Anniversary of Fatima Apparitions

An email from the Basilica of The National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception:

Feast of Our Lady of Fatima

Today, May 13, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Since 1917 Fatima, Portugal, has been one of the most famous Marian Shrines in the world due to the apparitions of Mary to three shepherd children six times, from May 13 to October 13, 1917. Having seen the figure of a Lady brighter than the sun and standing on a cloud on an evergreen tree, the children were asked to return to that same place on the 13th of each month. In spite of local incredulity, the children returned to witness the apparitions, each time joined by a larger crowd of spectators. Only the children could see the Lady; however, others reported that they noted movements on the evergreen tree and the arrival and departure of a cloud.

The Lady announced to the children that she was Our Lady of the Rosary and called for amendment in people's lives. On October 13, 1930, after a canonical process of inquiry, the Bishop of Leiria pronounced the visions of 1917 to be worthy of credence and authorized devotions to Our Lady of Fatima.


Prayer to Our Lady of Fatima

Most Holy Virgin
who hast deigned to come to Fatima,
to reveal the treasures of graces hidden in the recitation of the Rosary,
inspire our hearts with a sincere love of this devotion
that meditating on the Mysteries of our Redemption recalled therein,
we may obtain the conversion of sinners
and the favors we ask you now,
for the greater glory of God,
for your own honor,
and for the good of souls. Amen.

Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, pray for us!

We beg the Blessed Mother, especially during the Marian month of May, to intercede for our needs and intentions. You can still include names for prayers in the Mother's Day Novena of Masses which will end on Monday, May 18th. We also invite you to submit your prayer requests online, that we might join with you in lifting up our prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Lady of the Rosary, Mother of Our Lord. And please, forward this message to your friends. Thank you.

The clergy, religious, and staff of the Basilica wish you a blessed and holy Feast Day. For more information about our Mass and special events schedule please visit our web site at www.nationalshrine.com.