Fatima for Today

The Urgent Marian Message of Hope

By: Andrew Apostoli

Narrated by: Bernard M. Collins

Though the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima took place almost a hundred years ago, Our Lady's call to prayer and penance for the salvation of souls and peace in the world is as relevant now as when first delivered to three Portuguese peasant children in 1917.

At the peak of the First World War, Our Lady warned of another worldwide conflict, the rise and spread of Communism, and a terrible persecution of the Church unless people repented of their sins and returned to God. She also requested devotion to her Immaculate Heart and a special consecration of Russia.

Much of what Our Lady of Fatima said was revealed soon after her appearances, but the third and final "secret", which was not a message but a prophetic vision seen by the children, was not unveiled by the Vatican until 2000. Pope John Paul II, who read the third secret while recovering from the attempt upon his life in 1981, believed the vision signified the sufferings the Church had endured in the twentieth century.

Because of the prophetic nature of her messages, Our Lady of Fatima has been the subject of much controversy and speculation. In this audiobook, Father Andrew Apostoli carefully analyzes the events that took place in Fatima and clears up lingering questions and doubts about their meaning. He also challenges the reader to hear anew the call of Our Lady to prayer and sacrifice, for the world is ever in need of generous hearts willing to make reparation for those in danger of losing their way to God.

©2010 Ignatius Press (P)2011 Ignatius Press

A visit to Fatima

Listened to most of the book before visiting Fatima and found it very informative and interesting. The last few chapters I did when I got back home which helped me to ponder the whole meaning of Fatima and the role it plays in my life and every other Catholic. I’m going to buy the book so I can study it more!

True to the real story of the Fatima apparitions.

Any additional comments?

Although the book is true to the actual Fatima story keep in mind that the appariton contradicts actual scripture with every other statement.

Great book, painful voicing

I need to buy the book to read myself. Unfortunately, the narrator’s stumbling over and mispronunciation of names like Lucia (one of the Fatima children, so a major figure here!) and Mehmet Ali Agca and Pope John Paul II’s secretary really take away from the listening experience.

THE Most Influential Book

I could not stop listening. Very well written, narrated and substantiated. LOVED IT! I was inspired to read this after seeing the extraordinary movie in 2020 titled "Fatima". I did not fully know this account and as devout Catholic took special interest. I found this book quite randomly on Audible, or now I can say guided by the Holy Spirir. Not only did I enjoy the movie and book tremendously, but my faith increased and I now find myself praying more, including the Rosary almost daily. The beauty of this is that my heart and soul enjoy it very much as it's a spiritual wealth I did not previously have at this level. Any Christian of any denomination would feel similar closeness to God and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I think the priest/author could have left out some minor judgement comments in the beginning but it did not deter my enthusiasm as it did not continue throughout. I highly recommend it and hope to visit Fatima in Portugal.

A message for us, if we will listen

Wonderful book, very in depth, nothing is left out. I pray for the repose of the soul of Father Andrew. May he rest in peace.

A good story, but...

full disclosure: I'm not a Catholic and not ever likely to become one. Having said that, that doesn't mean that I don't believe the Fatima message, and in Marian Apparitions in general. With this in mind, I found this book provided great details of the Fatima event, and details not normally known by the casual observer. However, I have a real problem with the apologist approach by the author, and the horrible narration of Bernard M. Collins. In fact, the narration is probably the only thing really wrong with this audio book. I can handle the Catholic apologist approach Andrew Apostoli takes. It's to be expected by one devoted to his church. What else is he supposed to do? His audience is expected to be mostly Catholic with the same beliefs. However, Collins narration is a different story entirely.

When listening to the book, I thought I was listening to someone in an enunciation contest. It was as if Collins was determined to pronounce each and every word with precision and without error. It got to the point that it became a distraction. There was no free flow in his reading. No error, or allowance for regional dialect and pronunciation. When one listens to his reading, it;s as if one is listening to a machine PRONOUNCE. EACH. WORD. DELIBERATELY and without a natural punctuation. It's just not a pleasant way to listen to an audio book.

Overall, I would recommend the book, but, not the audio book.

Fascinating

Very well researched and presented, broad coverage of an amazing event very relevant in today’s world.

A better understanding of Fatima

For a long time I had questions about Fatima, this book answers them. I have wanted to make a pilgrimage to Fatima. Now after reading this book, I know that I must.

amazing!

The narrator is awesome and the message is easy to understand! Very good! Very good!

If not for the horrible narration this would’ve been a five star review

For years I’ve wanted to read the Fatima books as I didn’t really know the story at all. How wonderful to finally know the story and how it has helped in augmenting and renewing my faith! Had it not been for the inexperienced, novus reader I would have given this book a five star review. Especially considering the importance of the message of the story how could it be considered unimportant enough to not hire a professional actor/narrator to read the book for us? I am going to look for another book that will be read by a seasoned expert.