Our Lady of Akita's Third Message on October 13, 1973
Our Lady of Akita is the title of Marian apparitions reported in 1973 by Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa in the remote area of Yuzawadai, near the city of Akita in Japan. The messages emphasise prayer and penance. Sister Sasagawa stated that the Virgin Mary told her: "Pray very much the prayers of the Rosary. I alone am able still to save you from the calamities which approach." The apparitions were unusual in that the crying of the statue of the Virgin Mary was broadcast on national television in Japan. The message of Our Lady of Akita is very similar to the Fatima message. I found it fascinating that this message was given to Sr. Sasagawa 41 years ago yesterday. Especially relevant to the gathering of our bishops at the Synod to discuss marriage and the family. "As I told you, if men do not repent and better themselves, the Father will inflict a terrible punishment on all humanity. It will be a punishment greater than the deluge, such as one will never have s...