November 2003

Modernists And Traditionalists Run Into Each Other At Revered Shrine Of Fatima

Second story

A bit and even more than a bit of controversy has risen since we posted a story on a recent interfaith session at the famous shrine at Fatima. This occurred during October and was reported in Portugal's weekend English newspaper, Front Page Online.

According to the publication, at the meeting Monsignor Luciano Guerra, the Shrine's rector, told the Congress that Fátima "will change for the better." Addressing Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox, Buddhist and African Pagan representatives, he stated: "The future of Fátima, or the adoration of God and His mother at this holy shrine, must pass through the creation of a shrine where different religions can mingle. The inter-religious dialogue in Portugal, and in the Catholic Church, is still in an embryonic phase, but the Shrine of Fátima is not indifferent to this fact and is already open to being a universalistic place of vocation."

That didn't seem so controversial -- the Pope himself has tirelessly promoted ecumenism. Such has also been emphasized at Medjugorje in Bosnia-Hercegovina (where religious division has caused so much unnecessary bloodshed), and the very name "Fatima" is derived from the name given to one of Mohammed's daughters.

No, nothing all that radical there -- but the concern was that the shrine at Fatima, including a planned new basilica, will veer to the same kind of modernistic sterility that has damaged the spirituality of many Western churches.

Is Fatima about to be modernized? At the congress, Monsignor Guerra reportedly described traditional Catholics opposed to the ecumenical session as "old fashioned, narrow minded, fanatic extremists and provocateurs," apparently referring to the Society of St. Pius X, which was protesting the meeting.

The situation became more volatile yet when another speaker, Jesuit theologian Father Jacques Dupuis, was quoted as saying that "the religion of the future will be a general converging of religions in a universal Christ that will satisfy all."

To many that seemed to stray toward the New Age -- and raised alarms among those who are concerned about the convergence of a single world religion that could set the stage for a personage of deception. Was the famous shrine dedicated to the Blessed Mother -- a shrine right up there with Guadalupe, Lourdes, and the Vatican itself (when it comes to pilgrimages) -- going to be turned into a Mecca of neutral global religion?

Obviously, it was a long ways from that, but delegates at the congress agreed that religious shrines, including Fátima, should be revamped "every 25 years" to reflect modern day trends and beliefs. Many believe just the opposite -- that shrines like Fatima are a bulwark against the liberalism which has so diminished religion, the tide of fashion that the Blessed Mother herself warned against during her Fatima appearances. Ecumenism, yes; compromise, no.

Even before the congress, a voice of protest was raised by the ultra-traditional Society of St. Pius X, which was founded by schismatic Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (who split with Rome over the Second Vatican Council) and is thus at the far opposite end of the spectrum, although it expresses "filial loyalty" to Pope John Paul II and there have been recent attempts at reconciliation. With the help of a priory and youth group, the society distributed "more than 12,000 tracts all over Fatima informing the faithful of the gravity of the blasphemy committed by the organization of this assembly," according to another dispatch.

This reportedly set off a strange scene in which the traditionalists confronted various participants in the congress. "On Sunday morning, there was no Mass at the assembly, but there was a procession of religious costumes currently in fashion throughout the world," reported the group. "This time, we went to the doors of the Pastoral Center. We began by reciting the Rosary on our knees, and then we chanted the Kyrie eleison and the Credo. During the chants, [a priest] went into the center to personally deliver the press communiqué of the Society and the five tracts that had been distributed throughout the town over the last few days. The operation was carried out without a hitch. The sight of a priest in a cassock even seemed to frighten the three coordinators of the event. What is he up to? their bewildered looks seemed to ask.

"Once the chanting was finished, we left the 'high places' and their inter-religious testimonies. A wide distribution of tracts concluded our three days of reparation and reaction. The indifference and ingratitude of the men of the Church astounded us, but we put our hope and trust in God."

Harsh words. Tense controversy. We urge both sides to exercise love, obedience, and restraint. But we also believe it is time for the Bishop of Leira, who oversees Fatima -- and, if the shrine may be compromised, even the Vatican -- to step in.

November 2003

Top Vatican Official Seeks To Quash Fatima Rumors

Third story

According to Total Catholic, "a top Vatican official has quashed rumors that the world-famous Fatima shrine is to be turned into a multi-faith pilgrim centre. Devotees of the revered Portuguese shrine were shocked and dismayed this week at the reports, which a leading UK devotee said would be a 'total abandonment' of what the shrine stands for. But Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue which has responsibility for such matters, told The Universe directly that the fears were unfounded and he reassured devotees that Fatima would definitely remain a place of prayer centered on Our Lady."

The controversy intensified after a dispatch in a weekly Portuguese publication and carried over Spirit Daily reported that the shrine's rector, Monsignor Luciano Guerra, had told an ecumenical congress at Fátima that the shrine "will change for the better." Addressing Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox, Buddhist and African Pagan representatives, he stated: "The future of Fátima, or the adoration of God and His mother at this holy shrine, must pass through the creation of a shrine where different religions can mingle. The inter-religious dialogue in Portugal, and in the Catholic Church, is still in an embryonic phase, but the Shrine of Fátima is not indifferent to this fact and is already open to being a universalistic place of vocation." The ecumenical congress set off a clash between modernists and traditionalists who were there to protest.

“There is no question of the Fatima sanctuary becoming an inter-faith pilgrimage center,” said the English-born archbishop. “This is a place of prayer centered on Our Lady, and everyone is welcome.”

The reports triggered a wave of alarm that has gone around the world. The shock waves quickly reached the UK, where Patricia Waters, Promoter of Friends of Fatima, said the plan appeared to a “terrible and total abandonment of everything Our Lady of Fatima stands for," according to Total Catholic. "Mrs Waters said if the report was to be believed, the Congress was contradicting Our Lady’s teachings as she wanted everyone to return to the Catholic faith. But Archbishop Fitzgerald said he was present at the meeting and the reports which have caused the alarm had been misconstrued. He said that the meeting, which he pointed out was organized by the sanctuary itself and not by the Vatican as had been suggested in some quarters, was 'part of an ongoing reflection' on the sanctuary’s 'inter-religious dimension' in the Church and the modern world. Archbishop Fitzgerald said 'there were no practical conclusions arising from the meeting. 'It’s not going to change the nature of the sanctuary,' he said."

Concern has also been raised over plans for a new, modernistic basilica at Fatima. The shrine is about to undergo a complete reconstruction with the new stadium-like basilica, which will be erected close by the existing one built in 1921.

November 2003

Modernists And Traditionalists Run Into Each Other At Revered Shrine Of Fatima

Fourth story

A bit and even more than a bit of controversy has risen since we posted a story on a recent interfaith session at the famous shrine at Fatima. This occurred during October and was reported in Portugal's weekend English newspaper, Front Page Online.

According to the publication, at the meeting Monsignor Luciano Guerra, the Shrine's rector, told the Congress that Fátima "will change for the better." Addressing Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox, Buddhist and African Pagan representatives, he stated: "The future of Fátima, or the adoration of God and His mother at this holy shrine, must pass through the creation of a shrine where different religions can mingle. The inter-religious dialogue in Portugal, and in the Catholic Church, is still in an embryonic phase, but the Shrine of Fátima is not indifferent to this fact and is already open to being a universalistic place of vocation."

That didn't seem so controversial -- the Pope himself has tirelessly promoted ecumenism. Such has also been emphasized at Medjugorje in Bosnia-Hercegovina (where religious division has caused so much unnecessary bloodshed), and the very name "Fatima" is derived from the name given to one of Mohammed's daughters.

No, nothing all that radical there -- but the concern was that the shrine at Fatima, including a planned new basilica, will veer to the same kind of modernistic sterility that has damaged the spirituality of many Western churches.

Is Fatima about to be modernized? At the congress, Monsignor Guerra reportedly described traditional Catholics opposed to the ecumenical session as "old fashioned, narrow minded, fanatic extremists and provocateurs," apparently referring to the Society of St. Pius X, which was protesting the meeting.

The situation became more volatile yet when another speaker, Jesuit theologian Father Jacques Dupuis, was quoted as saying that "the religion of the future will be a general converging of religions in a universal Christ that will satisfy all."

To many that seemed to stray toward the New Age -- and raised alarms among those who are concerned about the convergence of a single world religion that could set the stage for a personage of deception. Was the famous shrine dedicated to the Blessed Mother -- a shrine right up there with Guadalupe, Lourdes, and the Vatican itself (when it comes to pilgrimages) -- going to be turned into a Mecca of neutral global religion?

Obviously, it was a long ways from that, but delegates at the congress agreed that religious shrines, including Fátima, should be revamped "every 25 years" to reflect modern day trends and beliefs. Many believe just the opposite -- that shrines like Fatima are a bulwark against the liberalism which has so diminished religion, the tide of fashion that the Blessed Mother herself warned against during her Fatima appearances. Ecumenism, yes; compromise, no.

Even before the congress, a voice of protest was raised by the ultra-traditional Society of St. Pius X, which was founded by schismatic Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre (who split with Rome over the Second Vatican Council) and is thus at the far opposite end of the spectrum, although it expresses "filial loyalty" to Pope John Paul II and there have been recent attempts at reconciliation. With the help of a priory and youth group, the society distributed "more than 12,000 tracts all over Fatima informing the faithful of the gravity of the blasphemy committed by the organization of this assembly," according to another dispatch.

This reportedly set off a strange scene in which the traditionalists confronted various participants in the congress. "On Sunday morning, there was no Mass at the assembly, but there was a procession of religious costumes currently in fashion throughout the world," reported the group. "This time, we went to the doors of the Pastoral Center. We began by reciting the Rosary on our knees, and then we chanted the Kyrie eleison and the Credo. During the chants, [a priest] went into the center to personally deliver the press communiqué of the Society and the five tracts that had been distributed throughout the town over the last few days. The operation was carried out without a hitch. The sight of a priest in a cassock even seemed to frighten the three coordinators of the event. What is he up to? their bewildered looks seemed to ask.

"Once the chanting was finished, we left the 'high places' and their inter-religious testimonies. A wide distribution of tracts concluded our three days of reparation and reaction. The indifference and ingratitude of the men of the Church astounded us, but we put our hope and trust in God."

Harsh words. Tense controversy. We urge both sides to exercise love, obedience, and restraint. But we also believe it is time for the Bishop of Leira, who oversees Fatima -- and, if the shrine may be compromised, even the Vatican -- to step in.

December 2003

Rector Of Fatima Dismisses Protesters And Says Old Basilica Will Remain Intact

[The following questions were directed to Mgr. Luciano Guerra, director of the famous shrine in Fatima, Portugal, after a controversy erupted between the shrine and members of the Society of St. Pius X (a traditionalist group that says it has been attempting to patch up relations with Rome, from which it has found itself separated, or in “schism.”) The problem stems from reports that at an ecumenical gathering, the impression was left that Fatima would become an ecumenical shrine, with Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and other religions involved; and also that it was constructing a new basilica that some see as ultra-modernistic [see previous story]. To this, the Society of St. Pius and other groups strongly and vociferously objected. More than a month ago we posed a number of questions to the rector, who has now graciously responded]:

Fifth story

Spirit Daily: We note a controversy when members of the Society of St. Pius X came to the session. What was your opinion of their views and how they conducted themselves?

Mgr. Luciano Guerra: They behaved very badly. Instead of listening first and talking later, they began immediately distributing leaflets.

Spirit Daily: How do you foresee ecumenism at Fatima? How will it affect services and liturgies?

Mgr. Guerra: Our ecumenism is just beginning. It is guided by guidelines set by the Church authorities.

Spirit Daily: Does ecumenism play into the new designs for the basilica?

Mgr. Guerra: Not at all.

Spirit Daily: Who designed the basilica and what is the theme of its design? Has it met with final approval, or is it still in the planning stage?

Mgr. Guerra: Architect Tombaziz, a Greek, after a international contest. The plans are done and approved.

Spirit Daily: Has the Bishop of Leiria [who oversees Fatima] approved the architectural plans?

Mgr. Guerra: Yes.

Spirit Daily: Will the old basilica be removed? And will any current chapels there be altered?

Mgr. Guerra: The future basilica will be located far away from the present one, which therefore will not undergo any modifications.

Spirit Daily: Do you have any concerns that ecumenism could lead to compromise or to a tinge of the New Age? How is it that Hindus and Muslims, etc. will pray there?

Mgr. Guerra:  We do not fear any ecumenism led by the church. We are very far from having Hindus or any Muslims pray in Fatima, except if they do it in private -- not in public liturgies or others such services. I want to end this questionnaire wishing a new year full of peace to all the staff. (Truly yours, the Rector of the Shrine of Fatima, Mgr. Luciano Guerra)

January 2004

Report Claims That Hindus Were Allowed To Worship Goddess In Chapel At Fatima

Sixth story

Last fall we brought reports from a Portuguese paper claiming that at an interfaith gathering, the impression was left that the famous shrine at Fatima, Portugal -- where the Blessed Mother appeared to three children in 1917 -- would become an ecumenical center. Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and other religions would be involved, it was asserted. It was also reported that the rector was constructing a new basilica that some see as ultra-modernistic [below, left].

In an interview with Spirit Daily, the director, Mgr. Luciano Guerra, acknowledged that ecumenism was "just beginning" at the shrine. But he saw it as in conformity with Rome. "It is guided by guidelines set by the Church authorities," he said. "We do not fear any ecumenism led by the church. We are very far from having Hindus or any Muslims pray in Fatima, except if they do it in private -- not in public liturgies or others such services."

Now the same paper, The Portugal News, relates the following, which we offer not to stir up emotions, but as reportage:

"We can report that the first steps in developing Fátima as a multi-faith center could have been taken," says the news outlet. "On May 5th, SIC and SIC Notícias [a European news broadcast] carried a report on a Hindu religious service held in the Chapel of the Apparitions at the shrine.

"SIC’s broadcast appears, to some extent, to vindicate The Portugal News’ October report. Sixty Hindus led by a high priest had traveled from Lisbon to pay homage to the Goddess Devi, the divinity of nature. SIC’s reporter described how before leaving Lisbon the Hindus had gathered at their temple in the city to pray to and worship various statues of Hindu gods."

According to the paper and its on-line site, Front Page, the Hindu pilgrims made their way to the Chapel of the Apparitions, where a Hindu priest took to the altar and led prayer sessions. The TV report showed the priest, Sha Tri, praying at the altar of "Shaniti Pa." Pilgrims removed their shoes before approaching the altar as the priest chanted.

"After worshipping their gods and praying in the chapel, the Hindus are shown being escorted to an exhibition hall where a model of the controversial new basilica currently being constructed is on display,"notes Front Page. "In a setting described as ambassadorial by the commentator, each Hindu is personally greeted by the Bishop of Leiria-Fátima, who bows to the Hindu priest repeating his gesture of greeting. The Hindu priest is then seen clothing the rector of the Fátima Shrine and the bishop with a Hindu priestly shawl. 'On the shoulders of the highest representatives of the Church in Fátima, the Hindu priest places a shawl with the inscriptions of the Bagavad Gita, one of the sacred books of Hinduism,' the reporter tells his viewers."

The SIC newscast reportedly finished with the Hindu priest lighting a candle while his congregants danced outside the Chapel of the Apparitions "chanting praises to their gods."

While the shrine's rector saw it as an opportunity to "remind ourselves that we live in a community," and while there have been calls by the Vatican for inter-religious dialogue, others saw it as going to far. "I understand the opening of the site to other religions," said a long-standing member of the Fatima community. "But I disagree with the practice of non-Catholic rituals at the sanctuary’s holiest site.”