The famous apparitions of the Virgin Mary to the children of Fatima, Portual took place during the 1st World War, in the summer of 1917.On Sunday May 13, 1917, towards noon, a flash of lightning drew the attention of children, &
and they saw a brilliant figure appeatring over the trees of the Cova de Iria. The “Lady” asked them to pray for the
conversio of sinners & an end to the war, & to come every month on the 13th day.
F further apparitions took place on Jujne 13 & July 13.On August 13, the children were prevented by local authorities f from going to Cova de Iria, but they saw the apparition on the 19th day.On September 13, the Lady requested
recitation of the Rosary for an end to the war.Finally, on October 13, the “Lady” identified herself as “Our Lady of the
Rosary” & again called for prayer & penitence.
On that day, a celestial phenomenon also took place in that the sun seemed to tumble from the sky & crash towards
Earth.The large crowd (estimated at 30,000 by reporters) that had gathered around the children, saw the
phenomenon & went away astounded.
The two children had died earlier; Francisco on April 4 1919 & his sister, Jacinta on February 20,1920.Lucy, who
became a Carmelite num, died on February 13, 2005 at the age of 98.
On May 13, 2000. Pope John Paul ll beatified Francisco & Jacinta at Fatima, Portugal.
