Our Lady of Fatima

Origin

It was May 13, 1917, when Our Lady appeared to three children who were in a field grazing their sheep: Francisco Marto, aged 9, his younger sister Jacinta Marto , aged 7, and their cousin, Lucia dos Santos, aged 10. The apparition took place in Cova da Iria, a town near Fatima and was the first of a series apparitions. In fact, every 13th of the month, from May to October, the Virgin Mary appeared to the three little shepherds, entrusting them with a message.

In the first apparition, Our Lady asked them specifically to “Recite the Rosary every day to obtain peace in the world and the end of the war”. A request that is still relevant today.

In her messages, the Virgin invited people to pray, to convert, to commit themselves to reparation and penance. She also asked for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart and revealed secrets that were made public years later. [1]

Canonization and Beatification

To commemorate the first day of the apparitions, in 1930 the Bishop of Leiria approved the liturgical memorial of Our Lady of Fatima, which in 2002 was extended to the universal Church.

Several Popes have made a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima on the anniversary of the first apparition: Paul VI, on May 13, 1967. John Paul II visited three times: on May 13, 1982, to thank Our Lady for saving him during the attack on his life the previous year on May 13, 1991 and finally, on May 13, 2000, when he beatified Francisco and Jacinta. Benedict XVI visited Fatima on May 13, 2010, and Pope Francis on May 13, 2017.

On the centenary of the apparitions, during a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, Francisco and Jacinta Marto were canonized by Pope Francis on May 13, 2017. Sister Lucia dos Santos was declared Venerable, on June 22, 2023. [1]

Miracles and Testimonies

• The Miracle of the Sun (Oct. 13, 1917) - Occurring in Cova da Iria, witnesses described a "discoid" sun that could be looked at directly, spinning and casting multicolored light. It zig-zagged toward the earth, terrifying many, before returning to its place.
• The Prophecy - The miracle was promised in advance by three children—Lúcia dos Santos, Francisco, and Jacinta Marto—during previous apparitions that began on May 13, 1917, as a sign to prove the authenticity of their visions.
• Physical Phenomena - Observers noted that the intense, torrential rain that had been falling for hours suddenly stopped, and both the muddy ground and their soaking wet clothes were quickly dried.
• Long-term Impacts - The apparitions, which included messages regarding prayer, the Rosary, and a "Secret of Fátima" containing three parts, were later recognized by the Vatican, and the site became a major Catholic shrine.

Devotion

Pope Francis went on to pray for peace in the world, the end of the coronavirus pandemic, and the spirit of penance and conversion for the world through the intercession of Our Lady.

In his greetings to the Portuguese-speaking faithful, Pope Francisurged Catholics to try to live out this month of May with a more intense and faithful daily prayer. He reminds us that the prayer of the Rosary is one of the desires repeatedly expressed by the Madonna at Fatima. “Under her protection, the pains and afflictions of life will be more bearable,” he said.

The Pope invited the Italian-speaking faithful to have constant recourse to Our Lady’s help, so that everyone might persevere in the love of God and neighbour. He prayed especially for the young, the elderly, the sick and the newlyweds. [2]

Legacy

Pope Francis described how Mary “is very polite, she doesn't burst in, no; knock-knock, she knocks on the door.” Yet, “Each one of you must answer,” he added, “she knocks on the door of your heart, your conscience, your home, your family.”

The Holy Father warned believers to be careful about putting off the visit: “Not today, but tomorrow.” He urged them to respond: “Come in, Mother: You know better than I do the things I've done, the problems I have.”

He points out that Our Lady is “coming now. She will arrive by helicopter, but then she'll knock; with her presence, she knocks on the door of families, of homes – on the door of your hearts.” [3]