Our Lady of Fátima is not a saint in the sense of a canonized person, but rather an apparition of the Virgin Mary, officially recognized by the Catholic Church. She appeared six times in 1917 in Fátima, a village in Portugal, to three shepherd children: Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco. The Virgin Mary delivered messages about the need for conversion, prayer – especially the Rosary – and repentance for the sins of the world. She also spoke about the future of the world and entrusted the children with the Three Secrets of Fátima, concerning war, suffering, and salvation. The apparitions ended on October 13, 1917, with a miracle witnessed by tens of thousands of people: the “Miracle of the Sun.”

Symbols:

• The Rosary – a symbol of the persistent prayer requested by Mary.
• The Immaculate Heart – a symbol of maternal love and the call to consecration.
• Light – Mary often appears surrounded by light, as a sign of divine grace.
• The Visionary Children – she is sometimes depicted alongside Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco.

Feast Day:

The Catholic Church celebrates Our Lady of Fátima on May 13, the anniversary of her first apparition.

Devotion to Our Lady of Fátima is one of the most widespread in the world. She is regarded as the protector of peace and of the entire world, and as an intercessor before God for the conversion of sinners. The Sanctuary of Fátima is an important international pilgrimage site.