FEAST OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA

On 13th May 1917, nine year old Lucia Santos and her cousins Jacinta and Francisco Marto were herding sheep at the Cova da Iria near their home in Fatima. To these poor humble children Mary the Mother of Jesus appeared. The apparitions continued until 13th October that year. Because she asked the children to pray the Rosary daily for peace,Our Lady of Fatima is also know as Our Lady of the Rosary.

Jacinta and Francisco did not live to adulthood, dying just a couple of years after the apparitions. Lucia became a Nun and lived to the great age of 97 years. She died on 13th February 2005

Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta

Today, 13th May 2017, Pope Francis is in Fatima.  On this 100th Anniversary of the first appearance of Our Lady at Cova da Iria, His Holiness will beatify the two little shepherds, Jacinta and Francisco Marto.

We Newfoundlanders have our own special connection to Our Lady of Fatima. Back in May of 1955, thousands of Portuguese fishermen walked in procession from the Harbour to the Cathedral (now Basilica) of St John the Baptist. Through the streets of St John's, these devout men bore on their shoulders beautiful statues of Our Lady of Fatima and the three little seers.  The old City rang with the voices of the fishermen as they praised Our Lady in song. Upon reaching the Cathedral, they reverently deposited the statues in a niche near the altar where they remain loved and honoured, to this day.

May 1955, thousands of Portuguese Fishermen accompany their Lady of Fatima to the Basilica

Thanks to CBC, this amazing footage of that memorable day in 1955 can be seen by clicking here.  Please take the time to watch this beautiful video.  It is another important part of our wonderful history.

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us