In 1917, during the hardships of the First World War, three young shepherd children in Portugal—Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto—experienced a series of events that would change their lives and touch the world.
On 13 May 1917, while tending their sheep near the village of Fátima, the children saw a radiant Lady standing above a small holm oak tree. She was clothed in brilliant white, holding a rosary, and surrounded by light brighter than the sun. She asked them to return on the 13th of each month for six months and urged them to pray the rosary daily for peace and for the end of the war.
The Lady continued to appear each month, calling the children to prayer, sacrifice, and trust in God. She spoke of the need for repentance and offered her Immaculate Heart as a refuge for sinners. Though the children were mocked, questioned, and even imprisoned by local authorities, they remained faithful to what they had seen.
On 13 October 1917, a vast crowd—estimated at over 70,000 people—gathered in the rain to witness what the Lady had promised. Suddenly, the clouds parted and the sun appeared to spin, change colours, and plunge toward the earth, before returning to the sky. This event became known as the Miracle of the Sun and was seen by believers and sceptics alike.
Later, Our Lady revealed three “secrets” to the children, warning of future suffering but offering hope through prayer and devotion. Francisco and Jacinta died young, offering their lives in prayer for others, while Lúcia became a nun and spent her life sharing the message of Fatima.
Today, Our Lady of Fatima is remembered as a powerful sign of God’s mercy and peace. Her message continues to call the world to prayer, conversion, and trust in God, reminding us that even in times of darkness, heaven is close and hope is never lost.
O Most Holy Virgin Mary, Queen of the most holy Rosary, you were pleased to appear to the children of Fatima and reveal a glorious message. We implore you, inspire in our hearts a fervent love for the recitation of the Rosary. By meditating on the mysteries of the redemption that are recalled therein may we obtain the graces and virtues that we ask, through the merits of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer.
