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 ABSOLUTELY loved the series!! I learned so much more about the Fatima apparitions that I didn’t already know, and what an important message for our world in this day in time!! One hundred years has passed, and yet, our Blessed Mother’s message is still as relevant today as it was then — if not more so! My mother shared the events of Fatima with me back in the early 1980’s and what I read about it then related to WW I & II (unbeknownst to me at the time, it was also relating to the reign of St. John Paul II, which was during that time). Everyone needs to experience Our Lady’s Message at Fatima. I greatly appreciated this opportunity to pray with many, many others this novena and to learn so much more about the Fatima Messages. It has really enriched me and will continue to enrich my spiritual life as I pray my daily rosary and offer reparation for Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!
Dear Catholic Company: Am so grateful for the Fatima series! Loved that you brought the history of the country and ?set the stage? for the appearance. I knew of Fatima, but as I know now, it was a vague knowledge before this series. This showed me how significant an event the Miracle of the Sun was, and how it has been minimalized in our present world. I?m a convert so I don?t know if this is taught to kids, but certainly think it should be. I will miss getting the email every day ? but will continue to say my daily Rosary, now with new zeal. Thank you so much. Hope you are thinking about doing this same thing with other Marian apparitions ? or other significant events in the life of the church.
I have been sooo pleased with this series on Fatima. I had forgotten much of what I knew of these apparitions as a child, and it has truly inspired me to take action to make the message known. I was especially pleased that you included the different schools of thought about the consecration of Russia; also, the information about the popes, and our role in fulfilling Our Lady’s requests. It was altogether an excellent production! …loved every bit of it! Oh, the history, too! Hope I am not missing anything…it was ALL SO GOOD!
Her messages were life transforming. I thought it was a terrific excellent series. Surprising facts, especially about the Christian church in Russia. But so much more! …the children’s life and prayers in the fields before the apparition was truly significant. But bringing all together every single fact and event and making it a journey was awe-inspiring. I loved it.
Thank you for the series. It was easy to follow. I enjoyed the daily 2 min videos, learning something daily from the readings on Fatima, the Blessed Mother, the children. How the people, family members, popes and priest supported or didn’t support this miracle. How we are still as a community/nation still so far from embracing this message fully. I grew into a deeper conversion, understanding of my faith and with Blessed Mother, knowing how I must walk as a disciple of God. Thank you for providing the novena for 30 days, I feel my prayer for help and guidance has been heard. Look forward to more series. God Bless you all for all your hard work and effort to spread/share the word.
Thank you for offering this series. It was very inspirational and educational. This series has encouraged me to read more about Fatima and Our Lady’s requests. I am really going to make an effort to pray my Rosary daily and go to Mass for 5 First Saturdays. Thank you to Fr Winslow. Wonderful presentation!
This was a FANTASTIC series. It meant an awful lot to me and sealed in me the desire to visit Fatima and a commitment to myself to get over there during this 100 year anniversary. Again, what a fantastic series you came up with. Thank to everyone that participated in bringing the series to us.
The Fatima series was amazing. I learned so much about these events. I shared the daily readings and prayers with my husband who is a lover of history. We had many conversations about these readings and I see that he now is praying the rosary again. Loved Father Winslow and his comments each day, too. Thank you for this opportunity.
I loved this journey. I learned so much, I did not know about Our Lady of Fatima. My big take away; it took on a meaning I never really understood saying after each decade of the rosary, Oh my Jesus forgive us our sins and save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven especially those in most need of thy mercy. And so much more…. I cannot thank you enough for offering this most amazing blessed series.
I am responding to your request for “critique” concerning Fatima series. I found it to be invaluable because I never truly understood the importance or history of Fatima beneath all the “hype” I have read in my lifetime. This series clarified everything and gave focus to the rosary as a needed daily spiritual exercise instead of a random “when I had the time” occurrence. I enjoyed the history lesson, and I agree with the overall exigency of the message given the state of the world at present. Thank you for this excellent series.
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!