With wars raging in the Middle East, Ukraine and other regions, pilgrims at the Fatima Sanctuary in central Portugal are praying for world peace. By the end of August this year around 3.8 million pilgrims had visited the Sanctuary and taken part in at least one congregation devoted to prayers for peace.
This number is certain to significantly rise with the approach of the anniversary of the ‘‘Miracle of the Sun’ on Sunday, October 13th.
Foreigners come to Fatima from all over the world, especially Spain, Poland, Italy, the United States and Ukraine. Many are now coming from Asia, particularly South Korea.
A spokesperson for the Sanctuary explained to us why prayers for peace were so important. “In a world context so marked by war, the message of Fatima remains profoundly relevant. The call to prayer as a path to peace has become imperative. Prayer for peace is a daily presence in the Shrine’s celebrations. On the other hand, it is understandable that people from different backgrounds are attracted to this place where peace is reflected not only in the words, but also in the atmosphere that surrounds the pilgrims.”
Over the past eight years, more and more motorcyclists have been coming to the Sanctuary for ceremonies known as ‘Blessing of the Helmets.’ They have become very important events. So far, in this ninth year, Blessing of the Helmets has had about 180,000 participants.
For those readers not fully familiar with the story of the Fatima Sanctuary, it began in 1917 when three shepherd children claimed to have witnessed apparitions of ‘Our Lady of Fatima’ – the Virgin Mary – on the 13th day of six consecutive months, May to October.
According to the Holy See, the main message delivered to the children was this: “You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my immaculate heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace.”
In another version of the message delivered during the apparitions, Our Lady said, “the good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer; various nations will be annihilated. In the end my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she shall be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world.”
These words are said to have been spoken in 1917, the penultimate year of the First World War.
Four pontiffs, including Pope Francis have visited the Fatima Sanctuary over the years. With wars now raging in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere, the latest message from Francis was read out at the Shrine on 29 September, on the occasion of the European pilgrimage of deaf people. The Pope thanked deaf people for their “witness of Christian joy”, which, he said, “teaches us to live with our own frailties, and reminds us that God’s presence is felt more with faith than with our ears.”
Visitors wishing to experience the Sanctuary of Fatima, and the surrounding places of interest related to the apparitions and ‘Our Lady of Peace’, may join scheduled tours. An intimate and full-day tour with a professional guide can be arranged.
Much more information is available on the Sanctuary’s official website: https.//www.fatima.pt
Written by Len Port
