The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima
May 13, Tuesday
History of the holiday
Our Lady of Fatima Day is dedicated to the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three shepherds - Lucia, Francis and Jacinta - in 1917 in the small Portuguese village of Fatima. According to Catholic tradition, between May 13 and October 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to children, calling them to prayer, repentance and sacrifice for the salvation of souls. The apparitions were accompanied by miracles that attracted many believers.
May 13, 1917 is considered the date of the first apparition of the Virgin Mary. In response to her call, children began to spread her message, and after several months of apparitions and miracles, Fatima became a place of mass pilgrimage for Catholics from all over the world. In 1930, the Catholic Church officially recognized these apparitions as announcements.
How the holiday is celebrated
Masses and services. Catholic churches around the world hold special masses dedicated to the Day of Our Lady of Fatima. Churches may also pray and read the messages of the Virgin Mary to the children of Fatima on this day.
Pilgrimage to Fatima. The holiday is a time of mass pilgrimage to the sanctuary of Fatima in Portugal. Thousands of believers gather at this place to give thanks and pray at the holy site. The most important event of the pilgrimage is the evening procession with torches, when believers walk through the territory of the shrines with lighted candles.
Prayers and penance. On the Day of Our Lady of Fatima, many Catholics offer special prayers asking for the Virgin Mary's intercession and forgiveness for their sins. It is also a day for reflection on spiritual life and renewal in faith.
Church processions. In many countries, especially Portugal and Brazil, there are church processions in which the faithful carry images of the Virgin Mary and pray for peace and blessings for their families and countries.