Save Us From the Fires of Hell

It has been a harrowing couple of days following the centennial event at Fatima, Portugal. A group of us went north to Avierto, Porto and then ventured out to Valencia, Alvor, Monção and elsewhere in the Vinho Verde wine region. While we were visiting historic towns, churches and vineyards, we noticed airplanes flying back and forth and the strong smell of smoke. One of the vineyard owners was late to our early appointment because some of the roads were closed due to fires in the region. She said there were fires in Northern Spain that spread over to Portugal.  This was especially dangerous as this part of Portugal has not received any rain for six months and all of the vegetation in the rural areas was dry tinder to any wayward spark.

As we were traveling back to Porto, we saw smoke and small fires on either side of the highway. It was getting dark and we were eager to return to Fatima. However, we were detoured off the main highway, then several other highways. The smoke was very strong and ashes falling like snow. We decided our only option was to go back to Avierto. Thank God, we were able to find a hotel that could accommodate us at 10 pm. As we got to our hotel room and turned on the news, we understood the nightmare situation we were living through. Over 440 fires were flaming all over Portugal and they were set by arsonists. It was heartbreaking to see the homes that had been destroyed and the three or four firefighter's lives that had been lost. One person interviewed said it was like Hell. Others said it was like the devil was let loose. One person posted a video of what it was like getting caught on the highway through this firestorm. 

At breakfast we were deciding our options since we had heard all the major roads were still closed. We thought about crossing Portugal into Spain and going south to get to Fatima the backway. Fortunately we received information that some tour buses were heading for the A1 major highway that has been reported closed. All along the route we could see the smouldering remains, or active fires in the distance. As thankful as we were to finally reach Fatima again, we were overwhelmed to see six to eight kilometers from Fatima, fires burning. The heavy smoke blanketed the Fatima sanctuary and surrounding plaza like a white thick fog.

We went into the Basilica and prayed for the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima and St. Jacinta, St. Francisco and Blessed Lucia, repeating the Fatima prayer, "Oh my, Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell. Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy!"

After dinner this evening, we saw lightening flash across the sky as the Fatima procession was winding around the Sanctuary plaza. As I write this, it is raining. Thank you, Lord for your mercy. Thank you, Blessed Mother for your intercession, and thank you Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia for your prayers on our behalf.