The Apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima

I. On May 13, 1917, around noon, Our Lady appeared for the first time to three little shepherds—Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco—who had brought their sheep to graze in a hollow covered with holm oaks and olive trees known by the locals as Cova da Iria. The Virgin asked the children to come to that same place on the thirteenth day of each month for six consecutive months. The message that the Lady would gradually reveal to them is one of penance for the sins committed daily, the recitation of the Holy Rosary for this same intention, and the consecration of the world to her Immaculate Heart. In every apparition, the sweet Lady insists on the daily prayer of the Rosary and teaches them a prayer to repeat often, offering up their works and especially small mortifications and sacrifices:

"O Jesus, it is for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary."

In August, the Virgin promised a public sign, visible to all, as proof of the truth of these messages. In every apparition, she encouraged the children to pray for the conversion of sinners, offering sacrifices and praying the Holy Rosary. On October 13, the so-called "Miracle of the Sun" took place. Tens of thousands of people present at Cova da Iria witnessed this extraordinary event; it was even seen by those who were many kilometers away from the site of the apparitions. Our Lady then declared to the children that she was the Lady of the Rosary. She also told them: "Men must amend their lives and ask forgiveness for their sins... They must no longer offend Our Lord, who is already so much offended."

Pope John Paul II, recalling his pilgrimage to Fatima—where he went "with the rosary in his hand, the name of Mary on his lips, and the song of mercy in his heart" to thank Our Lady for surviving the assassination attempt the previous year—noted that:

"The apparitions of Fatima, confirmed by extraordinary signs in 1917, stand as a point of reference and radiation for our century. Mary, our heavenly Mother, came to shake consciences, to illuminate the authentic meaning of life, to stimulate conversion from sin and spiritual fervor, and to inflame souls with love for God and charity toward neighbor. Mary came to help us, because many, unfortunately, do not wish to accept the invitation of the Son of God to return to the Father’s house."

"From her sanctuary at Fatima, Mary still renews today her maternal and urgent plea: conversion to Truth and Grace; the life of the sacraments, especially Penance and the Eucharist; and devotion to her Immaculate Heart, accompanied by a spirit of penance."

Today, we can ask ourselves how we are responding to the frequent inspirations of the Holy Spirit to purify our souls, especially through Sacramental Confession; how we make reparation for our past personal sins and those of all mankind; and how we pray the Holy Rosary—especially in this month of May—setting "ambitious intentions," asking that many friends and colleagues draw near to Christ once again, humbly walking the path of the prodigal son's return.

HCD