Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto

ST. FRANCISCO AND JACINTA

Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto were young shepherds from Fatima, Portugal, who witnessed the Virgin Mary's apparitions in 1917 alongside their cousin Lucia. The Blessed Virgin entrusted them with messages of prayer, sacrifice, and devotion, culminating in the famous Miracle of the Sun. Despite their tender ages, they embraced suffering for the salvation of sinners, before succumbing to the Spanish flu. They were canonized in 2017, becoming the youngest non-martyr saints in Church history. Their legacy continues through the devotion at the Fatima shrine, inspiring millions worldwide.

On May 13, 1917, in the quiet countryside of Fatima, Portugal, three young shepherds—Francisco Marto, Jacinta Marto, and their cousin Lucia dos Santos—were tending their sheep in Cova da Iria. After reciting the Rosary, they witnessed a sudden flash of light, followed by a beautiful lady dressed in white, who identified herself as the Virgin Mary. Over the next six months, she appeared to them on the 13th of each month, imparting messages of prayer, penance, and devotion to the Rosary for world peace. However, on August 13, the children were prevented from attending due to their arrest by the local mayor, who sought to silence their claims.

Despite the opposition, the apparitions continued, and Mary revealed three secrets to them, foretelling future events of great significance, including warnings about war, the need for repentance, and a vision of hell. She promised them heaven but warned of their upcoming sufferings. Francisco and Jacinta, in particular, accepted these trials with deep faith, offering sacrifices for the salvation of sinners. They practiced extreme acts of penance, such as fasting and wearing rough cords, believing their sufferings could help convert souls.

The most remarkable moment of their story occurred on October 13, 1917, during the final apparition. Before a crowd of approximately 70,000 people, the Miracle of the Sun took place—witnesses described the sun appearing to dance in the sky, emitting dazzling colors before plunging toward the earth and returning to its place. This phenomenon, confirmed by believers and skeptics alike, led to an explosion of faith and devotion to Our Lady of Fatima.

Soon after the apparitions, Francisco and Jacinta fell ill during the Spanish flu epidemic. Francisco, the quieter of the two, focused on silent prayer and devotion, dying on April 4, 1919, at the age of ten. Jacinta, though younger, showed remarkable maturity and spiritual wisdom. She suffered greatly but offered her pain for sinners and the Pope, passing away on February 20, 1920, at just nine years old. Their cousin Lucia lived much longer, dedicating her life as a Carmelite nun until her death in 2005.

Recognized for their extraordinary holiness and sacrifices, Francisco and Jacinta were beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000 and later canonized by Pope Francis on May 13, 2017. They became the youngest non-martyr saints in the history of the Catholic Church. Their devotion, coupled with the continued miracles and conversions associated with Fatima, has made their legacy a lasting source of faith for millions around the world.

Feast Day

20-2-

Birth Date

11-6-1908

Died Date

4-4-1919

Canonised Date

13-5-2017

Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Fatima, Portugal

Saints Francisco and Jacinta, beloved children of Fatima, you trusted in God's plan and followed His call with pure hearts. Intercede for us, that we may grow in faith, hope, and love. Help us to be faithful to God's will and to share His love with others. Pray for us, that we may live with the same courage and devotion that you showed in your short lives. Amen.
ST. FRANCISCO AND JACINTA

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ST. FRANCISCO AND JACINTA

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