On May 13, 1917, a remarkable event took place in the small village of Fátima, in central Portugal. Three children, Francisco Marto, his sister Jacinta, and their cousin Lucie dos Santos, witnessed the first apparition of the Virgin Mary.
That day, while tending their sheep near the Cova da Iria, the children were startled by the vision of a beautiful lady dressed in white, emanating a dazzling light. The mysterious lady told them she was from heaven and asked them to return to that exact spot on the 13th of every month for the next six months.
News of these apparitions quickly spread, capturing the attention of the locals as well as religious and civil authorities. Despite facing disbelief and criticism, the children's account generated growing interest among the local population.
The apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fátima gave rise to important messages conveyed by the celestial lady. She urged the children to pray the rosary every day for world peace and to make sacrifices as offerings for sinners. She also revealed a vision of hell and predicted the end of World War I, while warning that if humanity did not repent, further catastrophes would occur.
The announcement of these prophecies caused great excitement in Fátima and beyond. Thousands of people began to flock to the site of the apparitions, seeking answers and longing for intense spiritual experiences.
The events in Fátima continued in the following months, with monthly apparitions of the Virgin Mary before increasingly larger crowds. Messages of peace, prayer, and conversion were conveyed, fostering deep religious fervor and spiritual renewal among believers.
Today, the Sanctuary of Fátima has become a major pilgrimage site, attracting millions of faithful from around the world. The apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fátima marked a turning point in the religious and cultural history of Portugal, leaving a lasting legacy of devotion and hope.
May 13, 1917 remains a historic day when three humble children were privileged witnesses to the apparition of the Virgin Mary, delivering a message of faith, peace, and love to all of humanity.
FERNANDES Gilbert, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apparitions_mariales_de_F%C3%A1tima#/media/Fichier:Azulejos_in_Santu%C3%A1rio_Nossa_Senhora_da_Paz_(9).jpg
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