A Message of Hope and Conversion
In 1917, Our Lady appeared to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, bringing a message that would resonate throughout the world for generations to come.
May 13, 1917 - First Apparition
Our Lady appeared to Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta, asking them to return on the 13th of each month. She taught them to pray the Rosary daily and revealed that she came from Heaven.
June 13, 1917 - Second Apparition
Our Lady promised to take Jacinta and Francisco to Heaven soon, but told Lucia she would remain longer to spread devotion to the Immaculate Heart.
July 13, 1917 - Third Apparition
The children were shown a vision of Hell and given the famous secret of Fatima. Our Lady emphasized the need for prayer and sacrifice for the conversion of sinners.
August 19, 1917 - Fourth Apparition
After being imprisoned by local authorities, the children met Our Lady at a different location. She repeated her call to prayer and penance.
September 13, 1917 - Fifth Apparition
Our Lady promised a great miracle for October so that all would believe. She continued to emphasize the Rosary as the key to peace.
October 13, 1917 - The Miracle of the Sun
Before 70,000 witnesses, the sun appeared to dance in the sky and plunge toward earth. Our Lady revealed herself as Our Lady of the Rosary and asked for a chapel to be built in her honor.
1. Prayer, Especially the Rosary
Our Lady repeatedly asked the children to pray the Rosary every day for peace in the world and the conversion of sinners. The Rosary is the weapon against evil and the path to peace.
"Pray the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war."
2. Devotion to the Immaculate Heart
God wishes to establish in the world devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Those who embrace this devotion will be saved, and peace will come to the world.
"God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart."
3. Penance and Sacrifice
Our Lady called for acts of penance and sacrifice for the conversion of sinners. She showed the children a vision of Hell to emphasize the urgency of this mission.
"Sacrifice yourselves for sinners, and say many times, especially when you make some sacrifice: O Jesus, it is for love of You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary."
4. The Consecration of Russia
Our Lady requested the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart. She promised that if this was done, Russia would be converted and there would be peace.
"If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace."
5. First Saturdays Devotion
Our Lady asked for Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays of five consecutive months, including confession, Rosary, and 15 minutes of meditation on the mysteries.
"I promise to assist at the hour of death with the graces necessary for salvation all those who, on the first Saturday of five consecutive months, go to confession, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for a quarter of an hour while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me."
First Secret: Vision of Hell
The children were shown a terrifying vision of Hell, filled with demons and souls in torment. This vision emphasized the reality of Hell and the need for prayer and sacrifice to save souls.
Second Secret: Prophecy and Devotion
Our Lady predicted the end of World War I but warned that if people did not stop offending God, a worse war would begin. She requested devotion to her Immaculate Heart and the consecration of Russia as the means to peace.
Third Secret: The Bishop in White
The third secret, revealed in 2000, described a vision of a "Bishop dressed in White" (interpreted as the Pope) walking through a destroyed city and being killed by soldiers. This was understood as a prophecy of the persecution of the Church and the suffering of the faithful.