Okay, not quite wordless, but it’s a short one!
About this time last year, Joel arranged for me to have an individual retreat at New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque, Iowa (you may have heard of them, the monks who handcraft the Trappist caskets). The retreat was a much-needed opportunity for respite and renewal. Reflecting back, my favorite memories involved walking the monastery grounds, spending time in nature praying and reflecting, and snapping photos of various spaces that caught my eye. Like this scene here, a representation of the famous apparitions of the Virgin Mary to the three shepherd children of Fatima. These statues are located in the cemetery where the monks are laid to rest upon their death; you can see some headstones peeking out in the background of the photo.
It seems right to end with the Fatima prayer today.
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins; save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls into Heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy.
Visit Catholic Culture for more information about the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima.