TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 20 FEBRUARY
February 20, 2026
Day Four of Lent – Spiritual Friendship
February 21, 2026
BACKGROUND AND HEAVENLY CALL
Francisco Marto and Jacinta Marto were simple shepherd children of Fatima, Portugal, chosen by God to witness the apparitions of Our Lady in 1917. In their innocence and purity, Heaven entrusted them with profound spiritual truths and a call to prayer, repentance, and reparation.
“God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:27
Though young and uneducated, their openness to grace allowed them to receive extraordinary revelations. Their lives show that holiness does not depend on age or status, but on a heart ready to listen to God.
CONTEMPLATIVE LOVE FOR GOD
Francisco was especially drawn to silent adoration. After the apparitions, he would often spend long hours in prayer, saying, “I want to console Our Lord.” His spirituality was deeply contemplative and Eucharistic.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
He understood that love for Jesus grows in silence. His quiet devotion teaches that intimacy with God is formed not in noise, but in attentive presence.
COMPASSION AND SACRIFICIAL LOVE
Jacinta’s heart burned with compassion for sinners. Deeply moved by the vision of souls in need of mercy, she willingly embraced sacrifices, offering small sufferings for their conversion.
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
— John 15:13
She once said, “If only I could put into the hearts of everyone the fire that is burning within my own heart.” Her life reveals that even the smallest sacrifices, offered with love, participate in Christ’s redemptive work.
THE POWER OF PRAYER AND THE ROSARY
The children faithfully prayed the Rosary each day, as Our Lady requested. Their perseverance in simple, repeated prayer became a channel of grace for the world.
“Pray without ceasing.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Their example reminds believers that prayer is not measured by eloquence, but by fidelity. Through childlike trust, they demonstrated that the Rosary is a powerful instrument of peace and conversion.
SUFFERING UNITED WITH CHRIST
Both children endured illness and hardship with remarkable courage. During the influenza epidemic, they accepted their suffering as an offering to God. Francisco died in 1919, and Jacinta in 1920, both with serene trust in Heaven.
“I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.”
— Colossians 1:24
Their willingness to unite pain with Christ’s sacrifice teaches that suffering, when embraced in faith, becomes a path of sanctification and grace.
CHILDLIKE HOLINESS AND TRUST
Their lives embody the Gospel call to spiritual childhood. They approached God with simplicity, obedience, and total trust.
“Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
— Matthew 18:3
Through their purity of heart and unwavering faith, they show that sanctity is accessible to all who surrender completely to God.
MESSAGE FOR TODAY
In a world often distracted and restless, Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto call us back to prayer, repentance, and love for God. Their witness assures us that even the youngest and seemingly insignificant lives can influence the destiny of souls.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
— Matthew 19:14
Their lives proclaim that holiness begins with a simple “yes” to God — and that even small sacrifices, offered with great love, echo in eternity.
