Our Lady of Fatima: salvation is hidden in prayer and penance
Today we want to tell you about Our Lady of Fatima, to learn more about its history, the apparitions to the shepherd children and the place where it is venerated.
The history of Our Lady of Fatima dates back to 1917, when three young Portuguese shepherd boys, Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia, claimed to have had a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
During the apparitions, the Virgin Mary would speak to the children and tell them different messages prayer, penance and conversion. Furthermore, he would also show them a vision of the'Hell and predicted the end of the First World War. During her sixth apparition, which took place on October 13, Our Lady of Fatima would also have performed the Miracle of the Sun, causing the sun to dance across the sky.
The secrets of Fatima
The secrets of Fatima are a series of revelations which are said to have been made by a celestial figure who appeared to three young Portuguese shepherd boys.
The first revelation coincided with the vision of an incredible light that lit up the sky and the subsequent appearance of one ethereal figure who said he was there Virgin Mary. The Madonna would then have communicated to the three shepherd children three secrets, which are known as the secrets of Fatima.
The first secret involved a vision of theInferno, which greatly worried the shepherd children and inspired them to pray for the salvation of souls. The second secret warned them of a future gworld war, which would have occurred if people had not repented of their sins.
The third secret of Fatima was shrouded in mystery for many years, until it was finally made public by the Catholic Church in 2000. This secret involved a attack on a Pope, which is believed to have been the one against pope John Paul II in 1981.
the sanctuary
Il Shrine of Fatima it is made up of two basilicas, the Basilica of the Holy Trinity and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, both majestic buildings that attract pilgrims from all over the world. The Basilica of the Rosary was built exactly on the spot where it is said that Our Lady first appeared to the three children.
Every year thousands of faithful gather in Fatima for commemorate the apparitions and participate in religious celebrations.
The Shrine of Fatima is also famous for its “ex voto wall“. Next to this wall the faithful leave personal items or votive offerings as thanks for the thanks received. This wall has become a symbol of faith and devotion for pilgrims.