Our Lady of Fátima, also known as the Fátima apparitions, refers to a series of events that took place in 1917, in which three young shepherd children in Fátima, Portugal, reported visions of the Virgin Mary. These events have since become one of the most famous Marian apparitions in the history of the Catholic Church. Here's an overview:
Historical Background
1. Location: Fátima, a small village in Portugal.
2. Timeframe: Between May 13 and October 13, 1917.
3. Visionaries: Three shepherd children – Lúcia dos Santos (aged 10) and her cousins, Francisco (9) and Jacinta Marto (7).
The Apparitions
• First Apparition (May 13, 1917): The Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the children, asking them to pray the Rosary for world peace and the end of World War I. She promised to visit them on the 13th of each month for six months.
• Subsequent Apparitions: Each month, the children reported visions on the 13th day. The Virgin Mary, referred to as "Our Lady of the Rosary," allegedly shared secrets with the children and made predictions.
• The Miracle of the Sun (October 13, 1917): In the last apparition, a crowd of 70,000 people gathered, and many witnesses reported seeing extraordinary solar activity, often described as the "Miracle of the Sun," where the sun appeared to dance, change colors, and move closer to the earth.
The Three Secrets of Fátima
1. First Secret: A vision of Hell.
2. Second Secret: A prophecy about the end of World War I and a prediction of another war.
3. Third Secret: Revealed by the Vatican in 2000, it described a vision of a bishop dressed in white (interpreted as the Pope) being shot by soldiers, which was later linked to the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in 1981.


Church's Response
• Investigation and Approval: The Catholic Church conducted an investigation into the events and officially declared the apparitions worthy of belief in 1930.
• Canonizations: Francisco and Jacinta Marto were canonized as saints in 2017 by Pope Francis. Lúcia, who became a nun, died in 2005, and her process of beatification is ongoing.
Celebrations and Pilgrimages
• May 13th Celebration: The Feast of Our Lady of Fátima is celebrated on May 13th each year.
• Pilgrimage Site: Fátima has become a major pilgrimage site, with millions visiting the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima annually.
Significance
• Devotion: The apparitions have a significant place in the Catholic devotion to Mary. The message of Fátima emphasizes prayer (especially the Rosary), penance, and conversion.
• World Events: The Fátima message has been associated with major events in the 20th century, including World Wars and the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe.
Controversy and Interpretations
• The events and the third secret, in particular, have been subjects of speculation and various interpretations, adding a layer of mystery to the Fátima apparitions.
The Fátima apparitions remain one of the defining elements of Marian devotion in the modern Catholic Church, with their influence extending to various cultural and religious spheres.