Fatima from an Eastern perspective

[GaryTaylor]

I don’t see where the message of Fatima relates directly to coverting Orthodox to Rome, or that an effort by Rome to convert Orthodox is even needed. What conversion?

The Blessed Mother at Fatima, simply said, you do this, and I’ll take care of the rest. Was it done, how it was done etc. All make for great conversation but here we are today.

Now the efforts made by the two Churchs are a very different idea, thats been going on since John Paul bought his clear understanding of the Eastern Church to Rome. None of this was new or misunderstood being he came from Poland. And they have worked decades to bring it to the point it is today.

Benedict is yet to meet with Kirill who is now the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow. They know each other well and have socialized. Yet they haven’t met to discuss the communion of the churchs. Benedict has said, if God is willing he would like to complete this during his life. He is getting older, I would like to see it complete with him as Pope. He’s the right person in this situation. There is no-one better with the Doctrine of the church, they don’t exit. Are ther others with knowledge? Of course.

Should the churchs be in communion would Benedict then consecrate Russia again? I honestly don’t know. The Blue Army is very big, let alone Fatima. A few of the Saints were members of the Blue Army. Padre Pio was one of the very first to get the Blue Army going and was a firm believer in Fatima. Obviously its not anything taken lightly. They believe it was the work of God and a clear message from God.

 

[Little_Boy_Lost]

Bam! An article about Fatima, and the Church in Russia.

Source: zenit.org/article-31873?l=english

Right from a Catholic Priest’s Mouth:

Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge facing the Catholic Church in Russia?

Father Fink: We must give a testimony of the divine dignity of every human person. This is the greatest need in Russia. We have so many problems: alcoholism, drug addiction and children on the streets. Every person has a divine dignity. This dignity can be nourished with a holistic approach that not only involves social works but also has to involve spiritual nourishment. The Catholic Church has the possibilities to do this. The Orthodox Church has less experience in these social works and we – Catholics – can help. We, however, have to understand the Russian mentality in order to be able to provide the right help and at the same time we must understand and love the Orthodox Church. We have to understand that we are guests and the conversion and renewal of the faith can come only through and in the Orthodox Church. In order to help the Orthodox Church we must understand the Church.

 

[Seamus_L]

Many people within the Catholic Church, clergy and laity alike, no longer believe in the necessity of being Catholic, and it’s gone much further than condemning prayers for the conversion of the Orthodox.

 

[Alexander_Roman]

Perhaps the fact that Roman Catholics have had a change of heart towards the Orthodox is a good thing.

Praying for their “conversion” has given way to working and praying together so that we may better reflect the Spirit of Christ as we seek for a future unity.

Bl. Pope John XXIII once said that the fault of separation lay on both sides.

Such a future unity would, of necessity, include the Pope of Rome.

Let’s get to know the Orthodox Church, as the priest above noted. We would then see that there is not that much that really separates us from them.

And there is so much the Catholic Church of North America can learn from the Orthodox to better reform itself from the liberalism that appears to be afflicting it.

If anything, the message of Fatima should be directed at prayer for the deeper conversion of North American and European Catholics to the practice of their faith and union with Christ in accordance with the traditions of the Church.

It is to be hoped that we can approximate in some small way the great general piety of the Orthodox Church in this respect.

Alex

 

[Jakub]

I would hope no one here would consider you to be damned, Hesychios. The Orthodox (and Eastern Catholics) have a wonderful saying that I think most Romans should learn: “We know where the Church is. What we don’t know is where it isn’t.” That being said, however, I certainly hope and pray that the day will come when Catholicism and Orthodoxy are once again united. We really do need each other.

I second Phillip’s statement…and respect my old friend Michael’s choice of faith and opinions…