“Console like Francisco, make reparation like Jacinta” – Floral Games 2017 in Paraguay
“Two aspects characterize the spirituality of the shepherd children of Fatima: in Francisco, the desire to ‘console and give joy to Jesus’; in Jacinta, the desire to ‘convert many sinners and make reparation to the Immaculate Heart’.”[1]
With the motto “Console like Francisco, make reparation like Jacinta”, we beg
an the Floral Games in the St. Jacinta Marto aspirancy in Paraguay.
Commemorating the centenary of the apparitions at Fatima, and taking the shepherd children as models, sixteen young ladies and girls of the vocational group of Paraguay, together with four aspirants, participated in the competitions of the Floral Games under the patronage of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, desiring to “Console the Sacred Heart like Francisco and make reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary for the offenses committed against her, as Jacinta did”, as learned in the lives of these two holy children, models for youth and children.
With much joy and generosity throughout two weekends, the young girls participated in the competitions in English and Latin (which was a first for most!), in the translation of texts from Guarani to Castellano (the official languages of Paraguay), writing stories and poems in Guarani and in Castellano, answering questions about the history of Paraguay, about Catechism, about the congregation (where they learned the names of the mothers of the General Government, the Province, the fathers of the IVE, and the missions of the Institute). There were also competitions in music, art and sports. All was done in an atmosphere of so much joy and commitment, remembering that all their sacrifices will serve to console the Heart of Jesus and make reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
These girls also participated in the Holy Mass and a time of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
With their gaze set upon the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, despite the difference in the scores of the teams, we can use the words that the Blessed Virgin said to the shepherd children: “in the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph” and if the Immaculate Heart of Mary triumphs, it is because the Sacred Heart of Jesus has triumphed.
The games ended on Sunday, October 1st, with a great award ceremony for the teams, which showed the winning team to be that of the Immaculate Heart. We also rewarded those who stood out for their dedication, generosity, joy and other virtues during these activities.
We place in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary the abundant fruits of these activities and we give thanks to all who have helped us materially, and especially those who have helped us through their prayers.
In the heart of Jesus and Mary,
Sr. María Virgen Azul del Paraguay
St. Jacinta Marto Aspirancy
[1] Fátima y el Sol bailó, P. Carlos Buela
