As far back as I can remember, I have heard talk about Fatima and especially the so-called “Third Secret” of Fatima. Well known is the vision of Hell to the children, as well as the much talked about Consecration, of which there is no consensus about whether it has actually happened or not. I will not venture an opinion concerning that matter.
Of the Third Secret, I think it can be safely stated that we are at least ninety percent certain as to what it is. From Novus Ordo Watch:
In May of 1994—77 years after Our Lady first appeared to the three children at Fatima, Portugal—a French priest was listening to a CD entitled “Mysterium Fidei,” with French lyrics and sung by French choirs. As he was listening devoutly, suddenly the music faded into the background and a clear voice, which was perceived quite normally and not as an interior inspiration, said: “The Church will bleed from all her wounds.” Then, there followed this text:
There will be a wicked council planned and prepared that will change the countenance of the Church. Many will lose the Faith; confusion will reign everywhere. The sheep will search for their shepherds in vain. A schism will tear apart the holy tunic of My Son. This will be the end of times, foretold in the Holy Scriptures and recalled to memory by Me in many places. The abomination of abominations will reach its peak and it will bring the chastisement announced at La Sallette. My Son’s arm, which I will not be able to hold back anymore, will punish this poor world, which must expiate its crimes. One will only speak about wars and revolutions. The elements of nature will be unchained and will cause anguish even among the best (the most courageous). The Church will bleed from all Her wounds. Happy are they who will persevere and search for refuge in My Heart, because in the end My Immaculate Heart will triumph.
After this message, the priest heard only one more sentence: “This is the Third Secret of Fatima.” This text has been reported and published before, in the R&R book The Devil’s Final Battle as well as in a newsletter of the then-SSPX Bishop William Richardson in the year 2000. I will offer commentary on this text next week.