Today marks the 100th anniversary of last of six apparitions of Our Blessed Mother to three shepherd children – Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta – at Fátima, Portugal. She first appeared to the children on May 13, 1917. In her subsequent appearances, the Virgin Mary requested conversion, prayer (particularly the recitation of the Rosary), and sacrifices on behalf of sinners. She also revealed a three-part secret regarding the fate of the world.

The Children of Fátima: Lúcia dos Santos, Francisco Marto, Jacinta Marto

As word of the apparitions spread, Mary promised a sign from heaven. On October 13, 1917, the “Miracle of the Sun” occurred.  The crowd of some 70,000 witnesses reported that the sun began to spin, twirling in the sky, and at one point appeared to veer toward earth before jumping back to its place in the sky.

At this last apparition, when the children inquired of her name, she replied “I am the Lady of the Rosary.”

The Final Battle

Unfortunately, many have not heeded the Blessed Mother’s call for prayer and conversion. Now more than ever we need to pray and fast for the salvation of souls.

Although Francisco and Jacinta died two and three years respectively after the apparitions, Lucia lived until 2005. She became a Carmelite nun and has been declared Servant of God.  When Cardinal Carlo Caffarra was given charge by St. John Paul II to establish the Pontifical Institute for the Studies on Marriage and the Family, he wrote to Sister Lúcia, through her Bishop, asking for her prayers. Cardinal Caffarra received a very long letter from her that included this prophecy: “The final battle between the Lord and the reign of Satan will be about marriage and the family.”

In addition Sister Lúcia also said, “Don’t be afraid…because anyone who works for the sanctity of marriage and the family will always be fought and opposed in every way, because this is the decisive issue. However, Our Lady has already crushed its head.”

Clearly, God’s design for marriage and family is under attack. Satan is striking at the heart of the Christian life. Your prayers are needed to thwart the attacks of the evil one!

Last week, we urged you to pray the Rosary daily for the intention of peace in the world and for peace, unity, and harmony in all Christian families. Sister Lúcia relates in her fourth Memoir that, on July 13, 1917, Our Lady recommended saying the following after each mystery of the Rosary:

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,

save us from the fire of hell.

Lead all souls to heaven, especially those

who are most in need of thy mercy.

In addition, the Angel of Peace who appeared to the children in the year leading up to the apparitions of Our Lady, asked the children to repeat the following prayer three times at the end of their daily Rosary in reparation for sinners who did not know, Jesus, the Son of God, as their Lord and Savior:

My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You!

I ask forgiveness for those who do not believe,

do not adore, do not hope and do not love You!

Calling Couples to Christ exists to help couples live Christ-centered, joy-filled marriages through the inspired teachings of the Catholic Church. Please support us in this mission through your prayers. Satan is not happy with our work and frequently attacks our family. Together, in prayer and faith in Jesus Christ, the destruction of families by the evil one will be abated. We praise God for the work He is doing through this ministry. God bless you for your heart for marriage and family.

Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!