The seven apparitions—three by an angel and seven by the Blessed Virgin Mary—to three children at Fatima, Portugal, occurred ninety years ago. The anniversary of the final apparition, a miraculous sign Mary had promised is this Saturday, October 13.
The Blessed Mother had already offered the following messages to Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco:
The faithful were to pray the Rosary daily. The Blessed Mother referred to herself as “Our Lady of the Rosary.”
After showing the children a vision of hell, she explained that many souls could be saved by devotion to her Immaculate Heart and by reparation.
She predicted another terrible war would begin during the reign of Pope Pius XI.
She asked that a chapel be built at the Cova da Iria in Portugal in her honor.
She asked for the consecration of Russia to her sacred heart.
On October 13, 1917, after the final message was given, Lucia shouted, “Look at the sun!” The large crowed of 70,000 pilgrims looked up to see the rain clouds rolled back, revealing the sun. But the sun was like a disk of white light that all could see without having to blink. Then the sun began to “dance” in the sky. It stopped and began to spin. It’s rays cast the earth in brilliant colors. And then the pilgrims screamed and fell to their knees. The sun began to fall to the earth. Just as it was about to strike the earth, it stopped and returned to the sky and its rightful place. The ground, previously soaked with rain, was dry. This event is called the “Miracle of the Sun".
October is the month of the Holy Rosary. Pray the Rosary with your students. Share the message of Our Lady of Fatima. Pray this prayer in her honor:
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.
