In a field outside of Fatima, Portugal, three young children cared for their families' sheep. As brother and sister Francisco and Jacinta Marto along with their cousin Lucia dos Santos were in the fields watching their flocks, they saw a lady appear in front of a nearby oak tree. The Lady was surrounded with rays of light brighter than the sun and was dressed in a white dress with gold trim. She held a rosary in her hands and told the children not to be afraid.
Mary appeared at the site on the thirteenth of the month for six months spanning from May to October of 1917. She shared many messages with the children, but the main theme was asking for prayer, especially the Rosary, for the conversion of sinners and to bring peace in the world. Mary also asked them to share her Immaculate Heart, both as a devotion for individuals and as a consecration for the whole world.
The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima is on May 13, but the anniversary of the last apparition and the Miracle of the Sun on October 13 is also widely celebrated.
When I was working on my Names of Mary block carving collection a few years ago, I created an image of Our Lady of Fatima. I'd like to share a 5x7 printable from that project with you! This image was originally hand drawn by me, transferred to a rubber block, carved out, and then printed like a stamp. This is a true scan of that print that you are welcome to hang as art in your home or classroom or use as a feast day decoration!
Click here to find in from my publisher the St. Paul Center or here to find it on Amazon!
