As far as Caholics worshiping statues; we do not worship them. We simply use them as a focal point during praying, much like a person would use a picture of a loved one when thinking of them. The picture isn't the loved one but simply a stong reminder of them. Also we do not worship Mary or the saints. We honor them because we believe that through the lives that they led, they are definitely in Heaven with God and are part of His army to help us fight the temptations of Satan and his army of demons.
As for Mary being the mother of God; if you believe the Bible, then you should read about Marys visit to her cousin Elizibeth in the gospel of Luke. Elizibeth exclaims," And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me"? Mary is the mother of Jesus who is also God.
The purpose of the appearance of Mary in more modern times is to bring us closer to Jesus and God the Father. Read the messages befor you judge.

John, Buffalo, NY, USA

well the tough part is to believe the people who have themselves protrayed the faith in us.if it hadnt been them by now the revelations being defined here have been a flaw..why distrust god and start joining a blind theory..it's for the people to get awake and look deep into their hearts to redefine the religion and not conspiracies.

vikram, delhi, india

WHY believe 3 little uneducated, superstitious children? The oldest child who became a nun, Lucia, had a mother who told that when Lucia was a very little girl, she always had imaginary playmates that were angels and saints. Lucia's mother made the statement (paraphrased): "She's making this whole thing up and she's taking half the world with her." How can any thinking person believe such nonsense? The Catholic church is the biggest and richest cult there is, and it has always promoted worshiping Mary no matter how they try to deny it. God has no mother! And NOBODY comes back from the dead... get real, people!

Sheryl, Newton, USA/NJ

I will simply say that I believe the Church's denial of these conspiracy theories. If they were true there is no reason not to say so. Further, not to overstate the obvious, it is a sin to tell a lie.

Ron Campisi, North Babylon, NY, USA

Doesn't anybody read what God has to say about the end of this age, maybe if they did they would not be deceived. But like His Word says it will come as a theif in the night.

marshall kibbe, spartanburg,

The greatest slaughter in world history took place in the soviet union, some estimating that up to one hundred million were killed under communism. Russia's errors clearly were spread over much of the earth. Who would have thought, that in 1917 in Fatima a warning was sent for how to derail the marxist revolution and the havoc it wrought. Questions as to the full divulgence of this prophetic message are serious. The Fatima secrets may not speak directly to the end of the world, but it would seem that the cosmic battle between God and his enemy is reaching global proportions. The direction our world is heading in is frightening. Under the banner of globalism peoples are uprooted and turned against allowing their fellow man to honor the creator, instead they are made to bow before the god of democracy and liberty. If God is in charge let's have the apostolic successors redo the consecration exactly as asked. It can't hurt

Carl, Peabody, MA

It borders on the ludicrous that the organization which will give rise to anti-christ is being sought for answers to spiritual issues. What little insights they might have are only as their dark master chooses to reveal as he prepares the way for the incarnation of Satan in the time to come.

Jack, sterling, va

Calm down everyone: it's only the end of the world.

David Masu, Zürich,

This was the Spiritual impetus behind the ROman Catholic funded Bolshevik revolution and also the bloody tyranny of Joe Stalin, that grand inquisitor, without the "apparitions" how else could the Russian Orthodoxy be attacked in Russia?


Of course Adolf Hitlers Operation Barbarossa was the hammer to Stalins sickle, and through these two grand inquisitors the Holy ROman Empire advanced the council of trent, and exterminated millions upon millions of "heretics".

Martin Luther, Heavens Gate,

The first two visions are not predictions of the future. One is a vision of Hell and the other makes no definite prediction but says that either A or B will happen. In fact, B happened first and then A. The third is a prediction describing an event that, sadly, was always likely to happen some time. The attempted assassination of John Paul II does not fit the prediction exactly because, although he was ex officio a bishop at the time, the prediction does not mention the most signifcant fact, that he was Pope.

Prophecy is not about predicting the future - any heathen fool can do that - but about revealing truth.

Frank Upton, Solihull,

Is there any money to be make with stuff like this? I'm sure I can knock up a couple of good visions of my own.

*concentrates*

I can see light up above! Thousands of little green angels are flying around in circles! One of them falls to the ground and is eaten by a large black crow!!

*dons hemp sack, sticks feathers in her hair, and goes to haunt Pendle Hill*

starling, Lancaster,

Very amusing, read Dawkins and rejoice, for his word is sense, we all like a good story though..

Tim, Shajing, China

What astonishes me is that so many Americans and non-UK based people find it essential to write upon the issue of religion. Especially those on the blood-stained side of the pond need to take responsibility for their own actions. Stop looking to outside sources to calm your considerable ills and start to take control of your own lives. Gun crime and murder within your own boundaries would be a good start- you guys kill more of each other than many wars have done to the opposition-you preach faith but slaughter one another. As for this folly that you're reading and perhaps believing all I can say is that it is you are the ones to be afraid of as you are not contributing to life on this earth- and no matter what denomination you are there certainly ain't any proof of life beyond it.

chris, rugby, uk

I have to disagree with you steve.
Christianity is based on facts facts facts! you can't disprove facts can you? Bibles are facts and history! I'd say you have totally misunderstood and underestimated the issue.

Peter, Dublin,

Oh no, oh no, run for the hills! I'm so scared.

Ben, York,

To think my thoughts can be read by folks around the world is amazing, I think? such words and opinions from all of you makes me think how diverse yet whole we all are. I have a deep sense of sadness for much of what i've read here but also hope, for I see a desire for goodness despite your belief or disbelief in God. All will sort itself out, because it is not as important as you believe in God , rather that God believes in you , in his good time all shall be made right.

John , Middlebrook , Virginia, USA

Philip, there is such a thing as a little "self-help" to get rid of those dreams, satan has nothing to do with it

To me Jesus is so awesome and although Satan attacks me with Satanic dreams several times a month I am here to finish the race and receive my crowns one day

James, Reading,

After reading all of the comments I can say for sure that most of the population of today is going to be very surprised in the end. For those who are truly followers of God pull out HIs Word to us and read Revelation 14 prayerfully with an honest heart and a willing heart to learn God's truth for the end of time. You can also find many places on the internet to study about God's last day message to the world. The real last day message from the Bible and not made up by man. Below is just one I found with a search.

http://www.seventh-day.org/3angels.htm

Avalee, marysvile,

Of the 67 comments that were placed here when I first read this article, 44 of them come from our brothers over the atlantic.

Why is this? Over two thirds of contributors come from North America. Another 15% from Ireland & Europe.

Under 20% of contributors to an article displayed in a British paper actually come from this country, why is this?

This is a truth. I see precious little truth in any of the other contributions.

I only see 'opinions' of books that have been written in foreign languages, many years ago & translated without reference to the historical or cultural context as some kind of moral guidance to justify cruelty to all men.

Haven't you lot got anything better to do?

Jeremy, Farnham,

Take anything George Bush has said publicly in print. Translate it into 2,000 yr old Hebrew, from Hebrew to Greek, then into Latin, then English. Then read it back to him and get him to confirm it is what he actually said/meant. Where is the proof Jesus said anything that he is reported to have said? There is none. Funny that isn't it? And yet people "believe without questioning" the entire contents of a collection of stories created in exactly that way, because they were told to as a child.

john smith, manchester, UK

Dan,

If there IS NO GOD, then by what logic do you claim to do something because "it is the right thing to do"? The word "right" implies moral absolutes and without God there is only opionion, moral relativisim.

At most, as an atheist, you can say that you do what you find best and most agreeable to you.

The reality is that atheists who hold to any moral absolutes are parasites, living off the fruit of theism but without honestly acknowledging it.

Michael , Hampden, USA

The report obviously is written by somebody who is either part of the cover-up conspiracy, or has a very superficial understanding of both the Fatima story, and of Russia.

First, the apparitions and the giving of the secret took place before Russia became a communist country and part of the Soviet Union. So it cannot apply to “the eventual reconversion of Communist Russia to Christianity.”

Second, Russia was, and is a Christian nation. Based on the chronology, the only proper meaning of the promise can be that Orthodox Russia will convert to Catholicism. But this will require specifically the “consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart.”

This, of course, did not happen, and Orthodoxy in Russia is as strong as ever. In fact, after Vatican II it is in a much stronger position versus Catholicism and the Vatican than ever before. Many see John XXIII capitulating to the Moscow Patriarch and the Vatican uses ecumenism to hide this fact.

S. Balogh, Ph.D.

Sandor Balogh, Albany, , NY

"After that comes Armageddon.

Tom Mach, Lawrence, Kansas USA"

I'm sorry to disappoint you sir, but Armageddon already came out in 1998. Quite a good film. I'm afraid you missed it.

Or is St Malachy hinting at a sequel?
Now that would be news!

Michael F, Paola, Catholic Malta

I find it hilarious that anyone in the world with half a brain could interpret that vague nonsense at the end of this article as predictions of World War II and communism!

J Curayat, London, UK

Will all you Roman Catholics please tell me what the 2nd Commandments is? You can find it in both Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 6. Why I bring this up is you should be aware that God commanded us not to bow down to any graven image. Why would your church leaders leave this commandment out what they are teaching you? Many of the Roman Catholics have statues of Saint Joesph or Mary in their yards and homes. You are breaking one of Gods original laws. When you die and stand before God on Judgement day do you think you will be innocent or guilty of keeping his laws. Ask your self, will you be going to heaven or hell. I wouldn't concern myself with some vision some girl saw. I would be more concern with what God is going to think about breaking his commandments. Repent is the first message Jesus preached on as well as John the Baptist.

Jon, Glen Mills, PA

To Jim, RIver Forest, Illinois, USA
(quotes from Mein Kampf). Hitler wrote: "I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty."

Max, Drogheda, Ireland

As for the third secret, those who believe that the Vatican was “hiding something” but not so as “not to alarm millions of the faithful.” Many believe that the Vatican is not afraid of alarming the millions, but hiding the truth because it would reveal the corruption, apostasy and loss of faith in the highest circles of the Vatican. This, of course, could alarm the millions, but also could produce a rebellion against the corrupt Vatican officials.

Sandor Balogh, Ph. D.

Sandor Balogh, Albany, , NY

Oh Puhlease! Anyone who has bothered to read the bible will know that it explicitly states that NO man knows the details regarding the end of the world.

Annie, Cambridge, UK

"Because they know deep down there is a GOD...."

No, because they're nice by themselves, they don't need the Bible to tell them how to be nice.

starling, Lancaster,

"Which is a better foundation for the church: Petros or Christ?"

Petros. If you don't have a bit of rock under your foundations, you're bound to fall over. Although Christ and pillars (anyone got a pile driver?) might do the trick.

starling, Lancaster,

There is no "secret" regarding the end of the world as we know it. This information is open for all to read in the book of Revelation. Contrary to what the Catholic Church claims, The Bible can be read and understood by any who honestly seek the Lord.

Donna Parry, Wallington, NJ

If Jesus is God and Mary is his mother, then Mary is the mother of God the son. Catholicism is not a heresy. I used to be Baptist and heard all sorts of wierd things about Catholics and then found out what I had heard wasn't true. The Catholic Church has four bible readings at each church service and they go through the entire bible every three years in church. So for anyone to say Catholics do not read the bible they are flat out wrong. After finding out all I had heard about Catholics from the Baptists was wrong, I became Catholic and have been for 32 years now.

Janet Willson, Charleston, WV

One comment regarding this article and most of the comments that follow - what a load of rubbish!
It is my opinion that there is no god and all religion is merely a cult of one sort or another. At least until some divine authority comes up to me and says "I'm God" and asks me to change my ways, I will go on as I am doing no harm to anyone.

Paul Williams, bangor, gwyned

In response to the catholic church hiding details about the end of the world as revealed by virgin mary to 3 children, you only have to visit an evangelical church or read your bible to find out how the world ends

malcolm, perth, australia

Here here Matt from Wuerzburg, Germany. Couldn't agree more, well put!

Rob, London,

What amazes me day after day is how so can many people around the world can believe in the existence of a god. The pagans came closest to a 'god' in worshipping things that are REAL and actually DO affect our lives (such as the sun), yet the power, the money and the infrastructure built up around (all) religions is quite simply a modern day phenomenon.

Religion can help people be better people but it is based on fear, with some religions being more fanatical than others.

For example Jesus was no doubt a real man but his 'story' has been gilded and embellished over hundreds of years until he becomes the son of god. The goals I scored in my youth as a footballer have become legendary over time in much the same way!!!

As you might have guessed I don't believe in god or follow any religion. I have never needed a religious book or a code to help me to be the good person that I am today, that comes from your upbringing and the person that you are to begin with.

Steve, Manchester,

To Lennie T;
Must I remind you that the greatest Fascist of all time was Adolph Hitler, who was an atheist? Atheism is not a political statement. Atheists are not necessarily either liberal or a conservative. Extremes of either are just as bad and must be considered with suspicion.

Jim, RIver Forest, Illinois, USA

THE FOURTH: "I see a world suffocated in concrete, houses upon houses,
next to shopping malls and skyscrapers, not one breath of green left and
all animals except roaches dead. Those left are no longer human but
beat down into insect compactness due to overcrowding and asphixia."

There.

Eugene, Heidelberg, germany

JT, Ft Worth: "If you really think their is no GOD, why do you go to work and pay bills? If there is no Heaven, then why not take all there is to take for free on this earth? Rape , murder and other laws mean nothing..... BUT most do not.... WHY? Because they know deep down there is a GOD.... "

If you have nothing else to believe in except fairy tales, I feel sorry for you JT. The majority of people don't commit crimes because the majority of people are not murderers or rapists. They make this choice not out of fear of going to a Christian hell, but because it is the right thing to do.

There is no God. There is only superstitious fear of the unknown and an understandable fear of death. If you can't get through life without afterlife insurance, that's your choice. It is how you live your life and how you treat your spouse, children and others that defines you.

Dan, Hampton, UK

Why the hell are there 74 people commenting on such an obvious and fabricated lie by the Vatican to keep their masses from seeing the truth.

Jessica , Reading , U.K.

So that's from the catholic Church, but what about the other churches, synagogues, and other faiths, do they preach the same. After all, there was life before Christ, so what happened to those who were alive then, what happened to their 'souls' It is amazing that all these visions of impotence are shown to ignorant people.

victor arram, westclff on sea, uk

LMAO at the Article!

Des, London, UK

Religion is crap

Iain, sydney, Australia

God does not have a mother. Catholicism is heresy. If you want to read about the end of the world, it's chronicled in the Bible.

Mark Carroll, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Aaargh!!! Enough already from these religious imperialists! Your god doesn't love the "world" - s/he/it loves neo-con America or the Western Mediterranean (depending on your personal religious persuasion). Sorry, a deity who thinks that linguistic and cultural diversity (cf. the Tower of Babel) is somehow a punishment rather than something to be celebrated, and who can't cope with the rich pluralism we have on this planet (cf. the death and hellfire to idolators rhetoric in the bible) is a god that's too small for me. I'd choose liberal atheism over fascist fundamentalism any time all the time.

Lenny T, London / Paris / Dubai , Citizen of the World

It is fascinating to see that this article has brought out the religious passion in the secular sense, of the population of the USA. The fear of an apocolyptic religious future as revealed in Fatima, if you believe such stories, is less worrying than the fact that the worlds only superpower is driven by a thinly veiled christian extremeist view. If the end of the world is nigh, secular or religious, then It will begin in the same place, the USA.

Corky, Beds, UK

Goodness, I didn't realise there was such a thing as a Christian Troll, but this thread appears to have attracted them like flies. People, you do little to help the cause when you sound so superior (and even less when you try using random Bible passages to 'prove' your points out of context). I'm even more alarmed by those Christians who have posted here just to dismiss Darwinism, or even purely to claim that Jesus established the Catholic Church. How on earth can you assert that, knowing ANYTHING about the history of Catholicism? That latter point is hogwash whether one is a believer or not!

To get back to the point, surely a Christian, who puts all their trust in the Word, has no use for Fatima's Secrets, whether or not they have all been revealed. This is nothing but hocus-pocus.

Adam Neilson, Birmingham,

Proof of the existence of God would destroy the need for faith. I am an agnostic,but reading some of the dreadful claptrap from our American friends above,I am not surprised that the Catholic Church is so ridiculed. The visions are the fantasies of children:no more,no less.

Michael Rigby, Blackburn, England

Its notable that 'religious visions' rarely have anything to say about the positive, and deal mostly in the negative. This seems to be a common factor in death cults.

Max, Drogheda, Ireland

Oh dear, are we still at this... the bible is written in METAPHORS......good grief it is not to be taken as gospel! HA!
Quite a piece of fiction and a very effective control mechanism it has been.

realist, Manchester, UK

This religious brainwashing that is most obvious in the comments here from our dear friends from across the pond freaks me out, to be frank.
Noone can foretell the future, and that the church will go down in a "tidal wave of apostasy and heresy" requires nothing more than a bit of common sense.

Matt, Wuerzburg, Germany

Fatima was a hoax, what silliness.

Viv, London, England

If the Pope does not consecrate Russia in union with all the bishops of the world then, "Russia will spread her errors throughout the world "and we will eventually have world wide communism, yes, even in America. The accpeted sin of abortion began in Russia and there is also rampant homosexuality. Open your eyes and see how our freedoms are slowly being eroded in this once great country. The Pop MUST make the Consecration exactly how the Mother of God requested almost 90 years ago. When that happens there will be massive conversions in Russia to the faith and this will usher in the Reign of Her Immaculate Heart. Don't believe anyone that tells you the Consecration has been made. Use your head...are we living in Her peace. Beg ypur Bishop to get on board and perform this simple ceremony in union with all Bishops. It's are only chance!

Barb, Ridgefield, USA /CT

This is in response to the view posted in by J MacKinnon, Calgary.

Petros means pebble, Petra means solid rock or foundation stone. The petra Jesus was refering to is in the previous verse i.e. the revelation that He is the Messiah.

Which is a better foundation for the church: Petros or Christ?

Leslie, Kerala, India

For those who rely solely on the Bible, why not research from where they obtained the Bible. Ofcourse the Catholic Church. Also, nowhere in the Bible does it state that it is to be the only source of religious truth. Oral tradition was only ignored by dissenters centuries later.

Jason, Miami, FL

If Jesus is just contrasting Peter the small stone with the massive cliff rock as you state in your explanation then why does Jesus go on to say that he gives him the keys to the kngdom of heaven and whatever Peter binds on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. It is very evident that Jesus is giving Peter quite a bit more authority than you say.

Jose, maricopa, Arizona

To me Jesus is so awesome and although Satan attacks me with Satanic dreams several times a month I am here to finish the race and receive my crowns one day

Philip Vickery, Pittsburgh, Pa

Brynn,
You say that humans will become extinct. You have little to no hope.
Most Christians say that Christ will return and create a new heaven and a new earth. That IS our hope.

Even if Christians are wrong and you are right; even if we are simplistic and stupid; even if this earth is all that is or ever will be; we have hope. That hope makes life worth living.

jworth, Newport, RI

Matthew 16:18 is a play on words, a common device in Scripture. When Jesus says, "you are Peter", He uses the Greek word "petros", a masculine noun meaning a small stone or pebble. When He says, "upon this rock I will build My church" he uses a different word, "petra", which is a feminine noun. It means a massive cliff rock, like the one overshadowing Caesarea Phillipi. The simple rules of Greek grammar are, a masculine modifies a masculine, a feminine modifies a feminine; a neuter modifies a neuter. You cannot have a feminine modifying a masculine or vice-versa. Grammatically it cannot mean that the church is being built upon Peter. He is contrasting Peter, the small stone in the stream, with the massive cliff rock. The church would be built not upon Peter, but upon Jesus, the Messiah, the Rock. Of course, they were actually speaking Hebrew, not Greek. All true believers in Christ are part of the universal church, not just Catholics.

Lenny, Ashland, OR

The third secret of Fatima is two parts and concerns the death of a pope and his followers who were on the run and in hiding. They were found and killed so this part has not been fulfilled yet and I agree with a previous statement that will happen with the next pope. Second and as or more important is the second part about heresy and apostasy prevailing in the Catholic Church. This is happening as we speak and will lead many away from the faith and Jesus.

Patrick, Colorado Springs,

First the world will not end therefore even if there is more to this it does not matter. Yes the end of the world as we know it will come to an end and very soon.
Second living a good life will not get you to heaven. Accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior and asking for givness of your sins will.
Third making fun of each other and their beliefs will not bring them to Jesus Christ.
Forth bad things happen to good people, even bellivers in Jesus Christ.
Fifth not everything can be proven with science. That includes evelution, the big bang, that there is a Creator, etc. It is biger that our small minds can concieve.
Sixth proof that God exists can only be found in your heart.
Seventh as a Christian my belief in God will cost me nothing if I am wrong, but if my belief in God and my acceptance on Jesus Christ is correct then many in the world are in trouble.

As for peace it will come only when Jesus Christ returns.

John Michaels, Columbus, OH/USA

If you really think their is no GOD, why do you go to work and pay bills? If there is no Heaven, then why not take all there is to take for free on this earth? Rape , murder and other laws mean nothing..... BUT most do not.... WHY? Because they know deep down there is a GOD....

JT, Ft Worth,

Matthew 16:15-18 - "He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The rock that Jesus is referring to is not the Catholic Church but the revelation of who Jesus was to Simon Peter and that revelation could only be given by God. Jesus is building his true church upon revelation which is only given by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit only comes to His Word....not to any man made creed or dogma.

Kerry, Des Moines,

I amazes me how atheists, secularists, liberals, and/or potheads can't keep on topic about any news story involving Catholicism. Rather than discussing the *specific* matter at hand , they diverge into ad hominems, non-sequiturs and useless arguments about whether or not God exists. They do this just as they cry "hate speech" whenever someone expresses an idea they don't agree with.

This article is about whether the Third Secret of Fatima has been revealed fully, no more, no less. And a Catholic has to trust the Vatican. Arguments about an unrevealed portion of the prophecies are all based upon spreading mistrust of the Vatican.

I have spent a lot of time studying reported apparitions, and there is quite a lot of hype and hysteria. Someone mentioned the so-called "prophecies" of "St. Malachy." These "prophecies" were only "discovered" in the 1940s.

Fatima is genuine, but must be accepted in the light of the Church.

JC, Sumter, SC,

Refer to the Bible!! God's Word never fails!! Stop listening to some stupid dreams from nuns and believeing them to be true. Prophecy is right in front of us if we would just open the Book and read. Every knee will bow some day. Jesus is King!!!!

Laura Lane, Bloomington, Indiana

The attempted or actual assassination of a Pope would not be reason enough for the Church to withhold this secret for over 40 yrs, and not reveal it as instructed in 1960. Why this disobedience ? As far as apostasy there is already a informal one as most catholics already have fallen from original, or pre vatican 2 doctrine. Clearly, the 3rd secret could not possibly have been fully revealed. Did we not trust in the Church regarding the pedophile scandals? And what was the truth of that? Cover-up and silence. Most likely, the same is true here. Perhaps the alleged comments of Pope John-Paul 2nd are to be heeded. Sometimes knowing about future events demands moral action on the part of the cognizant, else further sins of ommission are committed if they fail to act on them. The future will tell us the truth !!

D. Johnson, Queens/ NY, USA

RE: The same matter that made up the dinosaurs, a volcano under the ocean or came out from the big bang is now your little finger and it will be in the little fingers of creatures 1,000,000 years from now.

Where did that matter can from? God exist and unless you put your faith in Jesus you will be separated from Him for all eternity. God doesn't send people to hell. God paid our sin debt by sending his son to die for us. But we have to make a decision. ONLY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST CAN SAVE YOU....

Don, Leominster, MA

Your first, second and third secret sounds like a fairy tale more that it is,
if people would really take time to read and STUDY the BIBLE the way it was written, one would realize that the children of Fatima were possible led to say that in order for someone else to gain profit for them self, it really is nothing but a load of lard, no one really knows when the end of time will come, not even Jesus, only God who created the heavens and the
earth, only He alone knows when the end of time will come.

Don Riedthaler, McConnelsburg, Pa.

The disciples asked Jesus what will be the signs of his coming and of the end of the world. Jesus replied, "Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.......and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in diverse places....And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Jesus also speaks about the parable of the fig tree...."When his branch is yet tender and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. (Jews returning to Israel) So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
"Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." "Let God be true, but every man a liar." The end is closer than we all think.

Kerry, Des Moines,

God stepped out of eternity and into time in the person of Jesus Christ to make the altimate sacrifice for the sins of the whole human race , Heand rose from the dead on the third day defeating death asuring us eternal life in paradise when we trust in Him. If I am wrong I have lost nothing, but if you who do not believe are wrong you have lost everything.

Jim Merry, Meadville , PA

James Merry, Meadville, Pennsylvania

Byrne - Oh no, dear friend. Christianity is based, not on fear - but on hope. The hope and promise of our loving God that we will be with him for eternity. You are correct that we are advancing our knowledge of the universe, and of our small part in it, by astounding bounds. But rather than prove that we are nothing, it proves the wonder and thought that God put into creating this place where we reside. How very sad it must be to live without the knowledge of the love of God in ones life. He who is without hope, is to be pitied most of all.
R.Young
Milwaukee, WI , USA

Rita, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Pray the Rosary!

S.T. Michael, California,

1Thessalonians 5: 2-8
Judgment is coming, but it is not to be predicted. Those who indulge in such fear mongering lead people astray. Rather than wasting time and effort this way, believers would be better counseled to live righteously with no thought of tomorrow. God will take care of His own. As for those posting here who use this story to mock God I direct their attention to Romans 1: 28-32.

Dave , Gwynn, Va.

Good!
I enjoy all these comments.I'm supporting pope and truly believe in his teaching.I'm sure the dark powers still hiding,but already imposing laws through out modern governments-even against highly educated majority.So,how come this can happend?Must be very high profile corruption above local governments.And values in that corruption case is same-selling hearts,minds and souls to 'prince of darkness' That's what we call real conspiracy.

Tom, London,

Since evolution has not one diffinitive shred of evidence to prove we "evolved" from some sort of goo billions of years ago, it would seem evident to me that you need as much faith in that theory as you do in God! I would strongly question the statements made by these children against the scriptures. Does it stand up? I am not doubting they encountered a supernatural being but what I doubt is the information that was disclosed to these children. If anyone is serious about their faith and wants to see if what these children said comes from God and not the enemy, who incidently, can make himself appear as an angel of light, a benevolent being, then we must as christians from all denominations investigate what every person says regarding the truth of God. Re. Hell, the bible is very clear, humans separate themselves from the truth and love of God willingly, after all we have free will. He does not send you to Hell, you simply send yourself there because you reject Him.

jessica, Wexford, Ireland

Hummm to believe the "Secrets of Fatima" OR the Living word of God. I choose the bible any day. many of the current world affair is mention in the bible as prophet fortolded

If the "Secret" is NOT mention within Scripture (the bible, preferred KJV 1611) then considered it a warning to be careful what to believe.

Ron, Johnstown, united States - catholic church was founded by Roman Empire loooooong after Jesus ascended into heaven and also named himself the first pope.

Elizabeth Cleary, Minneapolis, MN - before bible was printed there was a group people call the Waldonese (spelling), Lived at one time in Rome Italy, has spread the Word of the Gospel verbally and during the "DarK Age" when they were hunted down and persituted by the Vatican, they began writing the Word of God down on paper in fear that the Word be lost if if there was no one left to tell it verbally. there were Bibles loooong before there were printed Bibles

B Glenn, Tampa, Florida, USA

remi, africa-diaspora - you are right about one world order, one world religion and i will add one world money to the list but you are off on on thing - it not under God but under the Antichrist. He come a peacemaker and many will fall for him but in 3 1/2 years after signing a special peace treaty with Israel, he will make Hitler look like a choir boy.

Bryne Stothard, Beijing, China - i am not going say much but True Christian don't based on a fear of loss, but sharing the Great Love that they received from God. Any forcing other to believe is NOT love, you have a choice whether believe or not. True Christian Believers will NOT hold a gun to your head and say "believe" like several religions we know of today.

M. Y. Carey, Troy, Mich - I tell you one proof that is a God when a several old prophets foretold the rebirth of Israel in ONE day and "created" by many nations. Go look for a bible the was printed before 1940 and it ll make your hair stand on the end.

B Glenn, Tampa, Florida, USA

If the bible is such a fairytale and pure fiction, how do you explain the Jews in Israel?The Jews coming back to Israel is the begining of the end of these times we live in. War in the middle east is on the horizon not because the land is an issue with the Palestinians but because the God of the Koran has instructed all muslims to claim Israel so they can usher in their Jesus, the prophet! The book of Revelation clearly says that the surrounding countries will attempt to wipe the jews off the map PSALM 83. these events are obvious even to the atheist on the street. Guys, please wake up and smell the coffee! Jerusalem is a stumbling stone and the world is hating the jews more and more as we get closer and closer to this imminent war. The jews back in Israel is the biggest biblical sign / prophecy since Jesus was crucified. The coming war is has the footsteps of Jesus and all His Host coming! God will never allow the Jews to be dispersed or wiped out!. Watch this space.

jessica, Wexford, Ireland

Christianity in not based on a fear of loss. Those who do not believe in God have no proof of their existence, it just happened by chance. If I am wrong and there is nothing at the end of this life then so be it. But what if their wrong and heaven and hell do exist. Without knowing Christ their future is absolute, they will live eternity in hell. I have no fear, Christianity to me is life eternal with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

John, Baltimore, Maryland

"This is the point, humans will probably be extinct. We are no more or less important than a rock, a drop of rain or an ant in the desert. The logical thing to do therefore, is to use our higher reasoning to make the best of the time we have.
Christianity is based on a fear of loss, specifically, burning in hell. Spreading fear..... sounds like a kind of terrorism. " Bryne Stothard, Beijing, China

In response to Bryne Stothard:
No. Christianity is based on hope of salvation through Jesus Christ from the things to come including your belief that humans will become extinct. Which is more fearful to you, extinction or burning in hell? "For God so loved the world that He gave his only son (Jesus Christ), that who ever believes in him should have everlasting life." The everlasting life is promised to those who trust in Jesus Christ is to be perfect in God's eyes, not Hell or extinction. It can be yours. A free gift. Ask God for it. He will faithfully give it to you if you believe.

julie, chatt, usa

Because the world is complex and we cannotfully explain everything through science, there must be a god.

Why?

Why should it be a god, just because a certain group of people say so. We are no closer to proving the existance of a god, yet we know more and more about the universe as time goes on and we evolve. We used to believe that the Earth was flat, but as science disproved this, we moved on. The same matter that made up the dinosaurs, a volcano under the ocean or came out from the big bang is now your little finger and it will be in the little fingers of creatures 1,000,000 years from now.

This is the point, humans will probably be extinct. We are no more or less important than a rock, a drop of rain or an ant in the desert. The logical thing to do therefore, is to use our higher reasoning to make the best of the time we have.
Christianity is based on a fear of loss, specifically, burning in hell.

Spreading fear..... sounds like a kind of terrorism.

Bryne Stothard, Beijing, China

Proof for me that there is a God is that everything He created was in balance with everything else & everything had a purpose. Now since man decided to improve on God's perfect creation, ie plant / animals, mixing DNA - animals / human, pesticides / vegetables & fruits, (goat /spider) on & on, nothing is safe to eat. I really pity our children. I'd really like to know who decided it is lawful to mess up the entire food supply with no way ti\o reverse the damage done.

M. Y. Carey, Troy, Mich.

According to St. Malachy, who had predicted who would be the next pope for the years following Malachy's death, our current Pope Benedict XVI is the next-to-the last pope. The pope following Benedict will be martyred, and I belied the Fatima secret of a "bishop in white being gunned down" will be this last pope. After that comes Armageddon.

Tom Mach, Lawrence, Kansas USA

BenedictXVI is referred to as "de gloria oliva" the glorious peace. This can only come when Christ returns. There are other prophecies concerning BenedictXVI so we should pray for him and the church and all of the world. Given the pope's age we wont have much longer to wait to find out if the TRUTH is at hand. Also consider the DIVINE MERCY propphecy of the final coming. PRAY<pray , PRAY

cARLYLE, clinton, nc,usa

I am 70 yrs. of age and I've been told about Fatima since I was in the 3rd grade and like most people I would like to know the full truth before I die. I think it makes things worse when we hold back , what good is half a message?

Br. Deke , Middletown, NY

The children of Fatima were very young. They could not make up a story of that magnitude. They all told the same story. In my opinion, the great miracle of the sun, witnessed by 70,000 people, proved to the world that the children were sane and knew what they were talking about. Would a psychiatrist have prevented the great miracle? Would he have proved that the children didn't know what they were talking about? Apparently not. No, my feelings were not hurt at all by "alan" of Cologne.

Philip, Mathis, Texas, USA

You mean that because the world is complex and we cannotfully explain everything through science, there must be a god.

Why?

Why should it be a god, just because a certain group of people say so. We are no closer to proving the existance of a god, yet we know more and more about the universe as time goes on and we evolve. We used to believe that the Earth was flat, but as science disproved this, we moved on. The same matter that made up the dinosaurs, a volcano under the ocean or came out from the big bang is now your little finger and it will be in the little fingers of creatures 1,000,000 years from now.

This is the point, humans will probably be extinct. We are no more or less important than a rock, a drop of rain or an ant in the desert. The logical thing to do therefore, is to use our higher reasoning to make the best of the time we have.
Christianity is based on a fear of loss, specifically, burning in hell.

Spreading fear..... sounds like a kind of terrorism.

Bryne Stothard, Beijing, China

The BIBLE (basic instructions before leaving earth) is God's way of speaking to us. If only we used our ears to listen and our eyes to look for the good in others and our hands to help one another and our mouth to speak God's truth and have no fear of reprimands. Jesus wept the night before He knew He was to be crucified- because He knew that He now needed to leave soon after His resurrection and He knew the future, and that His church would be run by humans. We must all pray for our priests and religious because just as we have guardian angels there are demons also fighting to win souls. Who do you listen too

Ellen Stechschulte, Owosso, <I

Some people will never accept the truth when it does not suit them. They still want to believe in fantacies and conspiracies. As far as I am concerned the important part of the message is that we should pray and repent. I sincerely hope that those who are interested in the Fatima message do just that.

Mal Lyons, Perth, Australia

In response and as background information to Mr. Alan from Germany that suggested that the 3 Saint Sheppards should be tested with a lie detector: do some reading please. The 3 little sheppards were threated to death and mentally tortured by the Portuguese to believe that the others were being boiled in oil for not telling the truth. But even if he does not believe in them, take a look at the Miracle of the Sun that occurred in front of hundreds of thousands of people, many atheists and communists that attended the last apparition to ensure that the Shepperds were indeed lying. Were hundreds of thousands of people also worthy of a lie detector, including those that did not believe but end up converting after this Miraculous event?

Mario Perez, Toronto, Canada

"Catholics need to listen to Richard Dawkins and turn away from their fairy tale religion." says David Bennington. Richard Dawkins is profoundly ignorant of the Christian religion, as his latest book demonstrates so, no, listening to him is not a good idea.

It should be pointed out that no Catholic is bound to belief this Fatima stuff; it's totally distinct from the Catholic faith.

Bernard, Cambridge, UK

Dear FS Summers
I'll have the "last laugh" Of that you can be sure! ha, ha, ha!

Mavis, North Judson, Indiana, U.S.A.

I remember a song I listened to long ago from Wayne Monbleu, "Jesus Wants Your Love". You've been trying too hard and pushin to hard and ...Jesus wants your Love." He is pure Love and wants to give us His Love in His Divine Mercy, Sacraments, Holy Communion. Every which way He can, so we can give His Love to others. I don't worry about the end times too much, I'm 46 now and think I'll probably reach my natural death before the end times. I keep my eyes on Jesus Christ and try not to take them off. Peace.

Maureen, Trenton/NJ, USA/NJ

It is true that the church hasn't always been on track about its judgements of events, people or politics. But on issues of core faith, such as accountability and the need for love and faith, the church follows the teaching of Jesus and the disciples.

That fact that this makes many people uncomfortable is telling. We need to quit trying to ignore our consciences, while criticizing the tenants of the faith that we don't agree with. God's teachings are not in the form of a cafeteria plan.

I am not perfect. I can reasonably assume that you are not either. Fatima is a call to conversion. God knows we all need it.

Jim, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

I'm not trying to hurt anyone's feelings but in my opinion the three "shepherd children" should either have been tested with a lie-detector or sent to a psychiatrist - or both.

alan, cologne,

And I say to thee. thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

Peter got permission from God Himself. Straight from the horses mouth. Where have you ever seen in history another man (e.g. Luther, Calvin etc) where permission was given directly to them to start "their" church?

To call the Catholic Church a fairy tale is to call Jesus Christs' instruction to Peter a fairy tale.

J MacKinnon, Calgary, Canada

Catholic writers Socci and Paolini have irrefutably demonstrated, with the help of Mgr Capovilla, the former Pope John XXIIIrd's secretary, that the 3rd Secret actually consisted in 2 documents. Only one document was released by the Vatican in 2000.
Now what is said is said, what is written is written. Unless Vatican succeeds in ordering Mgr Capovilla to retract and silencing him, the issue remains wide open, hence raising questions on what possibly one is striving to hide.
The problem is that in the Vatican high ranked hierarchy nobody wants to talk on the matter to clear some odd "discrepancies" (to say the least) that accumulated in the last decades. The official truth is to be wholly swallowed. No comment is allowed. Why such a rigidity, when there are a lot of much more serious issues fiercely debated in the Church?

Jacques DUMON, Cassis, France

Hey Ron, Johstown,

Next time your speaking to Jesus, any chance of asking him if he can ask "his church, the one true church" to stop sexually molesting so many children?

Thanks for that.

James, London,

Since when has the Christian Catholic Church put "truth" at the centre of its message?

Please can we get away from the frivolous idea that those who wish to set forth a religious agenda are guardians and purveyors of facts , honesty and straightforwardness?

What we are used to is spin , lies and fairytales. Its a tradition.

Why should the Church's take on the "visions" of a deluded believer be dealt with any differently from all the other myths and fantasies they have proffered over the centuries?

They will , as always ,be massaged to suit the Church's agenda.

Rob Green, Braintree, England

How come the Anti-God Crusaders can love the trees,the earth, the seas and the rest of it ,but denied its Creator.Many people in the Dark Ages said that our earth was flat. Even Einstein was in awe of that Essence.As you people can see, there is nothing fanatical about that idea or any opiate on that intellingent conclusion, is the secure path for peacefull enlightnment.

Martha, Torrington, Ct

Hey Ron, Johnstown, united States,

Next time you're having a word with Jesus, any chance of asking him to stop his "one true church" from se xually molesting so many children?

Also ask him about the murder of JPI, the Nazi collaborations, the art theft, the stolen gold, the mafia links, the fraud, deception, money-laundering etc etc etc.

Thanks for that.

James, London,

Who is Richard Dawkins and why should I listen to him? In fact, why should I listen to Luther, Calvin, Zwingli, Knox, Wesley or any of them?

I prefer to be biblical and listen to the ROCK - Peter.

Oh, by the way, perhaps study history and the actual "fairy tale" solar miracle that took place on 10-13-1917. Study the local newspaper accounts in and around Fatima, Portugal of what happened this day to know more about our "fairy tales."

Kathie Marshall, Howell, Michigan

To those who rely on the bible alone, the printing press was not invented until 1440. Who was responsible for the spread and flourishing of Christianity in the 1500 years since Jesus gave the Great Commission to the Apostles and then? Another point to ponder. Peter and Paul had some serious disagreements. Paul did not go off and found his own church. Think about it.

Elizabeth Cleary, Minneapolis, MN

Please read the Bible to all those who think there is a conspiracy about the end of the world. Jesus tells us that the time in not known but to the Father. If people would live a faithfilled life, partake of the sacraments, and keep the commandments, it would not be necessary to know when the end of the world is coming. Remember, it will come like a thief in the night, so live a holy life and you will be ready.

Maryanne Linkes, Pittsburgh, PA

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

Mark, UK, UK

Hey you from the uk you need to read church history and you will see the truth of the catholic faith.

Bo Johnson, austin, usa/texas

Catholic hierarchy does not know, anymore than anybody else, how the world may end. They are sure, however, that in the "coming" new world order with one government and one religion under one god, the catholic church will, again as it was in the "dark ages" be mother of all churches, Inquisitions WILL then 'end the world' for any dissenters.

remi, africa-diaspora,

I know who Christ is, but who is Richard Dawkins ?

JMC, Madison, US

This is of course, a further example of the Church's sober, practical and unextravagant explanation of the truth, and her desire to play down or present with circumspection even those documents and which do have some possible evidence to support them.

The REAL fairy tales are of course the likes of the Da Vinci code, exciting prose perhaps, but nevertheless fiction written for profit - not substantive research in the pursuit of truth.

Peter Weatherby, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

The catholic church is the true church founded by Jesus Christ every other religion be it christion or otherwise was founded by a person but the catholic church was founded by Jesus Christ the son of the living and true God

Ron, Johnstown, united States

To J. Adams - the burden of proof is upon those who believe in something which has no evidence backing it up.

Becky, Winchester, UK

" Jesus would be turning in his grave? You have just said a great deal about your knowledge of Christ. Hey there David of the UK, Our Lord rose from the dead three days after his being crucified for our sins. Try picking up a bible or catechism and getting up to date.

Mary/ KANSAS CITY

mary, Lee's Summit, , MISSOURI

Dear F.S.,

Prove it.

J Adams, Swarthmore, USA

Jesus would be turning in his grave if he knew what ludicrous things are being carried out in his name.

Catholics need to listen to Richard Dawkins and turn away from their fairy tale religion.

David Bennington, Ruislip, UK

If you want to know if things like this are true or not if you don't have the faith to believe then just do the work yourself and see with your own eyes that it can and does happen. Most people must be lazy. I worked on it for years and had some very compelling dreams that will never be explained logically. But I can't convince you. I just know it for myself because I did the work myself.

James Inman, Kansas City, USA/Kansas City

And therefore, to sum up
a) be good or go to hell
b) there might be peace, there might not; and
c) a bishop, not stated when or where, will die.

yep, seems concrete to me.

Ashley, Salamanca, Spain

to F.S Summers. Having an opinion of one's religion is fine whether it be a positive one or negative one. But to actually mock another's beliefs takes a certain kind of low life.

tom waktins, london, uk

HA HA HA HA HA....

Can I stop laughing now...

More catholic fairy tale nonsense. This is the "pure fantasy".

My, how they want to believe...

F.S. SUMMERS, LONDON/N.YU,