The apparitions at Fatima continue to be the most magnificent of all the Marian apparitions to affect the world in the modern era. Mary under her title, “Our Lady of the Rosary” at Fatima gave us specific instructions that would lead us closer to her son, Jesus Christ.
She asked that the Rosary be prayed on a daily basis; she asked that our daily sacrifices be offered up for the conversion of sinners; that we would adore the Blessed Sacrament more frequently; that there would be an increase of devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; and an offering of the First Saturdays of Reparation.
The apparitions at Fatima occurred during the First World War and the messages from Our Lady declared that if the world did not stop offending God, then another war even greater than the current war would occur. She is obviously talking about World War II, the war that began during the pontificate of Pius XI, a fact that was also declared at Fatima.
The July 13, 1917 apparition could be called the most important private revelation of the Age of Mary. The message that came this day speaks of how fundamentally important it is to have a devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; there was a vision of Hell and souls that are suffering there; the potential chastisement that would come upon the mankind during the 20th century; and the consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and that the Immaculate Heart will triumph.
She says in one of the messages, “To prevent this I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart…if my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace; if not she will spread her errors throughout the world…”
Lucia, one of the very young visionaries (she was 10 years old; Jacinta was 7 and Francisco was 8), asked Our Lady what was to be done. Our Lady said, “Sacrifice yourselves for sinners, and say many times, especially whenever you make some sacrifice: O Jesus, it is love for You, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.” 
Throughout her apparitions to the three young children, specifically in the third Fatima message, she emphasizes the importance of the Holy Rosary, her title as “Our Lady of the Rosary” and the importance of praying the Rosary on a daily basis for world peace and end of World War I. She said in one of the messages, “I want to tell you that a chapel is to be built here in my honour. I am the Lady of the Rosary. Continue always to pray the Rosary every day. The war is going to end, and the soldiers will return to their homes.” Not only was the Rosary to be prayed until the war has ceased, but we must continue to pray the daily rosary today. In a time with so much strife and hostility, the daily rosary is a prayer that can fight the evils of the time. St. Pio of Pietrelcina said it’s the greatest weapon against Satan.
There is also the event known as “The Miracle of Fatima” or “How the Sun Danced at Noon over Fatima” where 70,000 pilgrims witnessed the “solar miracle.” The sun danced in the sky and appeared to give off different types of color. It is also approached the earth very rapidly and then returned to its place in the sky just as rapidly.
Although there are many other events, visions, and messages from Fatima, I will conclude here and allow you to continue to read about this great Marian apparition on your own. Below are some links that will guide you in your study and devotion to Our Lady of Fatima:
- The Official Website of Fatima in English
- Pope Benedict’s Homily from 2010 at Fatima – “I too have come as pilgrim.” This is a fantastic homily and truly displays the Holy Father’s love for Fatima and his ability to teach so eloquently with the Scriptures. Sacrifice is the key when it comes to Fatima.
- Fatima Prayer Petitions
- Rosary Army
- “Mondays with Mary” – Pope Francis, Pope St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Our Lady of Fatima
- “Mondays with Mary” – 7 Quotes on Fatima from Pope St. John Paul II
Our Lady of Fatima…Pray for Us!
Our Lady of the Rosary…Pray for Us!
Categories: Mariology
TOM PERNA 
Reblogged this on Deacon John's Space and commented:
Excellent posts about Our Lady:
Tom your blog on Our Lady of Fatima is so well explained. Yes you are a wonderful writer and teacher I see. Your students are so blessed. The story of Fatima changed my life back in 1990-91. My daily conversion began. A real eye opener. I will love sharing your blog and will continue to check out your others. Thank you and God Bless 😊
Thank you very much for the kind words. Please pray that I can be a good example in my own life. As we all know, it’s truly the Cross to live as Christians. If you are ever in need of a speaker, please see my blog page – Book Tom to Speak.
Glad to also read that Fatima was the beginning of our conversion to the Catholic faith. We are truly blessed to have you in the church. May God Bless you this day.