DEVOUT VILLAGERS

Interior of the church where the girls often came,
in ecstasy, until August 23, 1961.

At San Sebastian de Garabandal, the name of Fatima was known obviously. But the villagers felt no particular attraction for supernatural phenomena. Yet, the people were very devout, one of the most devout in that entire region. They recited the rosary every day from time immemorial. "Half of the village gathered at the church, and still more at Mass during the week when it was celebrated. The women visited the Blessed Sacrament regularly."
[Excerpted from "Garabandal" Book, page 15]

As the Lord said: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

St. Irenaeus wrote: 'It is true, because of the greatness and inexpressible glory of God, that "man shall not see me and live," for the Father cannot be grasped. But because He can do all things, He goes so far as to grant those who love Him the privilege of seeing Him. . . . For "what is impossible for men is possible for God."

No wonder Almighty God chose the village of Garabandal to reveal some of His Mysteries through the Immaculate Virgin Mary and not some other place in the world! Our Blessed Lady once said to a seer that she likes to appear at places where it reminds her of her earthly home. Certainly Garabandal with its poor and humble people, living off the land and trusting in God's divine providence was a place like that!
Deacon John