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Beatification
The Declaration of Jacinta and
Francisco Marto as Blessed on 13 May 2000 represents the next to last
stage in the Church's official recognition of their holiness. It also
provides a further confirmation of the authenticity and value of the
Message of Fátima. Remarkably, the
principal visionary is still alive, Lucia dos Santos (Sr. Maria Lucia,
OCD), able to rejoice in the elevation of her companions to the honor
of the altar. The whole Church must rejoice, as well, that ones so
young were able to live lives of heroic virtue. Parents, especially,
should be emboldened to encourage holiness in the young, confident
that it is possible for anyone, of whatever age, who follows the
spiritual advice of Our Lady of Fátima.
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