The example of Fatima against the temptations of Europe. For the 90th anniversary of the apparitions to the little shepherds, Fatima hosted one of the greatest pilgrimages in its history. Yesterday morning, card. Angelo Sodano, who officiated the celebrations, recalled the 1917 events: “Fatima triumphed over the unbelief of the sceptical ones, on the opposition of the national authorities and on the reservations made by the Church” said the Papal delegate, who highlighted that "It was not the Church that imposed Fatima, but it was Fatima that imposed itself on to the Church”. The cardinal mentioned John Paul II’s visit to the Sanctuary on May 1982, “to thank the Virgin for escaping the attack in Saint Peter’s Square”, and also relayed Benedict XVI’s firm intention to go back there, after visiting it as a cardinal in October 1996. Finally, the Vatican delegate warned the half a million pilgrims "against the serious danger that is threatening contemporary society. Many of today’s men and women are tempted to live without God. Mary knows that the eternal salvation of many of her children is in danger. Such apostasy must not leave us indifferent; Europe is tempted to forget that faith that has been its strength over the centuries”.
