Pope Francis is currently in Fatima Portugal for a two-day pilgrimage commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima. The centennial reminds us of our continued need for world peace and how it can only be attained through prayer and devotion to our Lord.

Mary appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal from May 13 to October 13, 1917 and outlined a plan for peace. At that time, the world was at war (WWI), and she warned that if we didn’t change our ways, a greater war would result. We know, in fact, that a greater war (WWII) did occur resulting in the loss of more lives and destruction.

Mary’s peace plan remains to be vital today. Basically, she asks us to pray—continuously. She specifically asked that we pray the rosary every day. If we all move closer to the Lord, it would be difficult to hurt anyone. Our focus would be on God, not earthly desires, and peace would result.

Pope Francis will lead the anniversary celebration with an evening recitation of the rosary and preside over Mass and the canonization ceremony of two of the young seers, Blessed Francisco and Blessed Jacinta Marto on Saturday, May 13, 2017.

An unprecedented numbers of pilgrims will also be in attendance. But no one need be left out. EWTN offers extensive coverage of the events and informative programming relating to the Fatima message. Tune in as it unfolds or set your DVR to record. You also can watch live feed from the Shrine of Apparitions in Fatima. Most importantly, live Our Lady of Fatima’s message of peace by holding God in the center of your life.

(Fatima at 100. Fatima Today is available from ACTA Publications and my website.The Rosary Prayer by Prayer is available from ACTA Publications, Amazon.com, and my website.)