Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 13 May ‘25
Fourth Week of Easter – Tuesday
Our Lady of Fatima, Optional Memorial
Acts 11:19–26. John 10:22–30
(Readings of the day)
Barnabas – The Bridge-Builder
The central figure in today’s first reading is Barnabas—known in the early Church as “the one who encourages.” He is someone who steps forward willingly to embrace the “New Way,” and stands ready to go wherever the Church sends him.
Unlike Peter and Paul, who were directly sent by the Risen Christ, Barnabas received no such vision. Yet, he listens attentively and faithfully to the voice of the Church community, hearing in it the voice of God. Remarkably, he plays a key role in Paul’s acceptance among the apostles and in the success of Paul’s early ministry. Barnabas was the connector, the one who brought people together.
What’s striking about him is his relational capacity—his readiness to take initiative. After being sent to Antioch, and completing his task there, he goes on his own to look for Saul. His ability to go in search of another, to desire another’s good and success, is a virtue becoming increasingly rare today.
May Barnabas awaken in us that same personal initiative and generosity of spirit.
Today We Celebrate: Our Lady of Fatima
Today we also honour the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Fatima. Interestingly, the name Fatima also appears in the Qur’an—Fatimah being the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Islamic tradition names four women as the most virtuous of all: Maryam (Mary), Fatimah, Khadijah, and Aisha.
The name Our Lady of Fatima comes from the Portuguese town of Fátima. As with other Marian titles like Our Lady of Lourdes or Our Lady of Vailankanni, this title is associated with an apparition site.
Between 13 May and 13 October 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared six times to three shepherd children: Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta. According to them, “a Lady brighter than the sun” appeared, asking them to pray the rosary for peace in the world.
The “Miracle of the Sun”—on 13 October 1917—is a key event. Witnessed by tens of thousands, the sun appeared to whirl and zigzag in the sky before returning to its place. It confirmed for many the truth of the apparitions.
Later, Lucia spoke of the Three Secrets of Fatima:
(a) A vision of hell.
(b) The consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
(c) A prophetic vision involving the persecution and martyrdom of a pope.
Because the third secret involved a pope’s death, many believe it has not been fully disclosed.
In 1984, St. John Paul II consecrated the world to Mary. Popes Pius XII and Paul VI had earlier done the same.
Three Messages from Our Lady of Fatima
(1) Pray the Rosary. Let prayer become like a chain—unbroken and daily.
(2) Seek peace. Peace must be cultivated first in the heart.
(3) Everything passes. Even the sun that gives light will one day fade.
Final Reflection
As Jesus says in today’s Gospel: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish” (John 10:28). The life He gives is full, enduring, and for all.
May we, like Barnabas, be encouragers. May we, like the children of Fatima, be devoted in prayer. And may we, like Mary, be receptive to God’s message of peace, trusting that even what is brightest in the world—like the sun—will one day pass, but what is of God remains forever.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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