During the Mass for the canonization of Saints Francisco and Jacinta of Fatima, Pope Francis pointed out in his homily how, “God’s presence became constant in their lives, as is evident from their insistent prayers for sinners and their desire to remain ever near ‘the hidden Jesus’ in the tabernacle.”

This presence of God shaped them and molded them, making them into great beacons of light for all to see. Pope Francis explained how we should be inspired by them and resolve to be a beacon of hope for others.

God created us to be a source of hope for others, a true and attainable hope, in accordance with each person’s state of life. In “asking” and “demanding” of each of us the fulfillment of the duties of our proper state (Letters of Sister Lucia, 28 February 1943), God effects a general mobilization against the indifference that chills the heart and worsens our myopia…With Mary’s protection, may we be for our world sentinels of the dawn, contemplating the true face of Jesus the Savior, resplendent at Easter. Thus may we rediscover the young and beautiful face of the Church, which shines forth when she is missionary, welcoming, free, faithful, poor in means and rich in love.

As members of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, this is our task! Pope Francis each month mobilizes us to pray for and encounter the many challenges facing humanity. We are called to work against indifference and call others to action.

We are meant to be “sentinels of the dawn,” under the mantel of Our Lady, going forth in hope to meet a world shrouded in darkness.

As we go forth as Apostles of Prayer each month, may we fall down at the feet of our Blessed Mother and ask her to help us to be beacons of hope. Her radiant light has the power to enlighten our hearts and the hearts of all.