Ben Broussard
Questions and Answers with Ben Broussard
The fourth of eight children, Ben was born in Louisiana, and has been a Fatima Custodian since 2013. Ben was happy to share what inspired him in the apostolate of spreading the Fatima message, as well as some of his experience in this mission.
Question:
Why have you decided to devote your life to this mission?
Mr. Broussard:
Since learning about the moral crisis in America, I wanted to do something concrete to fight against that crisis. Several years ago, I made the consecration to Mary Most Holy. I later learned about the work of the Fatima Custodians. The apostolate of bringing Our Lady into every home to promote the Fatima message seemed like a simple, yet effective, solution for helping to address our country's many problems.
Question:
What effect/graces/challenges/etc. have you personally witnessed at these visits?
Mr. Broussard:
Though there have been challenges, they are far outweighed by Our Lady's great generosity. It is humbling to see the great devotion so many Americans have for Our Lady, no matter their backgrounds or ages. There have been times when it seems what we're doing has very little effect. Yet Our Lady is never far behind with words of encouragement in the way of news of a man returning to the sacraments, or a family committing to praying the Rosary daily, or any number of small graces received because of a visit. We will only hear of a tiny amount of the good effects of our visits, but I’m confident that Our Lady is continually blessing us all.
Question:
Relate your favorite or most touching Fatima Home Visit story.
Mr. Broussard:
In October 2014, I had the honor of bringing Our Lady to the home of a family from Bangladesh living in Maryland. The hostess crowned the Queen of Heaven as everyone sang a hymn to welcome her. The presentation progressed as normal, and to conclude, I witnessed the rosary prayed in Bangla for the first time. Amid an impressive array of food, the hostess took time to introduce me to everyone, in particular to her elderly mother. She told me that since coming to the United States, this strong matriarch has made sure that everyone in the family, from the oldest to the youngest, prays the rosary every day. The family still continues to meet each evening to pray the rosary and a collection of other prayers. The beloved grandmother always makes sure her grandchildren are living the Catholic faith, and is quick with a stern word for one or a word of encouragement to another. As the family shared a meal, the influence of this devout woman was evident in how close-knit they all were. Though she does not speak English, someone translated my words of praise for her hard work in keeping her family together. She smiled and conveyed her thanks for bringing Our Lady into their home. The visit showed the impressive work one person can do to give living proof that the family that prays together stays together.
Question:
Please offer any other comments that would be helpful to readers.
Mr. Broussard:
None of the work of the Fatima Custodians would be possible without your support and prayers. Our Lady has many children she wants to visit. I'm just one of the custodians who get her there. Let’s win the United States for Mary Most Holy, one home at a time!
