On May 13, 1917, The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three young children in Fatima, Portugal, to prove to the local community as well as to the world that the God is still present among His people and genuinely desires the salvation of their souls. Our Lady appeared to the children on the 13th day of each month from May until October. On July 13, 1917, the Blessed Mother showed the children a vision of poor souls falling into hell and said, “You have seen hell, where the souls of poor sinners go. It is to save them that God wants to establish in the world a devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If you do what I tell you, many souls will be saved, and there will be peace.” Our Lady had commended them to praying the rosary for poor souls who had no one to pray for them and make reparations for sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The children were delayed in the month of August due to the masonic mayor of the town who interrogated and threatened them to reveal what Our Lady told them. It was to no avail, as despite their ages, their belief in the Lady and their courage were unshakable. On Sept. 13, 1917, Our Lady commended the children to continue to pray the Rosary and informed them that God was pleased with their sacrifices.
Finally, on Oct. 13, 1917, there were roughly 70,000 people present who would witness the miracle of the sun dancing in the sky. It had rained earlier that day and the people all stood in the mud. But after the miracle, their clothes were dry and they were in awe at what had happened. The Blessed Virgin Mary told the children that day, “I am the Lady of the Rosary…People must amend their lives and ask pardon for their sins. They must not offend our Lord any more, for He is already too much offended!” Even though this event took place over a hundred years ago, Our Lady’s call for praying the rosary, penance, fasting and sacrifices needs to be heeded and used for the spiritual warfare ensuing and for the sanctification of our souls as well as those who are separated from the Church. Mary mother of hope, pray for us!
