Our Lady of Fatima

Every year on 13 May, the faithful around the world turn their gaze to Our Lady of Fatima. This date marks the first apparition of the Virgin Mary to three young shepherds in Portugal. More than just a commemoration, it is an invitation to rekindle our faith, to meditate on her message, and to honour her through prayer and simple everyday gestures.

The story of the apparitions of Fatima

In 1917, in the small village of Fatima in Portugal, Lucie, François and Jacinthe, three shepherd children, were visited by a ‘lady dressed in white’. The 13th of May marked the first of six apparitions that would follow until the 13th of October. Each apparition had a profound spiritual meaning and a special message to convey to the world:

13 May 1917

The first apparition. The Lady appears for the first time to Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta at Cova da Iria. She asks them to return on the same date in the following months. She invites them to pray and offer their sufferings for the conversion of sinners. This apparition marks the beginning of an intense spiritual journey for the children.

13 June 1917

The Virgin returns and tells them that God wishes to establish devotion to her Immaculate Heart throughout the world. She promises Lucia that she will remain on earth longer to spread this devotion, while Francisco and Jacinta will soon be taken to heaven. A poignant message about the missionary role of each person.

13 July 1917

The most striking apparition. The Virgin reveals the three famous secrets of Fatima. The children see hell, hear the announcement of a future war if the world does not convert, and receive a prophetic vision of suffering for the Church. She again insists on the recitation of the Rosary and the consecration of Russia.

19 August 1917

This apparition did not take place on the 13th because the children were imprisoned by the civil authorities. It took place in Valinhos, near Fatima. The Virgin reminded them of the importance of making sacrifices to save souls. She encouraged them despite the persecutions and announced a miracle for October.

13 September 1917

The crowd continues to grow. The Virgin asks them to continue praying the rosary and announces that during the next apparition, she will perform a great miracle visible to all. The children perceive supernatural signs in the sky, such as heavenly lights and strange atmospheric phenomena.

13 October 1917

The last apparition. Before a crowd of 70,000 people, the Virgin Mary appears and introduces herself as ‘Our Lady of the Rosary’. She calls for penance, forgiveness of sins, and the daily recitation of the Rosary. Suddenly, the miracle of the sun occurs: the sun seems to dance in the sky, changing colours and frightening the crowd. This event, confirmed by non-believers present, strengthens the faith of thousands of people around the world.

To relive this emotion with the youngest members of your family, you can pray before a small statue representing the apparition of Fatima.

The message of Our Lady of Fatima

The apparitions did not come without a message. Our Lady of Fatima calls us to:

• Pray the Rosary every day for peace in the world.
• Do penance for the conversion of sinners.
• Consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, including Russia – a point that has been much discussed.

How to honour Our Lady of Fatima today

• Create a prayer corner dedicated to the Virgin Mary in your home.
• Light a novena candle for 9 days.
• Burn incense grains during prayer.
• Wear a semi-precious stone bracelet in her honour.
• Read a prayer image.
• Add a statue decorated with flowers in a place where people pass by.

The 3 secrets of Fatima

During the apparition on 13 July 1917, Our Lady entrusted Lucia with three prophetic secrets:

1. First secret: a vision of hell, with tormented souls plunged into a fiery flame. This revelation is intended to remind us of the urgency of prayer and penance to save souls.
2. Second secret: the announcement of a new world war (World War II) if the world does not convert. She also asks for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart, under penalty of spreading its errors throughout the world.
3. Third secret: long kept secret, it describes a symbolic vision of a pope crossing a ruined city, praying for the dead, before being shot. This secret has been interpreted as a representation of the persecutions against the Church and the assassination attempt on John Paul II in 1981.

Prayer and spirituality around Fatima

The rosary is at the heart of the spirituality of Fatima. It is recommended to begin a novena on 5 May to finish on the feast day. The prayer card with medal is ideal for keeping your faith close to your heart, in your wallet for example.

Prayer to Our Lady of Fatima

Most Holy Virgin Mary,
O Our Lady of Fatima, Queen of the Rosary,
You who appeared to the little shepherds
and entrusted them with messages of peace and conversion,
teach us to listen, to pray and to love.

We consecrate our lives, our families, and our nations to you.
Increase our faith, hope, and charity.
Protect the weakest, console the afflicted,
And guide lost souls to your beloved Son.

May your Immaculate Heart be our refuge,
In trials, doubts and struggles,
Accompany each of our steps towards the light,
And may the promised peace shine in our hearts.

O faithful Virgin, Mother of salvation,
Intercede for us now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

FAQ about Our Lady of Fatima