The Feast of Saints Jacinta and Francisco

Born in Portugal in 1908 and 1910, this brother and sister, along with their cousin, Lucia, were tending to the family sheep in Fatima when The Blessed Mother appeared to them and asked them to return on the same day for the next six months, asking them also to say the rosary and do penance for the conversion of sinners in general and Russia, in particular. 

It was May 13th, 1917. 

This was not the first time they had experienced a heavenly visit there. On several occasions during the previous year they had seen an angel, calling himself the “Angel of Peace” who taught the children two prayers, including this one: 

“My God I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee. I ask pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love Thee.” 

During one of her visits, The Blessed Mother asked the children to learn to read and write. Their visions began to draw increasingly large crowds. And on the last one, the sun changed colors, rotated, cast multi-colors, and appeared to plunge toward the earth. As many as 90 thousand people were there to see this! 

Both Francisco and Jacinta died very young of influenza, in 1919 and 1920. 

Their cousin, Lucia, lived until 2005 and was given charge of the three secrets The Blessed Mother revealed to them at Fatima. 

Our Lady also taught the children several prayers, including this one: “Oh, my Jesus, forgive us of our sins. Save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls to heavens, especially those most in need of Thy Mercy.” 

Saints Jacinta and Francisco, please pray for us.