Fatima Prayer
The Fatima Prayer is a well-known Catholic prayer that originated from the apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. The children were Lucia dos Santos and her cousins, Francisco and Jacinta Marto. During one of the apparitions on July 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary taught the children a prayer that has since become known as the Fatima Prayer.
The Fatima Prayer is a simple and powerful prayer that is often recited by Catholics as a part of the rosary or during other devotional practices. The prayer goes as follows:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell.
Lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.
This prayer reflects the central messages conveyed by the Our Lady of Fatima, which emphasized the need for repentance, conversion, and prayer for the salvation of souls. The prayer acknowledges the reality of sin and the consequences it can have, including the possibility of damnation, but it also expresses hope in God's mercy and the desire to intercede for the salvation of others.
The Fatima Prayer is usually recited after the completion of each decade of the rosary. It is seen as a plea for mercy, intercession, and the salvation of souls. Many Catholics find comfort in this prayer and its reminder of the need for forgiveness and the hope of eternal life.
The apparitions at Fatima and the messages conveyed have been officially recognized by the Catholic Church. The shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal has become a significant pilgrimage site, attracting millions of faithful from around the world.
Updated 06-23-2023