Fatima, Portugal, May 13, 2017 / 04:23 am
On Saturday, Pope Francis told those gathered at Fatima, in particular the sick and suffering, to follow the example of the newly canonized saints Francisco and Jacinta, offering their lives – both the joy and suffering – as a gift for God.
"Today the Virgin Mary asks all of us the same question that, a hundred years ago, she asked the shepherd children: 'Do you want to offer yourselves to God?' Their answer – 'Yes, we do!' – makes us able to understand and imitate their lives."
"They lived life, with its share of joy and suffering, as an offering to the Lord. I invite those of you who are sick to live your lives as a gift. Like the shepherd children, tell Our Lady that you want to offer yourselves to God with all your heart," Pope Francis said May 13.
The Pope's words were said during a special greeting to the sick during Eucharistic adoration immediately following the canonization Mass of Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal.