The last Fatima witness (Lucia) has died, at 97

[Stunster]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1235047

See also my post here.

[FarLeftRage]

1. There was some mention of the 3rd secret

I do believe that has never been revealed, because of it's extreme nature.

I thought it was kind of silly to read all the speculations about it.

[Stunster]

3. The Vatican did reveal it

Or rather, an interpretation of it. I personally found the interpretation unconvincing, but it linked the 3rd Secret to the 1981 assassination attempt against the pope.

Much of the Fatima story was hijacked by the right wing over the years, as if the only sin Mary was concerned about was Communism.

The interesting thing, though, would be whether the real 3rd Secret was actually about the murder of Pope John Paul I.

I always found his death a bit suspicious. But then I like conspiracy theories.

[AngryOldDem]

2. Just visited that thread

and I don't plan to go back anytime soon.

While I am in no way discounting this story, I have to wonder why this is Latest Breaking News material. I find it doubly sad when it is compared to another Catholic Church story on LBN, about the nun who was shot and killed in the Amazon over the weekend. That thread has pretty much sunk into oblivion, with only 14 posts.

This woman's work, defending landless peasants in the rainforest, is the type of activity that should be drawing widespread praise here; her death, outrage. But no. Fatima, however, is at the top of the hit parade, with no substantive discussion and a lot of self-congratulatory snideness and derision.

The thread about Sister Dorothy Stang may be found here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1233454

Sister Dorothy, by the way, was from my hometown. She knew she was doing work that was going to cost her her life, but she kept on. That is one of the **many** messages of Catholicism. Too bad some choose not to hear it.

[DemBones DemBones]

5. Why is one story "hot" in LBN whil the other isn't? Simple,

it's easier to make fun of children seeing an apparition of Mary than of a nun giving her life to her work.

[JohnKleeb]

6. agh

Stupid bastids.

[AngryOldDem]

7. It's sad

The Fatima thread was flame bait, pure and simple. Meanwhile, we have an example of Catholic mission and the price that some choose to pay to fulfill that mission, and it goes by without comment.

I find it very telling.

ON EDIT: There's more discussion about Sr. Dorothy, which I'm glad to see. And thanks to those here who have contributed to it.

[DemBones DemBones]

4. Have we been told the entire Third Secret?

Some say we have not. I've also read a claim that the Pope has never done as Mary asked and consecrated Russia to her Immaculate Heart. Instead, he consecrated the entire world -- and Sister Lucia was told not to speak about this. This may come from those who think JP II is far too liberal, but I'm curious what other Catholic DUers think about it all.

[pelagius]

9. I know that rapprochement or even reunion...

...with the Eastern Church is one of JPII most fervent desires and consecrating Russia to the Immaculate Heart of the BVM might be seen as an affront to the powerful Russian Orthodox Church. His Holiness is a deeply spiritual man, it goes without saying, but he has demonstrated a strong understanding of realpolitik during his reign, also.

[pelagius]

8. Stunster, thanks...

...for your willingness to go up against the non-theists with rigorous logic. I simply have neither the patience or energy -- nor, I freely admit, your excellent grasp of the arguments -- to continue to interact with them.

[hedgehog]

10. Somehow secrets smack of Gnosticism

and seem totally out of character for our Lady,. Can anyone here name an event besides Fatima and Medjorie where the message was of punishment rather than comfort?