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 enjoyed this series very much. I looked forward to opening the email to start my day. The story of Fatima has come to mean so much more to me. The background provided for the three children, and the role Portugal played in the appearance of Our Lady has helped me to understand more completely the importance of Fatima. It has really changed my prayer life!
The series was done beautifully.
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 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!
Phenomenal series! Please keep them coming.
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.
I loved this series…I looked forward to reading it each morning upon awakening. It taught me so much about Marian devotion. I returned to confession after many, many years, and am committed to the 5 first Saturdays. This has transformed my prayer life and relationship with Jesus and Mary.
I loved the series! But I feel a little lost now that it is completed. I thought of starting over with day 1. I plan to continue a daily rosary, as the Blessed Mother has asked. I say the Chaplet of Divine Mercy almost daily since October, 2014.
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.
Sent from my iPad
How do I begin to say thank you? This program enlightened me and moved me to reconsider my prayerful life. I woke up every day looking forward to starting my day learning more about the apparition of our Lady of Fatima. I thought I knew about Fatima before this program. It was wonderful!!!
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.