May 13 is the eighty-ninth anniversary of the Blessed Mother's first of seven appearances to the three children of Fatima, Portugal: Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco. On that day in 1917 the Lady told the children she wanted them to return to a grazing field near their family home—called the Cova da Iria—on the thirteenth of each month for the next six months. At that time, she promised, she would tell them who she was and what she wanted.
During the next six months the Blessed Mother gave the following messages:
The faithful were to offer the Rosary daily. She referred to herself as "Our Lady of the Rosary."
After giving the children a vision of hell, she explained that many souls could be saved by http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07168a.htm">devotion to her Immaculate Heart and by reparation.
She said that if offenses against God did not cease, another more terrible war would begin during the reign of Pope Pius XI. (World War I was taking place at the time of her appearances; World War II would indeed follow.)
She asked for the consecration of Russia to her Immaculate Heart and the communion of reparation on the first Saturdays of the month: "In the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and it will be converted and a certain period of peace will be granted to the world."
She asked that a chapel be built at Cova da Iria in her honor, and again identified herself as the Lady of the Rosary.
Have your students research more about Our Lady of Fatma at the Fatima Network.
Pray this prayer:
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.
Amen.
