Our Lady of Fatima and Family Suppers

Today Catholics around the world acknowledge the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima. Our Lady is in reference to Our Blessed Mother, Mary. She is the mother to all, the New Eve in the New Covenant between humankind and our creator.

Fatima is in reference to where Our Blessed Mother appeared. The Church holds the six apparitions in the town of Fatima, Portugal to be true. The events did happen between May 13 and October 13, 1917. Mary appeared to three shepherd children, Francisco Marto, his sister Jacinta and their cousin Lucia Dos Santos. While today the Church moves faster at declaring events “worth of belief” or not, in 1917 it wasn’t such a rapid process. It would be 13 years spent on investigation before the declaration was made in October 1930.

Mary’s message was one of peace through prayer. She asked that the Rosary be prayed each day, and that the Church needed to pray for the conversion of Russia, to do penance for the conversion of all sinners, and to have a deep devotion to Her Immaculate Heart. Mary told the children that there would be an end to World War I, but without true conversion, another world war would follow. The Rosary is probably the most recognized symbol of Catholicism. It has been a part of prayerful life since the 13th century, when Our Blessed Mother is said to have appeared to Saint Dominic (founder of the Dominicans), and gave him a Rosary. Today the Prayer of Fatima is a part of that prayer. It is recited after the Glory Be, as the last prayer between Mysteries.

Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins.
Save us from the fires of hell.
Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most deed of thy mercy.
Amen.

As a Catholic, the Fatima Prayer is one I should recite every day, five times each day, when praying the Mysteries of the Rosary. Sadly, most of us do not. Even during Lent, I tried but failed to pray daily. Those of us who stumble and fall must forever be thankful that ours is a God of Mercy and Forgiveness. He knows us at our worst, yet continues to call us to Him. Praise be.

As we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, let us reflect on the importance of family. This is visible throughout the world. We need to belong. It is important for our children to build up strong, healthy, supportive family connections. If not, gangs and other harmful substitutes will fill in those gaps. It is human nature to seek companionship and a sense of belonging. It’s really all about loving and feeling loved. So if you want to make a difference in the world, love one another as Christ loves us.

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Applewood Bacon Pork Tenderloin
1 lb Hormel Applewood Bacon Pork Tenderloin
Hickory or Smoked Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1/2 cup Chicken Stock
1/2 teaspoon Liquid Smoke

Remove tenderloin from the refrigerator, season with salnd and pepper, allow to rest on the counter for 15 minutes. By the way, this pork is actually covered in bits of Applewood Smoked Bacon – amazing flavor!

Heat oven to 400-degrees. Place pork on a V-Roasting rack placed inside a rimmed baking sheet. Place in the oven, bake for approximately 30 minutes undisturbed. Remove from oven, add about 1/2-cup Chicken Stock along with the liquid smoke to the bottom of the pan. Lay the tenderloin directly into the smoky liquid. Cover tightly with foil to allow “steam” to build up while the tenderloin bakes another 10 minutes longer.

Let pork tenderloin rest for 5 minutes prior to slicing. Slice and fan out on a serving platter. Drizzle with any cooking liquid that has accumulated in the bottom of the pan.

Country Skillet Red Potatoes
6 medium Red Potatoes
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper or to taste
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

Wash potatoes, cut into cutes and place in a saucepot. Add enough water to just cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil, let cook for 7 minutes or until almost cooked through.

Drain well, let potatoes air-dry for about 5 minutes. While the potatoes dry, heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Spread potatoes out in the heated skillet. Season with salt, pepper, garlic and paprika. Fry potatoes until a light crust forms, turn and continue to fry until nicely browned. Taste, adjust seasoning just before serving.

Sweet Canned Corn
1 can Sweet Corn
Salt to taste

Drain corn, rinse well. Place in a saucepan, season with just a pinch of salt. Heat over medium to medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Transfer to a serving bowl, serve and enjoy.

Such a tasty down home family supper!

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Sing joyfully to God, all the earth: and serve the Lord with gladness