Fatima: The Message and the Apparitions of 1917
Fatima, the Message and the Apparitions of 1917
Fatima is one of the greatest Marian shrines in the world and the spiritual center of the Locus Mariologicus Institute. The apparitions of Our Lady to the three shepherd children, Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta, from May to October 1917 constitute the most documented and most studied Marian event of the twentieth century.
The Six Apparitions
Our Lady appeared at the Cova da Iria six times, from May 13 to October 13, 1917. In each apparition, the central message was the call to prayer (especially the Rosary), to penance, and to conversion. The “Miracle of the Sun,” witnessed by about 70,000 people, brought the apparitions to a close.
The Three Secrets
Our Lady revealed three secrets: the first is the vision of Hell. The second is the announcement of the Second World War and of the role of Russia. The third was revealed by the Vatican in 2000 and describes an apocalyptic vision. Cardinal Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) published an extensive theological commentary on the third secret.
Approval and Impact
The Bishop of Leiria approved the apparitions in 1930. John Paul II, a survivor of the assassination attempt of May 13, 1981, went to Fatima to give thanks to Our Lady. Each year Fatima welcomes millions of pilgrims from all over the world, and it is the second largest pilgrimage shrine in Europe.
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Magisterium of the Church
Fatimense nuntium complectitur tria: 1) Revelationem de Trinitate et de mysterio Ecclesiae. 2) Vocationem ad poenitentiam et orationem. 3) Promissionem de triumpto Cordis Immaculati.
Congregatio pro Doctrina Fidei, Il Messaggio di Fátima (26 iunii 2000)
📚. Literal translation: The message of Fatima comprises three aspects: 1) the revelation about the Trinity and the mystery of the Church. 2) the call to penance and to prayer. 3) the promise of the triumph of the Immaculate Heart.
Postgraduate Program in Mariology
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See the complete list of Marian apparitions recognized by the Church.
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This article grows out of the works in the Locus Mariologicus library. The Postgraduate Program in Mariology takes you to the same source, with academic guidance: Scripture, the Fathers of the Church, and the Magisterium, from the first dogma to contemporary questions.
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