With all the phony news about Russia being broadcast, it would be good to remember that concerns for that Asian country have been going on for years.

One hundred years ago when the Blessed Mother appeared at Fatima in Portugal, she had Russia on her mind. In addition to the frightening visions of hell and the dire predictions of war, she also warned that Russia’s abandonment of the faith and embrace of Communism would do immense harm to the world.

In response, the Church around the world began intense prayers for the conversion of Russia. Special prayers after Mass were offered for that intention. Some have claimed that Mary’s words were aimed more at atheistic Communism rather than specifically at Russia. Some say that the prayers were successful because of the break-up of the Soviet Union and the downfall of Communist regimes in Eastern Europe in the late 1980s.

Much credit for those events has been given to President Ronald Reagan and to St. Pope John Paul II, who was an ardent devotee of Fatima and anti-Communist. In fact, he even credited the Lady of Fatima with his recovery after the assassination attempt in St. Peter’s Square.

Before we claim total victory, we should recognize that atheistic Communism still rears its ugly head, particularly in such unenlightened countries as China and North Korea. Communism is destined to fall because of its failure to acknowledge the role of the Supreme Being in the story of mankind and its total reliance on the work of human beings.

Communism has been a total failure wherever it has been tried. One only needs to look at the continued repression of the people of Cuba by its version of the Communist state. The “people” who are supposed to be the leaven in society continue to be repressed while a few reap the benefits of material success. It’s the same in Russia, China and North Korea. The ruling class lives comfortably and the people bear the burden. So much for equality for all!

With the release of the Third Secret of Fatima in 2000, the Church seems to have closed the book on Fatima. There is nothing more to be revealed about what was said there. The prayers for Russia seem to have met with success. Indeed, the Orthodox Christian Church is enjoying a revival in Russia. Even President Vladimir Putin professes belief.

So, where does that leave us on Russia. Is it a friend or foe? Can the government there be trusted or should we continue to cast a wary eye in its direction?

Let us not be naive. The Kremlin would love to regain its lofty status again in the world. We must be ever vigilant in our own pursuit of freedom and liberty, not only at home, but also around the world.

The evil of Communism, while beaten back, has not been totally defeated. It still behooves us to listen to Virgin of Fatima, quoted by the visionary Lucia, as saying, “I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace. If not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church.”