Our Lady of Fatima
Feast Day: May 13
Our Lady of Fatima is a title given to the Virgin Mary based on her appearance to three shepherd children in the town of Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. The Blessed Virgin Mary first appeared to three children in the small village of Fatima in Portugal. She appeared six times to nine-year-old Lucia, and her cousins Francisco, age 8, and Jacinta, age 6, from May through October.
The first message she delivered was a call to prayer and penance. She asked the children to pray the rosary daily and to offer sacrifices for the conversion of sinners. She also warned of the dangers of World War I, which was raging at the time, and predicted that another even more devastating war would follow if people did not turn away from sin.
In subsequent appearances, Mary shared more messages, including a vision of hell and a call for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart. She also revealed secrets to the children, which were eventually made public by Lucia after much hesitation and delay.
The apparitions at Fatima have been the source of inspiration and devotion for millions of Catholics worldwide. Many have made pilgrimages to Fatima to honor Our Lady and to seek her intercession.
On the feast day of Our Lady of Fatima, Catholics remember the messages of Mary and renew their commitment to prayer, penance, and conversion. They also celebrate the miracle of the sun, which was witnessed by thousands of people on October 13, 1917, and is seen as a confirmation of the authenticity of the apparitions.
Our Lady of Fatima has since become a beloved Marian devotion of protection and hope for those suffering, offering comfort through times of uncertainty. The feast of Our Lady of Fatima was approved by the local bishop in 1930; it was added to the Church’s worldwide calendar in 2002.
Shrines, like The National Shrine of, Mary Mother of the Church, are important places of worship for Catholics because they are places where the faithful can come to pray, reflect, and seek spiritual guidance. Shrines are often associated with a particular saint or religious figure and are designed to inspire a sense of awe and reverence in those who visit them. Many shrines also have relics, such as pieces of clothing or other personal items associated with the saint or figure, which are believed to have special spiritual significance.
Shrines dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima are particularly important because of the message she conveyed to the world. The message of Our Lady of Fatima was a call to repentance and prayer, and the importance of spiritual conversion. The message also warned of the consequences of sin, including war and suffering. The message is still relevant today, and the shrines dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima serve as a reminder of the importance of spiritual conversion and prayer.
May Our Lady of Fatima offer you peace, hope, and protection through times of suffering and uncertainty.