The apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima, Portugal actually begin with the apparitions of the Angel of Peace to three shepherd children in Loca do Cabeco, a village near Fatima.  This heavenly angel may have been the guardian angel of Portugal, or some think, perhaps Michael, the Archangel.  In the spring of 1916, the angel began appearing to the children to prepare them for visits with the Queen of Heaven.  The angel’s work took place several times in 1916.  By his word and example he taught the children how to say their prayers better and to deepen their Catholic faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

On May 13, 1917 the children, Lucia and her cousins, Jacinta and Francisco, gathered to pray the rosary in the Cova de Iria.  Suddenly, they felt startled by flashes of bright light they thought was lightning.  A large circle of light that descended gently from the sky quickly followed this phenomenon.  It hovered above a small Holm oak tree and there appeared a beautiful Lady all dressed in white.  She was brilliantly shining in light and she told them not to be afraid.  Later, she asked them to return to the cove, and meet with her again on the 13^th day of each of the coming five months. 

The children obeyed and Mary met them as she promised on the 13^th of every month of June through October 1917.  During the apparitions, Our Blessed Mother repeatedly instructed them to pray very much and offer sacrifices to God for the salvation of sinners.  She asked the children to pray the rosary every day and expressed that God wishes to establish in the world devotion to her immaculate heart.  She, also urged that people not to offend the Lord, Our God, anymore.  During the fourth and sixth apparitions, Mary requested a chapel be built in her name in the Cova de Iria.

On October 13, 1917, in the midst of a downpour of rain, Our Lady of Fatima appeared to the children in the presence of over 70,000 people.  Dressed in white and wearing a long blue mantle, she came with St. Joseph who was holding the Holy Child, Jesus. 

St. Joseph blessed the vast crowd three times and then he faded to give place to another vision of Jesus Christ vested in red garments, as Redeemer of the World.  Mary soon appeared as Our Lady of Sorrows.  Our Redeemer gave His blessing.  This vision was succeeded by yet another to Lucia alone.  Our Lady of Mt. Carmel appeared to her with something falling from her hand. 

The Great Sign, the Miracle of the Sun, occurred.  The sun, whirling, seemed to loosen itself from the firmament and advance threateningly toward the earth as if it would hit the planet with its huge fiery weight.  Then, it rescinded.  The pelting rain stopped suddenly and everything was perfectly dry, as if not a drop had fallen!  Everyone was awestruck and realized a great miracle transpired.  Not only was nature altered, but also within the hearts and lives of people present, wonderful change took place.  Numerous and remarkable miracles of conversion and physical healings were attributed to the Holy Family.  Our Lady of Fatima would never be forgotten and her Immaculate Heart would be honored forever.  

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