“Fatima” is one of those movies you will return to over and over again throughout your life. I was given the opportunity through Faith Films to preview this movie and it has given me a greater understanding of the importance of prayer and my role as a mother (a post on that to follow).

There are three particular themes in the movie that I want to reflect on because the parallels between the world 100 years ago and the world we live in today are too stark to ignore.

• The treatment of children: Growing up during the World War and Spanish Flu pandemic certainly makes for a less than ideal idyllic childhood. Though many our children are a far cry from the poverty experienced by Saints Lucia, Fransisco and Jacinta, there is a certain poverty that the children of this generation has to contend with: a deep spiritual poverty. The three shepherd children, despite being poor, were blessed with visitations from Mary the Mother of God. Once their little secret was revealed they were unwillingly thrust into the spotlight where they endured much suffering, from the harsh interrogation and imprisonment of the children to their mistreatment at the hands of adults. Those children suffered so much, and the movie captures that part of their story well. There is also a deep, hidden wound in humanity caused by the mistreatment of children which is currently being exposed in the world today. How many children I wonder have tried to tell the truth about their situation, only to be told to stop lying. How many children have been forced to be silent? O to have the fortitude of St. Jacinta whose faith did not waiver in the face of opposition. 

• The role of the government: Altering facts so it “fits the narrative” is not a new social norm. The film showed the lengths the government would go to ensure that the truth was not revealed. During a time of great political and economic unrest, when there was an opportunity for some hope of reprieve through the apparitions, the government took the opportunity to victimize the marginalized and instil more fear among the population. Sounds familiar? Doesn’t it fit the current narrative of the state of the world today? As I watched watched the story unfold in the film, I couldn’t help but ask myself how far have we really come in the last 100 years? 

• The persecution of Christians: To regain control of the people in the village, the first thing the mayor does is close the church – literally has the doors bolted with a barricade. The priest’s courage as he stood up to the mayor and the soldiers was admirable. That particular scene of the church closure echoed the cry of my heart during our pandemic lockdown. I had already wept over all of the restrictions that were implemented over the pandemic. Although I am grateful that confession was always available and we are now allowed back at church, there is still an emptiness in my heart knowing how much we are missing. As I hear news of statues of our Lady being vandalized and torn down, a tabernacle being stolen, and churches being burned down, I realize that the persecution of Christians has never ended – it has escalated to heartbreaking proportions. In our modern era, which has perhaps the highest level of education in our entire history, the faith that I am now growing to love and the faith that I want my children to have, this faith is cause for persecution. How far have we come?

“Fatima” is a movie about hope. In the face of desolation, doubt, and death, there is always hope. Hope in a better humanity. Hope in our children. Hope in our Church. Hope through prayer. Watching that message unfold for the three children of Fatima is a beautiful reminder of where our own faith should rest. The haunting score, impeccable story telling, incredible actors, and vivid imagery make this an excellent viewing experience and a meaningful reflection. Despite it being set more than a century ago, the message it contains resonates so strongly in our world today. There is a message in “Fatima” for all of us.

“Fatima” is now available on demand. Watch it and tell me what you think!