In 1917 in Fatima, Portugal, the Blessed Virgin Mary made a series of visitations to three shepherd children, Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco. Her messages included promises, requests and predictions for the future of the world. Scepticism about the visions was dispelled on 13th October, 1917, when thousands of witnesses watched the sun spin in the sky, turn colours, and look as if it were falling to earth. The event was reported in newspapers throughout the world. Mother Mary asked that Russia be consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by the Pope and bishops in a public ceremony. She also asked that Catholics make special devotions on the first Saturdays of five consecutive months. All of the Popes since 1917 have affirmed the messages and miracles and many visited Fatima as well. The hope of Fatima is for the conversion of Russia and peace for the world in the modern day.

PRAYERS:

Introductory Prayer:

Most Holy Virgin who has appeared to the children of Fatima to reveal the glories of the rosary, inspire our hearts to obtain peace for the world and the end of war, the conversion and consecration of Russia, and the conversion of sinners. Assist us, Our Lady of the Rosary, at the hour of need in securing the graces needed for the salvation of all those who go to confession, receive the Holy Communion, and recite the rosary and meditate on its mysteries. Amen.

On the nine beads, say:

The Our Father three times,
The Hail Mary three times and
The Glory Be three times.

Concluding Prayer:

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. Amen.