Thursday 5th March 2026

‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded
if someone should rise from the dead.'”

 

I am typing this after 4 wonderful days in Lisboa, Portugal, with my cousins! They have been hosts, and how!

From driving me to Fatima and showing me the olive tree where Mother Mary appeared to letting me explore across the city with so much ease, all while I realized my flights home were cancelled because the USA wanted to destroy a country!

I stood in so many churches and even attended a Portuguese Sunday “Missa”… It felt awesome and comfortable! And then I was informed that of a family of 13 cousins and kids, only one practiced her faith! It broke my heart, but they never really gave any explanation!

They just realized that they never had faith in the form of a religion, “catolica nao practicar,” or non-practicing Catholic! I realized how far away from faith we are! When I stood at Fatima, I felt peace—absolute bliss! I lit candles for the safe return of all my coworkers and myself back to India and also the fact that I was lucky to be there—I watched people with faith in tears crawl on their knees with rosaries in hand, praying and sobbing. Many sick and disabled = the faith was palpable as I lit my candle and prayed for my intentions! I realized how much that place meant to me!

This week of Lent has been tough, but I surrender myself to the Lord and his Mother. So should you.

Lord, empty me, fill me, and use me!!!

About the Author

Hello! I’m Dr Analise Maria D’ Mello, (MBBS, MS obgyn, DNB) from the beautiful state of Goa in India. I was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family, learning my prayers, catechism and Catholic values from my parents and grandmothers. I am currently practicing as an obstetrician and gynecologist for 3 years since my residency. I often speak on anti-abortion to college students and married couples, and counsel distressed pregnant women with appropriate medical advice. I am part of the St Luke's Medical Guild of Catholic Doctors in my state providing services in prisons, and Lenten and advent retreats for medical professionals and their families.

Author Archive Page

14 Comments

  1. Love your reflections. Your comment about the US wanting to destroy a country is a bit off base. The US and Israel are trying to stop Iran from exporting terrorism and funding terrorism through proxies. While few like war, the US and Israel are trying to bring a lasting peace to the region. The conflict shows we are not living as God intended. What happened to “love your neighbor?”. PS – women are treated very poorly in Iran, it’s likely you couldn’t be a doctor there and thousands of professors were recently killed. Pray for peace and for hearts to change!

  2. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and events. Very moving!
    Bless you and your Catholic faith.

  3. Correction, the US is not trying to destroy a country, it is stopping terrorism. May all countries learn to love their neighbor.

  4. Dr Analise, hopefully your time with your cousins will have a positive impact as they see your example of faith. Safe travels home.

  5. Analise I pray alongside you for world peace! We are all living in a world of pain and suffering, our leaders need more guidance.

  6. Thank you Analise,what a blessing to visit Fatima and to feel the peace and love of Our Blessed Mother.Safe onward travels and enjoy your trip.

  7. Thank you for your beautiful reflection. I can only imagine the peace, love and faith you felt at Fatima with our Blessed Mother. Safe travels home and God bless you and your family.

  8. So happy to hear that your visit with your cousins and your visit to Fatima has been such a blessing. I pray that the joy you display in your relationship with Jesus will encourage some of your cousins to return to the faith. Safe travels, and let us all pray for peace in the world.

  9. Analise, I thank God that you have such faith when so many have lost theirs. It’s so sad that so many Catholics don’t know the treasures that can be found in their faith.

  10. Doc: I love your reflections and look forward to them every Thursday. I have prayed for you many times. That being said PLEASE don’t ruin your reflections with anti-US commentary.

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