On the 99th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima, we offer some reflections to prepare for the centenary celebrations.
Preparation For the 100th Anniversary
The Society St. Pius X is organizing an International Pilgrimage to Fatima from August 17-21, 2017 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady.
Three pilgrimages with SSPX chaplains will be leaving the US and participating in this SSPX Fatima Pilgrimage. Regina Pilgrimages has designed the following trips:
- 8 days in Portugal, August 14-21, 2017
- 12 days from Lourdes to Fatima by the Way of St. James, August 10-21, 2017
- 12 days from Fatima to Lourdes via shrines of Spain, August 17-28, 2017
First Saturdays Devotion
During her July 1917 apparition at Fatima, Our Lady said to Lucy:
I shall come to ask... that on the First Saturday of every month, Communions of reparation be made in atonement for the sins of the world.”
To those who faithfully follow our Lady’s requests, she has made this wonderful promise to “assist at the hour of death with the graces necessary for salvation.” This means that our Blessed Mother will be present at the hour of death with the actual grace of final perseverance.
To know more about this important devotion >
To help comply with the requests, you can:
Our Lady of Fatima Pilgrim Statue
Since March 25, 2015, a Pilgrim Statue of Our Lady of Fatima has been touring our chapels and schools throughout the country.
See the calendar of visits>
Since this day, a daily Mass is offered for the success of the apostolate and all the intentions entrusted to Our Lady. This daily Mass will be offered until the end of Her trip which will probably end in May 2017. Do not miss this opportunity to entrust your prayer intention in a daily Mass.
Send your intentions today >
For more information about Our Lady of Fatima Pilgrim Statue, visit sspx.org/fatima
Our Lady Appears At Fatima
On May 13, 1917, the children did not know the confused condition of the world. They had not heard the voice of Pope Benedict XV, who had addressed himself to the Mother of Mankind, asking the Blessed Virgin Mary to look upon the world in tears, to sympathize with the wailing of innocent children, the anguished cries of mothers and wives. This was the day on which the Queen of Heaven had decided to answer the Holy Father’s plea.
Around noon, the children were startled by a sudden flash of lightning. Looking up, they saw no sign of a storm. The sky had never been so beautiful, nor the valley more peaceful. Again came the flash.
Fearing now that a sudden storm would overtake them, they ran in the direction of the little cave. As they turned, they were startled to see a beautiful lady standing in one of the little oak trees nearby. “Do not be afraid. I will do you no harm,” said the beautiful lady. Unafraid, Lucy questioned:
Where is Your Grace from?
I am of Heaven.
Shall I go to Heaven?
Yes, you will.”
Then, thinking of her companions:
And Jacinta?
Also!
And Francisco?
Also, but he will have to say many rosaries."
Indeed, Francisco became an inspiration to the others. One day the girls were so busy playing that they did not think of Francisco until lunch time. “Francisco,” they called, “Are you ready to eat lunch with us?” “No, I don’t want any lunch.” Later they asked what he was doing, “I was thinking of Our Lord, Who is sad because of so many sins. How I wish I could make Him happy!” Another time they called him to play, and he simply held up his rosary. “Oh, say that later.” “Now, and later too,” answered the boy. “Don’t you remember that Our Lady said I would have to say many rosaries?”
