SW News: For the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak in Portugal in 2020, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima was celebrated in the presence of thousands of pilgrims at the shrine on Wednesday, October 13.

According to the authorities of the Marian shrine, around 7,500 pilgrims visited the sanctuary between Tuesday and Wednesday for the 104th anniversary celebrations of the Fatima apparitions. Most of the pilgrims who attended the solemn event were Portuguese.

The concluding celebration was led by Cardinal Sergio da Rocha of the Brazilian archdiocese of Bahia. The cardinal exhorted the faithful to strengthen their faith, especially during the pandemic. He also urged them to be aware of the environment and people around them, especially those affected by the virus. The Brazilian prelate also said helping out one's neighbor is also a form of prayer. He requested all the faithful to follow in the footsteps of the Mother of Jesus as She always prayed with humility and helped others.

It was on May 13, 1917, that the Virgin Mary first appeared to three shepherd children of Fatima. The three children were cousins, Lucia dos Santos, Francisco, and Jacinta Marto. She had requested the three children to always pray the Rosary without fail. She told them to pray for the conversion of Russia in order to have peace in the world. The Lady of Fatima also revealed to them three secrets. She promised them a miracle on October 13. Around 70,000 people witnessed a solar miracle in which the sun appeared to spin and come down towards earth emitting rays of many hues. From that day on, Fatima became a pilgrimage site where millions come every year seeking the intercession of the Blessed Mother.