About Our Lady of Fatima
Our Lady of Fatima is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In 1917, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal. They were Lucia Santos, Blessed Jacinta Marto and Blessed Francisco Marto. Our Lady appeared to the children seven times and performed a miracle making the sun dance in the sky, which thousands of people witnessed.
She told the children to say the Rosary every day to bring peace to the world and the end of war. This is why Our Lady of Fatima is also called Our Lady of the Rosary. She also requested us to pray the following prayer at the end of each mystery or decade of the Rosary: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of Hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Amen.”
Later, Our Lady entrusted the children with three secrets. The first was a vision of Hell, and the second was a prophecy of the end of World War I and the beginning of World War II, and the need for Russia to convert to Christianity. The third secret is about the Holy Father being killed with bullets and arrows by soldiers at the foot of a cross, and many other people dying as well.
This Marian Apparition was approved by the Holy See in 1930. Around four million pilgrims visit the Basilica at Fatima every year. The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima is May 13th.
Prayer to Our Lady of Fatima 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.
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us!
Photo: Celebration of Our Lady of Fatima with Bishop Tobin in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence, May 15, 2017. (Rhode Island Catholic)