gets engrossed with the theological interpretations that the text becomes increasingly difficult to follow. Sr. Coelho's "Inside the Light" unpacks the Fatima story from an ecclesiastical standpoint, but in a down-to-Earth fashion in which she contextualizes Catholic beliefs. It's not a direct historical retelling of the story, even though the book covers most of it, albeit not in linear order (she's able to jump around a single century, 1916 to 2017, without it getting confusing), rather Sr. Coelho highlights themes of faith, reparation, the rosary and sacrifice in a manner that even the non-Christian would be able to grasp the tenets of the worldwide religion. Sr. Coelho details the proclamation of Fatima's message in a way that I've never seen or heard before, easily making it one of the best books on the subject I have come across.

[Rachelle Wasik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inside the Light: Understanding the Message of Fatima is a beautiful and thoughtful book that truly touched my heart. Angela de Fátima Coelho writes with such care and gentleness that it feels like she is guiding you by the hand into a deeper understanding of what Our Lady of Fatima shared with the world.

As a Catholic who has always wanted to learn more about Fatima, I found this book to be both inspiring and comforting. It explains the events clearly while also showing how the message of Fatima is not just something from the past, but something that can guide us in our lives today. Prayer, sacrifice, and love are presented not as burdens, but as gifts that bring us closer to God.

What I loved most was how approachable the book felt. The writing is full of light and hope, and it encouraged me to reflect on my own faith and how I can live it out with more devotion. It reminded me that holiness can be found in small, simple acts when they are done with love.

This is a book that brings peace to the soul and leaves you with a stronger desire to grow in prayer and trust in God. I will carry its lessons with me, and I am grateful for the deeper love of Fatima that it gave me.

[Carolyn O’Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the very best book I have read about Fatima and the 3 shepherd children seers. I have personally have been to visit Fatima on a Pilgrimage. It was really life changing. This book is written by Sr Angela who was instrumental in having Francisco and Jacinta’s 2 of the youngest who had an early death becoming named Saints. She is in the process of working towards Sr Lucia’s sainthood. She lived until 97. Sr Angela has told details of the children’s life and their faith after Our Lady’s apparitions. She breakdowns all of the apparitions in detail with meaning and explains the 3 secrets. I have much more insight from this book. Very enlightening and how I can apply this to my own life. Highly recommended!

[Christina Soave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touched my heart in ways I can hardly put into words. Our God and Blessed Mother are so good! I loved learning more about the message of Fatima, and this book truly deepened my love for Mother Mary.

I have also had the privilege of meeting Sr. Angela, and she radiates pure light and joy. When she speaks, you can truly feel the Holy Spirit working through her.

I can’t recommend this book enough to my fellow Catholic friends. 🤍🙏🏻

[Dora J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heart of the Fatima Message

This is my favorite book on Fatima.
It keeps the heart of the message front and center; God's tender mercy and desire to save all of us poor sinners and that participating in His plan for love of Him is the joy of our lives. "He is our heaven now. Jesus is heaven." PBXVI

[Robert Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enlightening

Take the message of Fatima to heart as it is high time to be very conscious in transforming our lives in conformity with Christ while engaging in meditative prayer and frequent Mass attendance. Much prayer is required of us in reparation for the sins of mankind.

[Nicki Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having recently been to Fatima and having met and heard Sister Angela, i cannot recommend this book enough.