Fatima: The True Story
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A Great Sign From Heaven
The Marian apparitions at Fatima have not merely been approved by the Church: due to their prophetic nature, they have been given a place of prominence over all other apparitions. What did Our Lady really say? Why does Fatima continue to have such great importance for the Church and the world? Begin a journey that will help you understand Our Lady’s messages and let them transform the way you live out your faith.
What is the True Story of Our Lady of Fatima?
The Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to three shepherd children in 1917 in Fatima, Portugal, on the 13th day of the month from May to October. The final apparition on October 13th concluded with the spectacular “Miracle of the Sun” and was witnessed by over 70,000 people. Although many Catholics have heard of Our Lady of Fatima, most do not know the incredible story in its entirety or its crucial importance in world history, the life of the Church, and our own eternal salvation.
Why This Apparition Matters To You
Over a century after the apparitions, Our Lady’s appearance at Fatima remains a event of the greatest importance in the life of the Church. Pope Francis, who dedicated his pontificate to Our Lady of Fatima, honored the centenary with a historic visit to the site of the Marian apparitions on May 13th, 2017. You can immerse yourself in the history and meaning of Fatima from your own home by participating in this 30-day series, which will present and explain the apparitions and show you how they apply to you and your family today.
We believe it is important for everyone to know the Fatima story, what it means, and how it has dramatically unfolded in history since the original event. In the words of Pope Benedict XVI: “We would be mistaken to think that Fatima’s prophetic mission is complete.” As you read, listen, and pray through this series, our goal is for you to practice your Catholic faith in a way that will be transformative for your whole life.
Series Contributors
Father Patrick Winslow
Fr. Patrick Winslow is a priest and canon lawyer for the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina. Before entering the seminary, he was enrolled in a doctoral chemistry program at Georgia Tech, where he discerned a call to the priesthood through his childhood devotion to Our Lady of Fatima. He graduated in 1999 with an STB in Theology from Catholic University of America and was ordained to the priesthood. He went on to earn a JCL in Canon Law at Catholic University of America in 2012. Fr. Winslow has gained popularity through his DVD lectures with the Catholic Scripture Study International program. He currently serves as the vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte.
Gretchen Filz, O.P.
Gretchen Filz, O.P., is a Catholic content writer with an M.A. in Christian Apologetics. As a result of her studies in theology and philosophy at an Evangelical seminary, she discovered the truth of Catholicism and entered into full communion with the Catholic Church in 2011. A passionate convert and Lay Dominican, Gretchen lives out her vocation through prayer, study, teaching, writing, and engaging in a variety of apostolates. Her articles have provided catechesis and inspiration for Catholics around the world. She currently works in the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina.
150 Reviews
I’m learning quite a lot. This series has moved me to really consider how I am praying and who and what I am praying for. I am moved to consider those in a purgatory that I have here to for largely denied. Reparation for the global sins for a fallen mankind are brought to the forefront with lingering thoughtful prayer. First Saturday’s have never been on my radar. I have read good Catholic books written by ordained priests about the “Essentials” and the “Non-essentials ” of the faith. I have heard Mary spoken of in a diminished position. One that I need to prayerfully re-consider. Thank You for this series. Somehow I thought it would be very special. Indeed it is.
A history and religion lesson rolled into one. Fascinating.
I am on Day 10 and have learned a lot about the Fatima apparitions, the children, and all the events. It has really inspired my faith and prayer life and I look forward to doing the daily reading and rosary. I’m sure I’ll go through it more than once before October 13th. I hope there more of these devotions might be made available for purchase. Thank you!
This is one of the best informational and instructional Catholic programs I have ever used. It has made my prayer life deeper and has given me a new appreciation for the role of Our Blessed Mother and the Rosary in the faith life of the Church and and in individuals. I am on Day 15 and am not looking forward to it ending. I know I will go through it for another 30 days beginning Sept 13th in preparation of October 13th. Highly recommended. Wonderful!!!!
Dear Gretchen and Fr Winslow,
I am so pleased with this Fatima Series…I look forward every day to reading the content and listening to Fr Winslow’s commentary. I especially like your story, Father, about being born, then ordained, on the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary! You are definitely anointed for this mission, and are doing a great job fulfilling it!
Again, thank you so much for this excellent series! May God richly bless you for your work!
Sincerely,
Will this ever be on CD or DISC? This is the most meaningful series I have ever read, taken to heart and can not wait to come to read the next day’s lessons. I also can not wait to go to confession and talk with my priest. PLEASE make this available to us.
Thank You again,
I LOVE this series so much. I can hardly wait for the next session. Thank you so much!
I just wanted to thank you so much for the Fatima 100 series. My two friends (I gave them this as a gift) and I are doing an armchair pilgrimage together from across the miles, and I just wanted to write so let you know how much we are learning and enjoying this series. Excellent material, thought-provoking, growing in Faith.
I love this series. All the questions I’ve ever asked myself about Fatima are being answered. Thank you Good Catholic!
For now just want to tell you how much I LOVE the story of 30 Day Journal of Fatima so much… Soooo in love with the story and Lucia!!! More later.. Must go now.. I love your writing… so simple, easy to read and understand the story very clearly. Thank you for your gift! Learning a great deal of the story and very understand why Our Lady of Mary showed up at Fatima, Portugal and to three spiritual children.. Just WOWOWOW!!!
Hi! I wanted to let you know that as a Catholic mom of seven sons teen to toddler I adore you Morning Offering emails. I share the Saint of the Day as well as the daily readings with the boys, and the book suggestions are fantastic (though I do not have tons of time for books). I am really enjoying the Fatima series so far, I love it as a thirty day retreat. Anyway, thank you for existing and helping to educate and grow faithful Catholics in our love of Jesus and one another!
Yes indeed it has transformed my spiritual life. I?ve dedicated myself to saying a rosary daily. I think about the 3 children and what they experienced a lot. I love Our Blessed Mother even more. Thank you for offering this experience and knowledge.