Matt GaspersApril 2022 Edition Now Available – Preview HERE
Easter Sunday
April 17, 2022
Dear Friends in Christ,
After rising from the dead and appearing “first to Mary Magdalen” (Mark 16:9), as well as to the other women who visited His tomb early in the morning (cf. Matt. 28:1-10; Luke 24:1-10), Our Lord then appeared to His Apostles — and the first thing He told them was, “Peace be to you” (John 20:19).
During the Last Supper, Our Lord had told the Apostles: “Peace I leave with you: My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled: nor let it be afraid” (John 14:27). What distinguishes the peace of Christ from worldly peace?
St. Augustine famously defined peace as “the tranquility of order” and observed more specifically, “Peace between man and God is the well-ordered obedience of faith to eternal law” (City of God, Book XIX, Ch. 13). Thus, we see that true peace involves acceptance of divinely revealed truth — “the obedience of faith” (Rom. 16:26) — and a firm resolution to live according to that truth. In a word, it requires conversion.
In the Message of Fatima, we see clearly that conversion and peace are integrally linked. Our Lady told the three children, “If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace,” and further, “If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace” (July 13, 1917). In addition to the daily Rosary and making sacrifices for the conversion of sinners, Our Lady also requested “the consecration of Russia to [her] Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays.”
On March 25, Pope Francis consecrated “the Church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine” to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, together with at least some Catholic bishops throughout the world (we don’t yet know how many chose to participate). Time will tell if this consecration proves to be the one that finally satisfies Our Lady’s request and obtains the promised conversion of Russia and period of peace.
Regardless, though, we know what Our Lady wants from each of us as individuals: daily prayer of the Holy Rosary, generosity in offering sacrifices for the conversion of sinners, and devotion to her Immaculate Heart — including “the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays.” This is what will help establish and maintain “the peace of Christ” (Col. 3:15) in our own hearts, families, and communities.
As we have always done, Catholic Family News will continue to spread the full Message of Fatima and help souls find “the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ” (Pius XI, Encyclical Quas Primas, n. 1). To help us continue this mission — which includes producing a monthly paper as well as video content (weekly news and special reports), web articles, and more — please subscribe or renew your subscription to CFN and encourage your family and friends to do likewise. We greatly appreciate your support!
Sincerely in the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts,
Matt Gaspers
Managing Editor
